Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has been prominently featured in the October/November 2026 edition of Forbes Africa, where he outlined the Government’s strategic vision for economic transformation, infrastructure development, investment promotion, institutional reforms and sustainable job creation.

The special Sierra Leone edition, published under the Africa Undiscovered series, highlights the country’s emerging investment opportunities, economic potential and efforts to convert its abundant natural resources into lasting national prosperity.

In an extensive interview conducted by Penresa, titled “Sierra Leone’s Big Five Strategy for Reform, Infrastructure, and Jobs,” the Vice President explained how the Government is implementing interconnected development priorities designed to strengthen the economy, improve public services and create opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

The feature places Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh among the prominent national figures presented in the publication’s Sierra Leone investment spotlight, bringing international attention to his role in coordinating Government policies and advancing strategic development initiatives.

Speaking about his leadership philosophy, the Vice President emphasized that public service must produce measurable improvements in people’s lives rather than remain confined to policy discussions and official announcements.

Drawing on his extensive international experience with the United Nations, International Crisis Group, African Union’s Nouakchott Process and G5 Sahel, he explained that effective leadership requires practical solutions to institutional challenges and a commitment to delivering results.

“Leadership today is not about making announcements. It is about ensuring that what is announced is delivered, that investments reach the communities they were designed to serve and that the cumulative effect is felt as a real improvement in the lives of Sierra Leoneans,” he stated.

Central to his interview was the Government’s Big Five development agenda, comprising Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment, Technology and Infrastructure and Public Service Reform.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh explained that those priorities, initially outlined in the Sierra Leone People’s Party manifesto and incorporated into the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030, are mutually reinforcing components of the country’s economic transformation strategy.

He noted that improving education and healthcare strengthens human capital, agricultural development enhances food security, infrastructure supports economic activities, youth employment promotes productivity and public service reforms improve institutional performance.

According to him, the Office of the Vice President plays a central coordinating role in ensuring that Ministries, development partners, local councils and private-sector institutions work collectively towards achieving those objectives.

Through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance, which he chairs, his office addresses institutional bottlenecks and strengthens cooperation between central Government and local authorities.

He also highlighted his office’s oversight responsibilities involving strategic institutions, including the National Investment Board, Sierra Leone Compact Development Unit, Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat and National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre.

On youth empowerment, the Vice President described Sierra Leone’s youthful population as one of its greatest national assets, noting that more than 70 percent of citizens are below the age of 35.

He stressed that education must be linked directly to employment opportunities, warning that young people equipped with qualifications but unable to secure productive work could face growing economic and social difficulties.

To address that challenge, he highlighted Free Quality School Education, the Education Innovation Challenge, technical and vocational training, digital skills programmes and initiatives connecting young entrepreneurs with employers and investors.

He particularly referenced the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair and Sierra Leone Innovates Summit as platforms supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and access to emerging economic opportunities.

“Technology must translate into opportunity. If it does not create jobs, improve productivity and expand access, it is not transformation; it is activity,” he declared.

Turning to investment promotion, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the private sector and development partners as essential contributors to national development.

He explained that his office facilitates collaboration, resolves regulatory obstacles and supports initiatives designed to improve Sierra Leone’s investment climate.

The National Investment Board, which he helped establish and serves as Vice-Chair, was identified as an important institution for facilitating investment and strengthening cooperation between Government and businesses.

Infrastructure development also featured prominently in the interview, with the Vice President highlighting major road rehabilitation projects, electricity expansion and digital connectivity initiatives.

He identified the Lumley–Tokeh Road, Pendembu–Kailahun Road and Hillside Bypass among projects intended to reduce transportation costs, strengthen trade and improve access to essential services.

He also discussed the proposed Lungi Bridge, explaining that the project is advancing through feasibility studies and partnership arrangements aimed at improving connectivity between Freetown and the international airport area.

In the energy sector, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh highlighted the National Energy Compact, which targets increasing electricity access from approximately 36 percent to nearly 80 percent by 2030.

The programme also aims to expand generation capacity beyond one gigawatt and provide more than 720,000 household connections through electricity grids, mini-grids and solar systems.

He further highlighted the US$480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Energy Compact, which he oversees, as a major investment in electricity transmission, distribution and sector reforms.

According to him, reliable electricity, improved roads and stronger digital infrastructure are essential for industrial growth, business competitiveness and employment creation.

Looking ahead, the Vice President identified agriculture, clean energy, mining, tourism and digital services as sectors offering significant investment potential.

He explained that Sierra Leone’s fertile land, rainfall and river systems provide opportunities for commercial agriculture, food processing, irrigation and agricultural value addition.

He also highlighted renewable energy opportunities involving solar, small-scale hydropower and biomass, alongside responsible mineral development in rutile, bauxite, diamonds and gold.

Emphasizing Sierra Leone’s strategic position within regional markets, he stated: “Through ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area, investors gain access to a market of 400 million people from a base in Sierra Leone.”

Tourism was another priority, with Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh identifying Bureh, River No. 2 and Tokeh beaches, alongside the country’s wildlife, cultural heritage and historical attractions, as valuable assets for attracting international visitors.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s 65 years of independence, he acknowledged the country’s difficult experiences, including civil conflict, Ebola and governance challenges, while maintaining that significant progress is being made.

He cited declining maternal mortality, increased school enrolment and major energy investments as encouraging developments, although he recognised that further improvements in public services, employment and institutional accountability remain necessary.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of women’s participation, diaspora engagement and inclusive national development, arguing that Sierra Leone’s future prosperity depends on harnessing the contributions of all citizens.

His appearance in Forbes Africa provides international exposure for Sierra Leone’s investment prospects and the Government’s development priorities. However, the effectiveness of those initiatives will ultimately be measured by their implementation and the benefits experienced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans.

Concluding his interview, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed confidence in the country’s economic direction and its ability to translate opportunities into sustainable progress.

“Sierra Leone stands today at a point of quiet but determined transition, from recovery to delivery, from potential to performance,” he declared.

The Forbes Africa feature reinforces international attention on Sierra Leone’s development ambitions, with the Vice President presenting a vision centred on effective governance, strategic investment, economic diversification and improved living standards. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65887