Freetown, 10th September, 2026 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called on government ministries and development partners to strengthen coordination, close critical financing gaps, and accelerate the delivery of national programmes to achieve greater results for Sierra Leoneans.
Speaking at the Presidential Development Partners Committee (DEPAC) meeting at State House, President Bio said the Medium‑Term National Development Plan 2024–2030 and its Big Five Game Changers provide a clear roadmap for transformation, but stressed that discipline, urgency and accountability are needed to translate plans into tangible outcomes.
The President outlined five priority areas:
- Data and delivery, including the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
- Political stability, constitutional and electoral reforms.
- Youth, agriculture and human capital development.
- Macroeconomic stability, energy and private‑sector growth.
- Development financing, coordination and accountability.
President Bio highlighted the urgent need to close the US$37 million financing gap for the upcoming census, noting that government has already committed US$24 million, with US$15 million disbursed, while partners have pledged US$1.5 million. He called for an urgent financing plan to safeguard the census timetable, with Census Night set for December 1, 2026.
On governance, the President described the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma as an opportunity to deepen reconciliation and reduce political tensions. He urged leaders and citizens to reject inflammatory rhetoric, regional division and violence, while reaffirming government’s commitment to peace, constitutionalism and national unity.
President Bio also pressed for inclusive constitutional and electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 elections, including stronger institutions, credible voter registration, transparent results management and effective dispute resolution.
Turning to youth and agriculture, he called for a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, linking young people to skills, finance, markets and sustainable jobs. He urged stronger alignment between Feed Salone and the Youth Employment Scheme to expand opportunities in agro‑processing and agribusiness.
Addressing drug abuse, the President called for a comprehensive response combining prevention, law enforcement, mental‑health care, rehabilitation and employment support.
On the economy, he reaffirmed commitments to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation and debt management, while protecting investments in food security, health, education and social protection. He urged greater use of development resources to unlock private capital, strengthen SMEs and women‑led businesses, and expand investment in energy and climate resilience.
President Bio directed the Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs and Planning to present within 30 days a joint framework for partner coordination, financing predictability and accountability. “Government must lead; partners must align; and both must be accountable for results,” he said, stressing that every agreed action must have a responsible institution, deadline and measurable outcome.
Representing development partners, UN Resident Coordinator Madam Seraphine Wakana reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s democracy, peace and development. She welcomed the government’s focus on youth employment, data and digitalisation, and pledged support for evidence‑based decision‑making.
