By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings

What Sierra Leone Needs Now – A Holistic and Comprehensive National Development Plan

Since the end of the brutal civil war, Sierra Leone has been striving to rebuild itself, often at the expense of its citizens. Various governments have taken office, each bringing its own manifesto aimed at national development. However, the fundamental issues that plagued the country before the war persist today. This raises the urgent need for a holistic and long-term national development plan that transcends political transitions and fosters sustainable growth.

In the words of the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah—may his soul rest in peace—“Sierra Leone needs strong institutions, not strong people.“ This statement underscores the necessity of establishing enduring structures that are independent of individual leadership but rather built on principles of democracy, good governance, and national development. Strong institutions—such as an independent judiciary, a robust anti-corruption framework, and transparent economic policies—ensure stability and progress regardless of who is in power.

Persistent Challenges in Sierra Leone

Despite multiple government transitions and their promises, the same challenges continue to hinder progress. These include:

• Electricity shortages:Reliable access to electricity remains a significant challenge, hindering industrialization and daily life.
• High cost of living:Inflation and economic instability make it difficult for ordinary citizens to afford basic necessities.
• Poor road infrastructure:Many roads remain in deplorable conditions, affecting transportation and trade.
• Underfunded universities:Higher education institutions suffer from inadequate resources, leading to declining standards.
• Unemployment:Youth unemployment remains high, contributing to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
• Weak healthcare system:Many citizens struggle to access quality medical services.
• Food security:Despite the country’s agricultural potential, food shortages and dependency on imports remain problematic.

These persistent issues suggest that, despite changes in government, little sustainable progress has been made in addressing the fundamental needs of Sierra Leoneans. The question remains: Are these governments unaware of the struggles of the common man, or is there a lack of political will to address them?

The Need for a Holistic Long-Term National Development Plan

To break this cycle, Sierra Leone must develop a comprehensive National Development Plan spanning at least five decades. This plan should:

1. Be citizen-driven:The development agenda should be formulated through extensive consultations with citizens, civil society, and experts.
2. Have legal backing:A national referendum should be held to enshrine the development plan into law, making it a mandatory framework for all governments.
3. Ensure institutional oversight:Both national and international bodies should monitor its implementation to ensure accountability.
4. Guarantee continuity:Every administration should be mandated to continue executing the plan rather than discarding past efforts.
5. Promote sectoral balance:Each administration should focus on different aspects of the plan, ensuring that all critical sectors are addressed systematically.
6. Foster public-private partnerships:Collaboration between the government and private sector can accelerate infrastructure development and job creation.
7. Leverage technological advancements:Digital transformation should be prioritized to modernize public services and create opportunities for the youth.
8. Encourage regional development:Policies should address disparities among regions, ensuring equal access to infrastructure and services.

Countries That Have Benefited from Long-Term Development Plans

Several countries have successfully implemented long-term development strategies, leading to sustained economic growth and social transformation. Examples include:

Rwanda: After the genocide, Rwanda adopted Vision 2020, a long-term plan prioritizing infrastructure, healthcare, and digital transformation. Today, Rwanda is a model for African development.

Singapore: Under Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore followed a structured development plan focused on industrialization, infrastructure, and education. The result is a thriving, high-income economy.

China: Through its Five-Year Plans, China has strategically driven economic growth, industrialization, and poverty reduction over decades.

Botswana: After independence, Botswana implemented Vision 2016, a long-term strategy that prioritized governance, economic development, and social welfare, making it one of Africa’s most stable economies.

Implementation and Sustainability

A long-term development plan is only effective if it is properly implemented and sustained. This requires:

A national consensus: Political parties, civil society, and citizens must collectively support the plan.

A constitutional framework: The plan should be enshrined in the constitution to ensure continuity across administrations.

Periodic reviews and adaptability: While the core framework should remain unchanged, periodic assessments should allow for adjustments based on evolving global and national realities.

International cooperation and support: Development partners and international organizations can provide technical and financial assistance to ensure the success of the plan.

Sierra Leone can no longer afford the continuous cycle of new governments abandoning past projects and introducing new ones that never see completion. A holistic, well-structured national development plan spanning at least 50 years is essential for the country’s progress. By ensuring consistency, accountability, and citizen participation, we can create a system that works for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of who is in power. It is time for our leaders to prioritize the national interest over party politics and commit to a sustainable future for generations to come.