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President Julius Maada Bio has called for urgent and coordinated action by the Government and development partners to accelerate Sierra Leone’s development and ensure that national programmes translate into tangible results for citizens.
President Bio made the call on Thursday, September 10, 2026, during a meeting of the Presidential Development Partners Committee (DEPAC) at State House, where he stressed the need for greater discipline, urgency, coordination and accountability in implementing the country’s development priorities.
He said the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030 and the Government’s Big Five Game Changers provide the framework for national development, but emphasised that stronger collaboration and timely financing are required to achieve the intended outcomes.
The President identified five key areas requiring urgent attention: strengthening data and delivery systems, including the 2026 Population and Housing Census; maintaining political stability and advancing constitutional and electoral reforms; investing in youth, agriculture and human capital; promoting macroeconomic stability, energy access and private-sector growth; and improving development financing, coordination and accountability.
A major concern raised during the meeting was the financing gap facing the 2026 Population and Housing Census. The census requires about US$37 million in additional financing, with the Government having committed US$24 million and disbursed approximately US$15 million, while development partners have so far contributed about US$1.5 million.
President Bio called for an urgent financing and disbursement plan to protect the census timetable, with Census Night scheduled for December 1, 2026.
He stressed that reliable population data is essential for effective national planning, resource allocation and the delivery of public services, making timely completion of the census a critical national priority.
The President also linked Sierra Leone’s development to sustained peace and political stability, particularly as the country prepares for the 2028 elections. He described the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma as an opportunity to strengthen reconciliation and reduce political tensions.
He urged stakeholders to reject inflammatory rhetoric, regional divisions, intolerance and violence, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to peace, constitutionalism, due process and national unity.
On constitutional and electoral reforms, President Bio called for an inclusive and nationally owned process aimed at strengthening institutions, improving voter registration, ensuring transparent election results management and enhancing mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.
The meeting concluded with Government and development partners reaffirming their commitment to stronger coordination, predictable financing, accountability and faster implementation of Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
