When private-sector investment falls short: Aligning investment with inclusive transformation in Sierra Leone

Policy brief Feb 2026 Sustainable Growth

Despite substantial investment, private sector development in Sierra Leone has not translated into broad-based systemic transformation; instead, current trends reinforce economic patterns that contributed to the country’s civil war and continue to frustrate inclusive economic development.

Failures to address systemic barriers (such as market access, local governance challenges, and youth disinterest in farming) limit impact at the community level. Projects like Compete Salone improve farmers’ skills but result in little change to farmers’ lives or livelihoods.