Since the Lomé Peace Agreement was signed in 2001, Sierra Leone has seen promising GDP growth of an average of over 6 percent per year since 2007. Aggregate levels went from in 2002 to US$1.665 billion in 2007, with this upward trend set to continue despite the global economic downturn. IMF forecasts for GDP in Sierra Leone are US$1.971 for 2008 and UD$2.261 billion for 2009. On a per capita basis, this will be an increase from US$694 per person in 2007 to US$764 in 2009.

On a number of key economic statistics that make markets attractive, Sierra Leone is trending in the right direction. Macroeconomically, Sierra Leone is well on its way to achieving stability. While inflation is higher than in developed economies, it is falling, and the current rate relative to the US dollar is stable.

The government is helping to drive growth through its program Vision 2025, which focuses government policy on the following core strategic issues in order to guide policies and programs that contribute to Sierra Leone’s development:

• Attaining competitive, private sector–led economic development with effective indigenous participation.
• Creating a high quality of life for all citizens.
• Building a well-educated, enlightened society.
• Establishing a tolerant, stable, secure, well-managed society based on democratic values.
• Ensuring sustainable exploitation and effective use of natural resources while maintaining a healthy environment.
• Becoming a nation driven by science and technology.

Source: Sierra Leone Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2005.