Sierra Leone: public finances

How big is Sierra Leone's government debt?

Sierra Leone's general government gross debt was 51.4% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook database. The IMF projects 50.1% for 2026. The ratio was 54.0% in 2022 and 47.0% in 2024.

The IMF figures use a common definition so countries can be compared; the Ministry of Finance publishes national public debt reports. Sierra Leone has an IMF Extended Credit Facility programme, referred to in the Bank of Sierra Leone's September 2026 policy statement. Figures for recent years are estimates and are revised in each edition of the database.

Official sources: IMF World Economic Outlook database · September 2026 policy statement

What is Sierra Leone's budget deficit?

Sierra Leone's general government deficit was 4.2% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook database. The IMF projects a deficit of 2.9% of GDP in 2026, after 5.2% in 2024.

The Bank of Sierra Leone's September 2026 policy statement reports that the overall budget deficit widened in the second quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier, as spending on capital projects and goods and services exceeded the programme, but stayed within the quarterly ceiling. Net lending or borrowing is revenue minus spending; a negative number is a deficit.

Official sources: IMF World Economic Outlook database · September 2026 policy statement

How much does Sierra Leone owe to foreign lenders?

Sierra Leone's external debt was US$2.33 billion at the end of 2024, or 31.1% of gross national income, according to the World Bank. It was US$2.40 billion in 2023, when it was 37.8% of national income.

External debt covers money owed to non-residents by the government, the central bank and private borrowers, including loans from the IMF. It is a different measure from general government debt, which also includes debt owed to domestic lenders. The World Bank compiles the figures from its Debtor Reporting System.

Official sources: World Bank · 37.8% of national income

How much does Sierra Leone spend on servicing foreign debt?

Sierra Leone's payments of interest and principal on external debt equalled 9.5% of its exports of goods, services and primary income in 2024, according to the World Bank. The share was 11.2% in 2023 and 17.2% in 2020.

The ratio shows how much of the foreign currency the country earns goes on repaying foreign lenders. A falling ratio can come from lower payments or from higher export earnings. The figures cover public and private debt owed abroad and are compiled from the World Bank's Debtor Reporting System.

Official sources: World Bank

What is Sierra Leone's national debt?

In 2025, general government gross debt in Sierra Leone was 51.4% of GDP, according to the IMF. The peak was 78.9% of GDP in 2005 and the low 22.3% of GDP in 2013. It is 25th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 53.0% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 103rd of 185.

What is Sierra Leone's fiscal deficit?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Sierra Leone at -4.2% of GDP in 2025, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -5.9% of GDP (2022) to 12.6% of GDP (2007). Sub-Saharan Africa median: -3.0% of GDP; Sierra Leone is 33rd highest of 47. Worldwide: 134th of 188.

How much does Sierra Leone's government take in?

12.8% of GDP: that is general government revenue in Sierra Leone for 2025, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 8.1% of GDP (2008) to 20.7% of GDP (2007). It is 38th highest of 47 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 18.4% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 174th of 187.

How big is Sierra Leone's government spending as a share of GDP?

17.0% of GDP: that is general government spending in Sierra Leone for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 17.6% of GDP in 2024 and the low 8.1% of GDP in 2007. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 20.8% of GDP, and Sierra Leone placed 36th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 167th highest.

What is Sierra Leone's defence spending?

SIPRI puts military spending in Sierra Leone at 0.4% of GDP in 2025. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 1.3% of GDP, and Sierra Leone placed 43rd highest of 44. Of 149 countries with 2025 data, 142nd highest.