Investing in Sierra Leone in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
22
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
Sierra Leone earns an investment score of 22/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (35/100) and business climate (22/100), with overall GDP of $4.5B and per-capita output of $500. Growth is running at 3.5% with 5.0% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is elevated at 25.0%, a key risk to watch. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Mining (Diamonds, Iron Ore) (sector score 48/100, currently growing), which represents 10% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 52% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Sierra Leone is with the global economy.
How Sierra Leone's investment score has evolved over time
Mining (Diamonds, Iron Ore)
10% of GDP, growing
Agriculture
55% of GDP, stable
Fisheries
5% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Sierra Leone a safe country to invest in?
Sierra Leone carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 22/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 20/100, political stability 20/100, business climate 22/100, financial strength 18/100, growth potential 35/100.
What is Sierra Leone's sovereign credit rating?
Sierra Leone holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Sierra Leone?
The top investment sectors in Sierra Leone are Mining (Diamonds, Iron Ore), Agriculture, Fisheries. Mining (Diamonds, Iron Ore) leads with a sector score of 48/100 and represents 10% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Sierra Leone's GDP growth rate?
Sierra Leone's most recent GDP growth was 3.5%, with total GDP of $4.5B and GDP per capita of $500. Inflation is running at 25.0% and the current account balance is -12.0% of GDP.
How does Sierra Leone score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Sierra Leone scores: political stability -0.5, rule of law -0.9, corruption control -0.8, and regulatory quality -0.9.
Can foreigners invest in Sierra Leone?
Most industries in Sierra Leone are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Sierra Leone?
Foreign Direct Investment in Sierra Leone runs at 5.0% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 52%. These figures show how integrated Sierra Leone is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone's government debt stands at 72% of GDP. This is within range for advanced economies but worth monitoring.