By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, formally launched two major World Bank reports, the Sierra Leone Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) and the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), at a high-level event on Monday, June 16, 2025, marking a pivotal step in advancing the nation’s economic recovery and climate resilience agenda.

Both reports offer a strategic assessment of Sierra Leone’s development trajectory in the face of global and domestic challenges, including climate change, economic volatility and governance constraints. They are intended to guide policy reforms and investments for inclusive, sustainable growth.

Delivering his keynote address, the Vice President highlighted the reports’ identification of critical priorities to unlock the country’s economic potential. These include restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening human capital and creating a conducive environment for private sector-led growth.

“Our focus must now shift towards enabling the private sector by fostering a robust regulatory framework that attracts investments and generates sustainable jobs,” the Vice President stated. “The CEM is not just a report; it is a call to action. It builds on our progress in reducing inflation, lowering interest rates and implementing vital fiscal and monetary reforms that are reviving our economy after the shocks of the pandemic.”

He also expressed appreciation to the World Bank for what he described as a “refreshing stocktaking exercise” and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations set out in the reports.

Also speaking at the launch, Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone emphasized the significance of the two analytical reports as tools to inform development planning and drive resilient reforms.

“These reports provide a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the economic and climate challenges facing Sierra Leone,” Abdu Muwonge said. “While the CEM underscores the need for ambitious reforms to tackle interconnected economic issues, the CCDR emphasizes the urgency of climate action. The World Bank remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone in pursuing inclusive growth and climate resilience.”

The Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) highlights Sierra Leone’s continued struggle with persistent poverty and low GDP per capita growth despite its rich natural resources. It identifies macroeconomic instability, weak institutions and limited fiscal oversight as major constraints.

Some of the report’s strategic recommendations include:

- Restoring macroeconomic stability through fiscal consolidation and stronger debt management.


- Recalibrating the role of the state, including reforming state-owned enterprises and prioritizing climate-resilient infrastructure.


- Enabling private sector growth by improving access to electricity, credit and land, and by reducing barriers to foreign investment.


- Investing in human capital by enhancing education and aligning skills development with labor market demands.

Smriti Seth, World Bank Senior Economist and lead author of the report, stated, “Sierra Leone has the resources and potential for significant economic growth. The CEM provides a roadmap for sustainable development and job creation for the country’s growing population.”

The Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) presents a sobering assessment of how climate change could impact Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. Ranking among the top 15 climate-vulnerable economies globally, the country faces significant risks to agriculture, infrastructure and health.

Without strong mitigation and adaptation measures, GDP losses could reach 9–10% by 2050, with nearly 600,000 additional people projected to fall into poverty.

To address these challenges, the CCDR outlines three climate resilience pathways:

- Developing green energy and sustainable cities through renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.


- Promoting climate-smart agriculture with modern technologies and supportive policy frameworks.


- Strengthening social resilience by investing in health systems and expanding social protection mechanisms.

Sabrina Haque, World Bank Environmental Specialist and lead author of the CCDR, added, “This report reinforces the fact that climate change is not just a threat; it also offers an opportunity. Aligning growth strategies with climate goals can build a resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for Sierra Leone.”

Both reports stress the need for substantial financing to implement their recommendations. This includes mobilizing domestic revenues, attracting green private sector investments and securing international development support.

The launch event concluded with a strong call for partnership among Government agencies, development partners and the private sector to turn the reports’ findings into concrete action for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-launches-world-banks-landmark-economic-and-climate-reports-for-sierra-leone/