Sierra Leone has achieved notable progress in the latest publication of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard for Fiscal Year 2025, with the country successfully passing the Gender in the Economy and Health Expenditure indicators.

This marks another milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its democratic values and governance standards.

For six consecutive years, Sierra Leone has maintained a passing score on the MCC scorecard, demonstrating the Government’s continued dedication to improving democratic governance, transparency, and the rule of law.

This year’s scorecard highlights significant advancements in gender equality, particularly with the ratification of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Law in 2022.

The GEWE Act, which prohibits gender-based workplace discrimination and allows women to participate fully in previously restricted industries, played a pivotal role in Sierra Leone earning the highest score in the “Workplace” category in the World Bank’s 2024 Women, Business, and Law Report.

Additionally, the Act has introduced progressive provisions such as counting childcare leave towards women’s pension benefits, further supporting women’s rights.

The recent enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2024, which sets the legal marriage age at eighteen, has also contributed to Sierra Leone’s improved performance on the MCC scorecard.

These legal reforms position Sierra Leone as a regional leader in creating a supportive and progressive environment for women.

This progress aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for Sierra Leone, as the country moves forward with the $480 million Power Compact.

The MCC scorecard’s positive results underscore the Government’s successful implementation of legal and institutional reforms that promote good governance and uphold the values of democracy and equality.

Sierra Leone’s sustained performance on the MCC scorecard is a testament to its ongoing commitment to meeting international standards and creating a better future for all citizens