United States Department of State

Sierra Leone United States Department of State

Potential investors must consider the Sierra Leone's two omnipresent challenges: the devastation of the 1991-2002 civil war and constraints of extreme poverty. These challenges continue to affect almost all aspects of Sierra Leone society. The Sierra Leone economy today remains dependent on foreign aid, but donors, facing their own economic challenges, are beginning to reduce their programs. The reduction in aid and successfully holding three post-war elections, including a peaceful transfer of power, means Sierra Leone is moving beyond the status of a "post-conflict country" to one of nascent self-sufficiency. The government's stated goal is to transform Sierra Leone into a Middle Income country by 2030. This is a difficult transition for institutions fundamentally funded by foreign donors. Institutional structures, both government and private, continue to develop, but remain immature and are generally characterized by poor governance and corruption.