By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a significant move aimed at showcasing Sierra Leone’s strides in human capital development, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on March 25, 2024 has unveiled the latest World Bank report titled “Sierra Leone Human Capital Review: Maximizing Human Potential for Resilience and Inclusive Development” in Freetown.
The report’s launch ceremony, held in Freetown, highlighted the country’s remarkable progress in bolstering human capital development, with a particular focus on health, education and social protection. Dr. Jalloh commended the findings, emphasizing the Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the well-being and productivity of its citizens through substantial investments.
Key points from the report underscored the Government’s prioritization of social protection initiatives, including cash transfers to vulnerable groups, as part of broader efforts to alleviate poverty and enhance human capital. Despite facing economic challenges exacerbated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Sierra Leone has shown resilience in advancing crucial human development indicators.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jalloh reiterated the Government’s dedication to furthering investments in girls’ education, youth employment, and maternal and infant health over the next five years. He emphasized the significance of President Bio’s “Big Five Changers ” initiative in shaping Sierra Leone’s developmental landscape.
The report also shed light on ongoing challenges, including low human development outcomes and high poverty rates. Sierra Leone’s ranking on the Human Capital Index (HCI), positioned at 151 out of 157 countries, underscores the need for sustained efforts to bridge existing gaps in human capital development.
Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone, stressed the importance of the report as a roadmap for Government and stakeholders to bolster human capital, essential for unlocking Sierra Leone’s economic potential and improving livelihoods.
Echoing Muwonge’s sentiments, Ali Ansari, World Bank Senior Economist and report co-author, emphasized the pivotal role of investing in human capital for Sierra Leone’s sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The Vice President acknowledged the report’s timely release, coinciding with the Government’s rollout of key developmental strategies. He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for their comprehensive analysis and reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing human capital challenges.
In his address, Dr. Jalloh highlighted the Government’s achievements in healthcare, citing increased budgetary allocations and workforce expansion as critical steps toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes. He outlined the Government’s “live stages model,” emphasizing holistic healthcare interventions tailored to different life stages, exemplified by the success story of “Fatmata.”
As Sierra Leone navigates its development trajectory, the unveiling of the World Bank report underscores a collective commitment to harnessing human potential for resilient and inclusive growth.
