Chief Minister Challenges Sierra Leone's '70% Unemployment' Narrative, Says Informal Sector Has Created Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs

 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has challenged the long-standing claim that Sierra Leone has a 70% unemployment rate, describing the figure as an outdated myth that fails to reflect the country's growing informal economy.

Speaking after a dialogue with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and leaders of 14 informal sector labour unions, Dr. Sengeh argued that millions of Sierra Leoneans actively earn a living through informal work and should not be classified as unemployed.

According to the Chief Minister, workers such as commercial bike riders, taxi drivers, omolankay porters, petty traders, farmers, musicians, photographers, bloggers and other self-employed citizens form the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and national productivity.

He said the meeting reinforced his belief that the Government has already met President Julius Maada Bio's 2023 commitment to create 500,000 jobs, particularly when employment generated within the informal sector is fully recognised.

Dr. Sengeh noted that Sierra Leone's labour movement remains one of the strongest in the region, with around 20 formal sector unions and 14 informal sector unions working alongside the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Ministry of Labour to protect workers' rights and improve labour standards.

He also highlighted ongoing government reforms aimed at strengthening social protection, including measures to extend insurance coverage to informal sector workers, improve access to health insurance and advance legislation designed to promote social justice and economic inclusion.

Despite the progress, the Chief Minister acknowledged that more work is needed to improve worker protection, expand educational and skills opportunities and ensure greater income security for workers after retirement.

He concluded by urging Sierra Leoneans to question the frequently repeated 70% unemployment statistic and demand credible, up-to-date evidence whenever the figure is cited.

The remarks have renewed debate over how employment should be measured in Sierra Leone, particularly in an economy where informal work provides livelihoods for a large proportion of the population.

Cabinet Celebrates President Bio's Leadership Following Historic ECOWAS Summit Success

 Freetown, Sierra Leone – A celebratory atmosphere filled the corridors of government as Cabinet members and front office staff honoured President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership in delivering what is widely regarded as a landmark ECOWAS Summit in Lungi.

The recognition followed the successful hosting of West African Heads of State and Government, an event that showcased Sierra Leone's growing capacity to organise high-level international gatherings and strengthen regional cooperation.

A defining moment of the summit was the inauguration of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to host major regional and global events. The conference centre is expected to enhance Sierra Leone's position as a destination for diplomacy, investment, and international conferences.

Speaking during the celebration, President Bio expressed gratitude to his Cabinet and staff for their confidence and support, emphasising that the achievement was the result of collective effort and national unity.

He noted that the successful summit demonstrated what Sierra Leone can accomplish when its people work together towards a shared vision, describing the occasion as another milestone in the country's development and regional leadership.

The celebration underscored the government's commitment to advancing infrastructure, strengthening regional partnerships, and promoting Sierra Leone's image on the international stage.

 

ActionAid Sierra Leone, MoPADA-SL Launch Climate Governance Project in Tonkolili and Kailahun

Freetown, Sierra Leone – ActionAid Sierra Leone, in partnership with MoPADA-SL, has concluded a two-day project inception meeting for the Ireland in Sierra Leone – Irish Aid-funded initiative titled "Amplifying Citizens' Actions to Influence Climate Governance in Tonkolili and Kailahun Districts."

The meeting brought together project staff from both organisations to strengthen collaboration, establish a shared understanding of the project's objectives and implementation strategy, clarify roles and responsibilities, and validate the one-year implementation work plan.

Over the next 12 months, the initiative will focus on empowering women, young people and local communities to actively participate in climate governance. It also aims to strengthen accountability for climate commitments while ensuring citizens have a stronger voice in shaping climate policies and decision-making at both district and national levels.

The project builds on the achievements of a previous one-year intervention in the same target communities. Through the renewed partnership, ActionAid Sierra Leone and MoPADA-SL reaffirm their commitment to promoting inclusive climate governance, enhancing community resilience, and ensuring that no one is left behind in Sierra Leone's climate action agenda.

The organisations also expressed appreciation to Ireland in Sierra Leone and Irish Aid for their continued support and partnership in advancing climate justice and citizen participation across the country.

Source: ActionAid -SL

 ECOWAS Backs Landmark $25 Billion Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline at Sierra Leone Summit

A major regional energy breakthrough has emerged from Sierra Leone, with ECOWAS reaffirming support for one of Africa's most ambitious infrastructure projects—a proposed US$25 billion gas pipeline expected to transform energy access, boost industrialisation, and deepen economic integration across West Africa.

