Sierra Leone is forging ahead with significant initiatives across diplomacy, civic engagement, and economic development. Minister of Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Chernor Bah who disclosed this in Freetown also spoke on bilateral relations with Liberia and plans for the upcoming first Civic Festival.

Sierra Leone, he said has entered into an agreement with Liberia on collaborative efforts in combating fake news, bolstering media engagement, and advancing cooperation in agriculture, trade, diplomacy, and security, marking a new era of partnership between the two nations.

The first-ever Civic Festival, scheduled for December 11-12, 2024, at the Miatta Conference Center, was also unveiled. The event will provide a platform for citizens to engage in discussions on national priorities, centred on President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s 'Big Five' agenda, while celebrating Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage through music, art, and dialogue with government officials.

In a focus on youth empowerment, Hon. Sia Mahawa Tommy highlighted the 2025 budget’s initiatives to create thousands of jobs across key sectors, including health, security, and the prison service, with no new taxes imposed on essential goods like rice. She emphasised the increased budget allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering youth development.

Andrew Lavali, Executive Director of the Institute of Governance Reform, praised the economic advancements reflected in the 2025 budget, which sees Sierra Leone’s GDP rise from $4 billion to $8 billion and per capita income increase to $857. However, Lavali urged Parliament to address critical challenges, including debt sustainability, electricity supply through EDSA, and the national wage bill.