By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone — August 4, 2025: Sierra Leone faces mounting threats to its agricultural productivity and economic growth due to climate change, according to the World Bank’s newly released Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR). The report, launched alongside the Country Economic Memorandum (CEM), reveals that rising temperatures and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns could result in GDP losses of up to 10% by 2050 if urgent climate action is not taken.
The CCDR identifies Sierra Leone as one of the 15 most climate-vulnerable economies globally, with agriculture, infrastructure, and human development at significant risk. The report emphasizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a central development challenge that demands integrated solutions.
“Climate change is not only a threat to Sierra Leone’s development goals but also a powerful lens for identifying opportunities,” said Sabrina Haque, World Bank Environmental Specialist and lead author of the CCDR.
The CCDR and CEM together offer a strategic blueprint for sustainable development. While the CEM outlines structural economic reforms needed to unlock growth, the CCDR focuses on climate resilience and adaptation. World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge described the dual reports as “a comprehensive roadmap for tackling both economic and climate challenges”.
Key recommendations from the CCDR include: Developing green energy and sustainable cities through investments in resilient infrastructure and renewable energy; promoting climate-smart agriculture by improving policy frameworks and supporting climate-resilient technologies; and strengthening social resilience by enhancing health systems and expanding social protection programs.
The reports warn that without decisive reforms, Sierra Leone could see declines in labor and crop productivity, increased flooding, and damage to infrastructure — all of which would exacerbate poverty and inequality. Nearly 600,000 additional people could be pushed into poverty by 2050 due to climate-related impacts.
The World Bank urges the Government of Sierra Leone and development partners to mobilize domestic and international resources to implement the proposed reforms. The CCDR also highlights the need for inclusive planning that aligns climate priorities with national development goals.
“Sierra Leone has the resources and potential for significant economic growth,” said Smriti Seth, World Bank Senior Economist and lead author of the CEM. “These reports provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable development while creating jobs for its expanding workforce”.