By Kelfala Kargbo
Freetown, 24th November, 2025– Remittances, the monies sent home by Sierra Leoneans living abroad, remain a lifeline for thousands of families and a critical support to the national economy.
Take the story of one man who, every two weeks, receives seventy dollars from a relative in the diaspora. By month’s end, that amounts to $140, his only source of income. He is not engaged in trade or formal employment, so he waits for his “pay day” every two weeks. His experience reflects the reality of many Sierra Leoneans whose survival depends on remittances.
What the Numbers Say- In 2023, the World Bank recorded $293 million in personal remittances to Sierra Leone, a slight increase from $291 million in 2022. National statistics put the figure even higher, at $322 million, representing a 9.76% rise year‑on‑year. This marks the country’s all‑time high, compared to its lowest point of just $0.027 million in 1990.
Among the 185 countries tracked by the World Bank for workers’ remittances, Sierra Leone ranks 129th. For many households, remittances are not just helpful, they are essential.
Betty Marah, whose aunt lives in the United States, describes the support as indispensable. “I can say, after God, she plays a great role in the survival of our family,” she said. Every two weeks, her family receives between $100 and $150, covering food, healthcare, and emergencies.
A UN report on Remittances and the Sustainable Development Goals notes that a 10% increase in per capita remittances has led to a 3.5% decline in poverty in developing countries. The report highlights how remittances help solve hunger, improve access to education, and strengthen healthcare.
U.S. Proposal to Tax Remittances- Before the partial visa restrictions imposed on Sierra Leone, U.S. lawmakers proposed a 5% tax on personal remittances sent to the country. The legislation targeted foreign residents in the U.S., exempting citizens, and required transfers to be made through qualified agencies.
Under Section 70604 of the U.S. Excise Tax on certain transfer remittances, senders would be required to pay the tax directly to the government.
Views from the Diaspora- Mohamed Mansaray, a Sierra Leonean living in Algeria, told Truth Media that he sends 25,000 Dinar, about $100 home each month. Of that, 2,000 Dinar goes to the agency, leaving his family in Sierra Leone with the equivalent of 23,000 Dinar.
“Survival in Algeria is unpredictable and risky,” Mansaray said, describing the constant fear of deportation. “The money I send monthly to my family truly helps them a lot.”
Contribution to GDP- Beyond family survival, remittances play a significant role in Sierra Leone’s economy. They provide foreign currency inflows, support liquidity, and contribute directly to GDP.
In 2023, remittances accounted for 6.8% of Sierra Leone’s GDP, underscoring their importance not only to households but also to the country’s broader economic stability.
