By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In an inspiring Independence Day broadcast to the nation on Sunday, April 27, 2025, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio reflected on Sierra Leone’s journey of resilience, growth, and hope, as the country marked its 64th anniversary of freedom and self-determination.
In his address, President Bio honored the legacy of the nation’s founding fathers, praising their vision of a Sierra Leone built on unity, freedom, and justice. “Today, as we commemorate this milestone, it is remarkable how as a people we have continuously demonstrated resilience and self-determination in tackling national challenges,” the President said.
Highlighting key achievements over the past few years, President Bio recalled the government’s success in strengthening the education, health, and infrastructure sectors, despite hurdles like the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic instability. He emphasized the ambitious “Feed Salone” project, aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency, and noted significant strides made in mobilizing over $136 million in donor funding for agriculture.
While acknowledging the hardships of 2024 including soaring inflation, rising food prices, and persistent energy shortages President Bio applauded the resilience of citizens and the government’s quick interventions to alleviate the impact. “Through our shared commitment, we have over and again displayed the legacy of resilience and self-determination,” he said.
Turning to recent developments, President Bio expressed optimism that the nation’s hard work was beginning to yield results. He announced the launch of major agricultural projects, including a $105 million Livestock Development Project and a $45 million Cassava Value Chain Development Project. Irrigation work on 4,500 hectares of land is also underway to bolster year-round rice farming.
On the economic front, President Bio reported encouraging signs of recovery: inflation has fallen to 10.7% as of March 2025, the Leone has appreciated slightly against foreign currencies, and economic growth is projected at 4%, driven largely by agriculture and mining initiatives. New pricing formulas for petroleum, rice, and cement have also been introduced to stabilize markets and ensure affordability for consumers.
The President candidly addressed the nation’s ongoing energy challenges, describing reliable energy supply as crucial for Sierra Leone’s future. He outlined major efforts underway, including completed repairs at the Kingtom Power Plant, ongoing works at Blackhall Road, and the launch of major energy projects such as the Nant Energy Generation Project and the RESPITE solar project.
Sierra Leone’s inclusion as a beneficiary of the Africa-led Mission 300 Project which aims to bring electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 was also highlighted as a major milestone. Additionally, rural electrification is being expanded through a €50 million European Union-led solar initiative.
“I crave your indulgence and patience on this matter,” President Bio said, assuring citizens that significant transformation in energy supply is on the horizon.
In the health sector, President Bio celebrated remarkable improvements, particularly in maternal and child health. Maternal mortality has dropped dramatically from 1,165 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 354 today. Child mortality has also halved, with further reductions expected.
Across the country, over 230 health facilities have been equipped with solar systems, and major hospitals have undergone substantial upgrades. However, President Bio urged vigilance against the recent Mpox cases detected mainly in the Western Area, assuring citizens that healthcare systems are actively curtailing the outbreak.
Reflecting on the recent fire incident at State House and a spate of fire outbreaks across the country, President Bio urged citizens to ensure the safety of electrical installations and remain vigilant. “We must be watchful of the activities around us and take responsibility to protect lives and property,” he advised.
In his closing remarks, President Bio called on Sierra Leoneans to honor the spirit of independence by promoting love, unity, and shared purpose. “Independence is not just about freedom; it is also about love and unity. Let us stand together as one nation, united by a shared vision of a progressive and developed Sierra Leone,” he emphasized.
“Happy Independence Day. May God bless Sierra Leone,” President Bio concluded.
