UN Report Praises Sierra Leone’s Mid-Year Progress in 2025

Sierra Leone has made major progress in its development drive during the first half of 2025, according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Mid-Year Progress Report. The report, which was published on August 20th, 2025, highlights strong gains in the economy, education, health, food security, and governance under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.

The report points to a steady economy, with inflation dropping sharply from 47% in 2024 to 7.1% in 2025. This improvement is seen as a strong signal of stability and resilience in Sierra Leone’s economic reforms.

Education continues to be a success story. The report notes a 94% net enrolment rate and the achievement of gender parity at the primary level. These figures reflect the government’s push to provide equal and inclusive access to education across the country.

In healthcare, Sierra Leone has recorded a continued decline in maternal deaths and achieved an impressive 90% neonatal survival rate. The country also successfully vaccinated nearly 150,000 people against Mpox, a sign of increased investment in public health.

The report highlights progress in agriculture and climate resilience. Thousands of farmers have received support with climate-smart farming techniques, livestock, and solar-powered water systems. These efforts are boosting food production while promoting sustainability in rural communities.

On governance, Sierra Leone has enacted a new Social Protection Bill and launched an online business registration system to make services more transparent and efficient. The report also notes growing women’s participation in peace and governance processes, a step toward gender equality in leadership.

Despite these gains, the report acknowledges challenges such as financing gaps, limited data, and recurring climate shocks. However, the government and UN partners have pledged to tackle these issues to sustain progress.

The UNSDCF stresses that Sierra Leone’s journey toward a resilient and prosperous future depends on continued reform, innovation, and stronger partnerships.