President Julius Maada Bio has acknowledged the economic pressures faced by Sierra Leoneans over the past year and committed his government to doubling its efforts to drive national development, as he addressed the nation in his 2025 Festive Season Message.

In the address, President Bio described Christmas as a season of unity that brings Sierra Leoneans together in reflection, gratitude, faith and renewed care for one another. He extended what he called “warm greetings and heartfelt wishes for peace, unity and quiet joy,” noting that the festive season is a time to forgive, to share with others and to show kindness in meaningful ways.

As 2025 draws to a close, the President urged citizens to pause and reflect collectively on the year, which he said required patience, discipline and shared responsibility. He explained that difficult decisions taken during the year were not meant for short-term comfort but to protect national stability and lay a strong foundation for the future.

President Bio stated that throughout the year, his government worked with a clear purpose to stabilize the economy, strengthen institutions and safeguard the long-term interests of the Sierra Leonean people.

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He said these efforts were guided by cabinet decisions, national dialogue and engagements with partners at home and abroad, all carried out with respect for the rule of law and democratic institutions, including Parliament.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by citizens, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continued investment in roads, energy, education, health and essential public services. He stressed that development must be felt in the everyday lives of the people.

“Our commitment to human capital development remains firm because our greatest resource is our people, especially our children and the young people,” President Bio said in the message.

The President also spoke directly to the issue of the high cost of living, which he said weighed heavily on many households during the year. He noted that families struggled with food and school expenses, while traders and farmers faced uncertainty. He assured the public that their concerns have been heard and are being taken seriously.

“Fellow Sierra Leoneans, I know that many families faced real pressure this year,” he said, acknowledging the economic strain experienced across the country.

President Bio said there are signs of improvement, noting that economic conditions have begun to ease. According to him, the prices of rice and other goods are coming down, the exchange rate has stabilized, petrol prices have reduced and remain steady, and inflation has fallen to single digits. He described the current inflation rate as the lowest in nearly twenty years.

He attributed the progress to what he called careful economic management, increased local food production and disciplined use of public resources. The President assured citizens that his government will continue to protect the most vulnerable and ensure that efforts to improve lives today do not create hardship in the future.

The 2025 Festive Season Message, delivered by President Julius Maada Bio, focused on unity, shared sacrifice and renewed commitment to national development as Sierra Leoneans mark the Christmas season.