By Ragan M. Conteh

Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, who serves as the Deputy Leader of Government Business II for the Majority SLPP and Chair, Mines and Minerals Committee in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, has shared hus remarkable insights on the country’s 2025 budget framework and its potential ramifications for national development.

This conversation took place at Parliament building in Freetown, hosted by the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

In his discourse, Hon. Lamina presented the 2025 budget as a crucial strategic pivot that could redefine Sierra Leone’s economic trajectory.

This pivot is characterized by a bold strategy that elevates the nation’s economic framework from a modest 4.0 scale to an ambitious 8.0 scale.

By aligning Sierra Leone’s economic practices with countries of more successful economies like Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, this comprehensive strategy seeks to cultivate a stable and inviting economic climate.

Hon. Lamina emphasized that this effort is not merely a number-based adjustment; it actively works to mitigate inflation and it is designed to attract substantial foreign investments by positioning Sierra Leone as a dependable and expanding market, ripe for exploration and opportunity.

Delving further into the achievements of President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, Hon. Lamina spotlighted significant progresses in pivotal areas such as education and agriculture.

He proudly noted a remarkable 16% reduction in inflation over the past year, a feat attributed to the ambitious “Operation Fix Sierra Leone” initiative.

This initiative has catalyzed a dramatic increase in budget allocations for essential sectors.

For instance, funding for education rose dramatically from a previous 11% to an impressive 20% of the national budget.

This increase has empowered the government to provide free public examinations for students, including the NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE, effectively dismantling barriers to education for countless youth throughout the nation.

Agriculture, too, he said, is flourishing under this administration, with its budget allocation climbing from 4% to 9%.

This strategic investment aims to modernize agricultural practices through innovative initiatives in inland valley swamps, enhancing productivity and fostering regional competitiveness.

At the heart of the government’s agenda lies the development of employment opportunities and human capital.

Hon. Lamina expressed his appreciation for President Bio’s proactive job creation strategies, ambitious in their aim to generate 100,000 new jobs annually across a variety of sectors.

Within the public sector alone, significant progress can be seen, with the recruitment of 3,300 new personnel in crucial areas such as the military, police, correctional services, and healthcare.

Furthermore, substantial salary increases for public workers reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the livelihoods of its citizens, with local council workers receiving a notable 30% salary increase and teachers benefiting from a generous 25% raise.

These initiatives demonstrate the administration’s steadfast dedication to enhancing living standards and promoting economic stability.

The conversation also explored the tremendous potential of Sierra Leone’s abundant mineral resources.

Hon. Lamina articulated a visionary plan to transition away from the traditional model of raw mineral exportation, advocating instead for local value addition through processing. He provided insights into the vast potential of the country’s mineral wealth with deposits like iron ore, which possesses reserves projected to last for over a century. By focusing on local processing, the country could significantly boost its economy.