Edition 49: Winter 2009/10

Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma was recently in London to attend the Sierra Leone Trade and Investment Forum 2009. Here are some of his thoughts on the changes he’s seeing in his nation.

A decade ago Africa was beset by a myriad of problems. It was a place for charity, but not for investment.
Sierra Leone epitomised these problems.

Ten years on, the prospects for Africa and for Sierra Leone could not be more different. Since 2000, Africa has enjoyed sustained economic growth. And now, instead of symbolising Africa’s tragedy, Sierra Leone symbolises Africa’s hope.

First, conflict has given way to peace. According to the World Bank, Sierra Leone has enjoyed the fastest improvement in political stability in the world over the last decade or so.

Second, the bullet has given way to the ballot. Two Presidential and parliamentary elections have been held since 2002, both judged free and fair by international observers. My election victory in 2007 ushered in a peaceful transfer of power from one party to another, highlighting the growing strength and maturity of our democracy.

Third, stagnation has given way to growth. Since the war ended in 2002, our economy expanded at an annual rate of around six per cent. This year, even in the face of the global economic downturn, Sierra Leone will enjoy its tenth year of uninterrupted growth. Indeed, at four per cent this year, the IMF is forecasting that Sierra Leone’s growth will be more than double the average for the rest of Africa.

As stability has returned to our country, we have been able to look beyond the troubles of the past to the promise of the future.

Our country is truly blessed. Our soils are fertile and our land under-cultivated, offering ideal conditions for new investments in rice, oil palm, cocoa, coffee and sugar. Our ground is rich in minerals: iron ore, bauxite, rutile, gold and yes, diamonds. Our port stands out as one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, and is strategically located within easy reach of Europe, the Americas and the rest of Africa. Our seas are some of the most well stocked and under-fished in the world, teeming with tuna, snapper, barracuda and mackerel. Our shores boast 400km of white sandy beaches, just waiting to be developed for tourism.

Finally, but most importantly, our people are welcoming and open, as shown by Sierra Leone having the highest levels of religious tolerance in the world according to the Gallup Co-exist Index.

With all this potential, we Sierra Leoneans know in our hearts that we have no business being poor. It’s now time to unleash this potential.

However, I am not blind to the challenges that face us. Too many of our people are poor and unemployed; too few have received a proper education, or can get access to quality, affordable health care when they need it.

Yet for all the burdens we carry as a nation, we increasingly walk with a spring in our step. From mining to infrastructure, agribusiness to renewable energy, tourism to fisheries, our economy has great potential.

We are a people of limited means but of unlimited ambition. It is time to join us in fulfilling that ambition. It is time to think differently about Sierra Leone. It is time to visit our country and witness the opportunities it offers first hand.