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ECOWAS Heads of State have reaffirmed their commitment to the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project during the regional summit in Sierra Leone, marking another significant step toward the implementation of the estimated US$25 billion transcontinental energy initiative.

Stretching approximately 6,900 kilometres, the proposed pipeline will connect Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves to Morocco while passing through or serving 13 West African countries before linking with European gas networks.

The project is expected to strengthen regional energy security, expand access to cleaner energy, support electricity generation, and create new opportunities for industrial growth across participating countries. It is also projected to generate thousands of jobs during construction and operation, while attracting long-term investment into the region.

Beyond its economic benefits, the pipeline is seen as a strategic project that will enhance regional cooperation, improve cross-border infrastructure, and position West Africa as a more significant player in the global energy market.

Although the project still requires further financing, engineering work, and phased implementation before completion, ECOWAS leaders have reiterated their commitment to advancing the initiative as a cornerstone of regional development.

 President Bio Hands Over ECOWAS Chairmanship to Senegal's President Faye After One-Year Tenure

President Julius Maada Bio has officially concluded his one-year tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, handing over the leadership of the regional bloc to Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.

In his farewell message, President Bio expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the West African community during a pivotal period, describing the experience as a "profound privilege."

"As I hand over this responsibility, I extend my best wishes to the incoming Chairman," President Bio stated, expressing confidence in President Faye's leadership as ECOWAS continues to address regional peace, security, economic integration, and democratic governance.

The transition marks the end of President Bio's mandatory one-year term at the helm of the regional organization, during which he presided over key discussions on regional cooperation and collective action among ECOWAS member states.

 Sierra Leone Commissions ECOWAS Conference Centre and Logistics Depot in Landmark Regional Milestone

LUNGI, SIERRA LEONE – Sierra Leone has strengthened its position as a key player in West African regional integration with the official commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.

The landmark facilities were inaugurated by President Julius Maada Bio alongside the Heads of State of The Gambia, Senegal, and Cabo Verde, underscoring the growing commitment of ECOWAS member states to deepen regional cooperation and strengthen shared institutions.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Bio described the occasion as a proud moment for Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS community, highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports regional collaboration, diplomacy, and rapid operational response.

The newly commissioned International Conference Centre is expected to host major regional and international meetings, while the ECOWAS Logistics Depot will enhance the bloc's operational readiness and capacity to respond to peace support operations, humanitarian emergencies, and other regional priorities.

President Bio said the projects reflect the collective vision of ECOWAS leaders to build stronger institutions capable of delivering lasting peace, stability, and development across West Africa.

The commissioning marks another milestone in Sierra Leone's leadership within ECOWAS and reinforces the message that regional progress is best achieved through unity, partnership, and shared responsibility.

NRA Eyes Annual Revenue Target After Reaching 92% of Mid-Year Goal, Says Commissioner

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) is projected to exceed its 2026 revenue target following a robust first-half performance.

Sierra Leone's domestic revenue generation efforts are gaining significant traction. Having achieved 92% of its first-half revenue target, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) is confident in not only meeting but surpassing its ambitious annual revenue goal for 2026.

The Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has reported a strong revenue performance for the first half of 2026, bolstering confidence in the organization's ability to exceed its annual revenue target and enhance Sierra Leone's capacity to fund national development through indigenous resources.

During an interview with ECKO Media, Commissioner General Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura disclosed that the Authority has already attained 92% of its first-half revenue target, attributing this outcome to the efficacy of ongoing reforms and enhanced tax administration practices.

Mrs. Bangura attributed this accomplishment to the steadfast commitment of NRA personnel, the successful implementation of institutional reforms, and an increasing propensity for voluntary tax compliance among both individuals and businesses nationwide.

She conveyed optimism that the Authority will sustain its current trajectory for the remainder of the year, indicating that the NRA is well-positioned to achieve—and potentially surpass—its 2026 annual revenue target.

The Commissioner General further reiterated the Authority's dedication to continuing reforms aimed at optimizing revenue collection, enhancing taxpayer services, and mobilizing the domestic resources essential for advancing Sierra Leone's national development agenda.

This announcement coincides with the Government's continued emphasis on domestic revenue mobilization as a cornerstone for financing public services, infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth.

Source: NRA