Introduction

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a constellation of economic and geopolitical headwinds which have not been seen since the 1980s and early 1990s (IMF, 2023). Many economies in the region are fragile, and many are still developing the capacity to respond adequately to frequent shocks and policy challenges. While there are signs of recovery (IMF, 2024), external conflict and increased climate-related shocks pose an uncertain future, whereas megatrends such as worldwide demographic changes, digitalization, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence offer opportunities and urge transformative policies going forward. This book examines these challenges and opportunities through the lens of Sierra Leone’s economy—a nation that, over the past 20 years, has been on a gradual path to recovery from the severe scars left by the civil war. While much has been written about Sierra Leone’s civil war and the country’s experience with an Ebola outbreak, less attention has been paid to its economic challenges over the past decade and the successes in, and barriers to, overcoming economic vulnerability. In this book, we provide in-depth analysis and strategic policy advice to underscore the significant impact reforms can have in a country still finding its footing after periods of instability. This is not a comprehensive overview of the economic challenges facing Sierra Leone; our approach is to drill down into specific areas of economic policy which may offer lessons for countries grappling with similar issues, in the sub-Saharan African region and beyond.