By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Policy Conference 2025 has officially begun in Freetown, bringing together government leaders, development partners, policy thinkers, private sector executives, and key national stakeholders to shape the country’s economic future.
The three-day conference, themed “Financing Sierra Leone’s Sustainable Future,” aims to mobilize sustainable financing solutions to accelerate President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers and the country’s vision of becoming an inclusive, green, middle-income nation by 2039.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the economy through smarter resource mobilization, modern technology, and stronger institutions. He highlighted the need for innovative solutions, financial inclusion, and leveraging private sector engagement to support national priorities.
UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana stressed the importance of global partnerships and equitable financial reforms to support developing countries, citing the global US$4 trillion SDG financing gap. Dr. Samuel Bonzu, President of the Economics Association of Sierra Leone, emphasized the role of research and data in shaping sustainable financing policies, urging stakeholders to work together to address the financing gap.
The conference is expected to yield policy recommendations and partnerships to support Sierra Leone’s long-term development goals. Key discussion areas include:
Domestic Revenue Mobilization. Strengthening tax systems and curbing illicit financial flows. Private Capital Unlocking investment and promoting financial inclusion, Climate Finance Integrating climate resilience into national development plans, Global Partnerships Reforming multilateral banks and promoting fair trade
The conference is organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Finance, and the United Nations, with support from development partners.