My Fellow Sierra Leoneans;

1. It has been sixty-four years since our forbearers courageously led our beloved country to the shores of freedom and self-determination. They envisioned a Sierra Leone where every citizen could thrive in unity, freedom and justice.

2. Today, as we commemorate the 64th anniversary of our country’s independence, it is remarkable how as a people we have continuously demonstrated this legacy of resilience and self-determination in addressing national issues.

3. The spirit of independence is not just about our freedom; it is about taking responsibility in lifting our country and ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s development.

Fellow Citizens;

4. In my address to the nation in 2022, I revealed the tremendous achievements that my government recorded in the education, health and infrastructure sectors despite the stifling effects of the covid-19 pandemic and the global economic meltdown.

5. Again in 2023, despite the disruption of governance by some of our compatriots, we remained committed and resolute in implementing the ambitious Feed Salone project, aimed at food self-sufficiency and economic growth.

6. This culminated into increased budgetary support to Agriculture and mobilised donor funding worth over One Hundred and Thirty-Six Million dollars.

7. Similarly, in 2024, in the aftermath of a global economic meltdown, our country was hard hit by high inflation rate, food prices and persistent energy shortages.

8. Yet again, my government swiftly geared up to these challenges and embarked on short-term programs to cushion the prevailing effects on citizens, while still pursuing the Feed Salone initiative.

9. I am recalling the challenges of our recent past not to damping our spirits. I do so to bring to mind, that through our shared commitments, and in pursuit of our country’s development agenda, we have over and again displayed the legacy of resilience and self-determination.

10. As your President, I sincerely appreciate your diverse support and contributions through these trying times. I am proud of your immense courage and determination to foster the peace and harmony of this great nation.

My Dear Compatriots;

11. This year, as we recount our past, I am delighted that our resilience is gradually paying off. The Feed Salone initiative is gaining momentum by moving from vision to creating impacts.

12. This year, a One Hundred and Five Million United States dollars’ worth Livestock Development Project will begin its operations in Sierra Leone. This will deliver new ranches, veterinary services, hatcheries, and feed systems to improve meat and poultry supply.

13. Another Forty-Five Million United States dollars’ worth of Cassava Value Chain Development Project is nearing finalization. This aims at boosting cassava processing capacity and transforming cassava from a subsistence crop into a viable commercial commodity.

14. Work is currently ongoing to develop 4,500 hectares of irrigation to ensure year-round rice farming, in high-potential areas.

15. I am also pleased to report that the economy is also gradually stabilizing. The economy is projected to grow at 4%; primarily supported by increased agriculture and mining Initiatives.

16. Inflation has been decreasing steadily throughout 2024, and the latest figure now stands at 10.7% as of March 2025.

17. The exchange rate has also been relatively stable. The Leone has appreciated by 0.13%; creating increased confidence in our economy.

18. In addition to the Petroleum Pricing Formula, my government has recently introduced new pricing formulae for rice and cement, to stabilise the market and ensure fair and affordable prices for consumers.

19. We remain committed and hopeful of creating an inclusive economic environment that empowers every Sierra Leonean.

Fellow Sierra Leoneans,

20. Being mindful that reliable energy remains a critical challenge facing our nation today; my government has embarked on addressing key structural and systemic problems that have for decades hindered the progress of this sector.

21. These corrective measures will take time to yield results. But sooner than later, we will move our country from stopgaps to reliable energy supply sources. Several transformational energy projects are currently ongoing to realise this dream.

22. We have completed repairs on the Kingtom power plant, and that of Blackhall Road is ongoing. These combined will add twenty-five megawatts to the national grid.

23. We have launched the Nant Energy Generation project which aims at providing 120 megawatts of power and the RESPITE project which will bring additional fourty megawatts of solar energy into the national grid.