Freetown, Sierra Leone – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has projected a brighter and more prosperous future for Sierra Leone as the country marked its 64th Independence anniversary on Sunday, 27th April 2025. In a national address, President Bio reflected on the nation’s journey, celebrated recent achievements, and outlined ambitious plans aimed at securing lasting growth and stability.
Speaking to citizens across the country, President Bio emphasized that the spirit of independence goes beyond freedom, calling it a shared responsibility to drive national development. He praised Sierra Leoneans for their resilience and collective effort, even in the face of global economic challenges and internal disruptions.
The President recounted his government’s strides over the past few years, highlighting improvements in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Despite the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn, he said his administration had remained focused, successfully launching major initiatives such as “Feed Salone” to boost food security and economic resilience. He revealed that the project has so far mobilized over $136 million in donor support, underscoring its growing impact.
President Bio noted that while 2024 was a difficult year, with high inflation and energy shortages, swift interventions by his government helped cushion citizens against the worst effects. He said that economic recovery is now underway, with inflation dropping steadily to 10.7% as of March 2025 and the economy projected to grow by 4%, driven largely by gains in agriculture and mining.
Key agricultural projects are set to further boost economic prospects. A $105 million Livestock Development Project is being launched to strengthen meat and poultry production, while a $45 million Cassava Value Chain Development Project is nearing completion, aimed at transforming cassava into a commercial commodity. Additionally, work is ongoing to irrigate 4,500 hectares of farmland to enable year-round rice farming.
President Bio expressed cautious optimism about the national energy sector, acknowledging that while challenges remain, several transformational projects are in progress. Repairs to the Kingtom and Blackhall Road power plants are expected to add 25 megawatts to the national grid. New initiatives such as the Nant Energy Generation Project and the RESPITE solar energy project are set to provide an additional 160 megawatts of electricity. He also announced Sierra Leone’s inclusion in the Mission 300 project, a continent-wide effort to expand electricity access by 2030.
Recognizing the frustration of citizens affected by ongoing energy shortages, the President appealed for patience, assuring that the current investments would soon reshape the country’s energy landscape and deliver a reliable supply.
On the healthcare front, President Bio pointed to significant progress, particularly in maternal and child health outcomes. He announced that maternal mortality has been reduced from 1,165 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 354 deaths, while child mortality has been halved over the past two decades. He credited these achievements to continued investments in health infrastructure, including solar energy installations at more than 230 health facilities and major upgrades at hospitals across the country.
The President also addressed recent health and safety issues, including a contained outbreak of monkeypox and a spate of fire incidents. He urged Sierra Leoneans to remain vigilant, prioritize public safety, and work together to prevent future tragedies.
Concluding his address, President Bio called on all Sierra Leoneans to renew their commitment to unity, resilience, and shared progress. He stressed that while not all goals have been achieved, the foundation has been laid for a future of hope and opportunity.
“Let us stand together as one nation, united in love, and driven by purpose of a shared vision, of a progressive and developed Sierra Leone,” he urged. “Happy Independence Day. May God bless Sierra Leone.”
