Sierra Leone's economy is resource-rich, with mining of diamonds, rutile, and iron ore driving exports and revenue. Agriculture, including rice, cocoa, and palm oil, employs most of the population through subsistence farming. Post-civil war recovery has focused on infrastructure and governance reforms, but Ebola outbreaks and corruption hinder progress. The informal sector is prominent due to limited industrialization. Tourism potential from beaches and wildlife remains underdeveloped. High poverty and unemployment persist, exacerbated by weak institutions. Efforts to diversify into fisheries and agro-processing aim to reduce mineral dependence, though climate change and global price fluctuations pose ongoing challenges to stability.
World Bank Data. 2000-2024. Last updated Oct 2025.
Refer to the latest year-over-year Sierra Leone GDP statistics.