The most recent Afrobarometer survey shows that Sierra Leoneans are increasingly concerned about their living conditions, the country’s economic condition, and the government’s efforts at economic management, which so far have not improved the quality of many of their lives. Residents in the opposition-controlled Western and Northern regions are especially negative on the economy and pessimistic about the future. Although the government has developed a COVID-19 Quick Action Economic Response Programme to address economic hardships brought on by the pandemic, these regionally polarised views indicate that addressing cohesion is equally important.
The voices captured in this study suggest that the road to rebuilding the Sierra Leone economy must incorporate inclusive reforms that will benefit the whole country equitably and promote national cohesion. In 2018, Bio inherited an economy undergoing austerity measures with high expectations of economic improvement. The administration took a series of steps to strengthen the economy, which initially seemed successful. The exchange rate stabilised, and inflation of the Leone dropped from 18% to 14%. The government regained the support of the International Monetary Fund, receiving loans and budgetary support.
Domestic revenue collection increased to 13.7% in 2018, up from 12.2% in prior years. The government started implementing a treasury single account, which many believed would consolidate government revenues and reduce leakages in public funds usage. Public expenditure tracking was reintroduced for education, health, and agriculture, which could increase citizen oversight of these sectors that make up more than 42% of the budget.
Despite these successes, the economy is still struggling.
In 2019, the government cancelled or suspended mining agreements negotiated by the previous regime due to concerns that the terms were unfavourable. High debt service payments fed inflation and high unemployment (Government of Sierra Leone, 2019b). Public procurement remained concentrated in the hands of a few, with 94% of government procurement sourced in Freetown. Afrobarometer survey results show that compared to other performance indicators, the government receives its lowest approval ratings for its economic performance. Only two in 10 citizens (19%) say the government is doing “fairly well” or “very well” in managing the economy. Smaller proportions say it is doing well in improving living standards of the poor (15%), narrowing income gaps (10%), creating jobs (10%), and keeping prices stable (7%).
Approval ratings for government performance on all economy-related indicators have dipped to near or below their 2015 levels following a brief period of hope after the 2018 Elections.
By Ophaniel Gooding