UN Mid-Year Report Cautions on Financial and Climate Challenges

The United Nations has released the 2025 Mid-Year Progress Report on its partnership with Sierra Leone under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The report highlights the country’s progress under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, while also outlining key challenges on the path to building an inclusive and progressive nation.

Economy

Sierra Leone’s GDP was rebased in 2024 to USD 8 billion (up from USD 4 billion).

Economic growth remains steady at 4.5% (projected for 2025).

Inflation fell sharply from 47% in January 2024 to 7.1% in June 2025.

Fiscal pressures persist with revenue-to-GDP at 9.8% and a deficit of 8.5%.

Education & Human Capital

Net school enrollment at 94%, with gender parity achieved at the primary level: 527,000+ learners accessed foundational learning materials; 257,000 pupils benefited from school feeding programs. and 220 new School Quality Assurance Officers deployed to improve learning outcomes.

Health & Social Protection

Maternal mortality dropped to 354 per 100,000 (2023).

Neonatal survival in Special Care Baby Units improved to 90%.

Nearly 150,000 people vaccinated against Mpox.

A new Social Protection Bill enacted to strengthen safety nets.

Food Security & Climate Action

5,000+ households (mostly women farmers) trained in climate-smart agriculture.

Farmers enrolled in the first climate risk insurance scheme.

16 rural communities gained access to solar-powered water systems, serving 55,000 people.

Thousands of households supported with livestock, poultry, and energy-efficient fish dryers.

Governance, Gender & Economic Transformation

National Export Strategy validated and aligned with AfCFTA.

Online business registration portal launched to ease investment.

Rollout of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace & Security boosted women’s participation.

2,500 vulnerable girls identified for school reintegration using digital tools.

Government accountability strengthened through the MTNDP results dashboard and civil registration reforms

Challenges; $76.6 million financing gap remains for the 2025 UN work plan; climate shocks and environmental degradation pose ongoing risks and persistent data gaps limit evidence-based planning.

 On the overall, Sierra Leone is making notable progress in education, health, food security, gender equality, and governance, despite global economic pressures and climate risks. The report underscores the importance of sustained financing and data-driven planning to consolidate these gains.

Together with the UN and development partners, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to delivering a better future for all Sierra Leoneans.