By: James Kamara-Manneh
China and Sierra Leone have maintained a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership, and in recent years this relationship has continued to strengthen under the strategic guidance of the two Heads of State.
The economic ties between both countries have grown rapidly, marked by rising trade volumes, expanding investments, and increasing development cooperation. This dynamic engagement has positioned China as Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner and a critical contributor to the country’s economic development.
In 2024, China–Sierra Leone two-way trade reached 1.8 billion U.S. dollars, representing a 7.1 percent year-on-year growth. The positive momentum continued into 2025. In the first ten months alone, total trade between the two countries amounted to 1.8 billion dollars, a robust increase of 19.8 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.
China’s exports to Sierra Leone reached 746 million dollars up 7.4 percent while Sierra Leone’s exports to China stood at 1 billion dollars, recording a 30.4 percent increase. These figures underscore the expanding scale and strong resilience of bilateral commerce.
Beyond trade, Chinese investment has become an integral pillar of Sierra Leone’s economic landscape. According to incomplete statistics, cumulative investments by Chinese enterprises in the country have exceeded 2 billion dollars. These investments span infrastructure, mining, construction, fisheries, technology, and other sectors essential for national development. The deepening economic cooperation between the two countries provides strong impetus for advancing the China–Sierra Leone comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
However, the significance of this cooperation goes far beyond economic metrics. At the heart of development is the goal of improving the lives of ordinary people, and Chinese companies operating in Sierra Leone have increasingly demonstrated commitment to this vision. They have not only served as investors and contractors but also as active partners and stakeholders in local development.
Several Chinese enterprises have contributed meaningfully to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the country. China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) and China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO) have supported community development by constructing local markets, clearing waste, and rehabilitating key roads in the Western Area and Kailahun District. Such interventions have helped improve mobility, sanitation, and economic activity within these communities.
Leone Rock Metal Group, OK Global Fisheries, and China Railway First Group (CRFG) stand out for their contributions to job creation. Leone Rock Metal Group alone employs more than 7,000 Sierra Leoneans and in April donated nearly 2.75 million dollars in Community Development Agreement (CDA) funds, demonstrating strong commitment to local empowerment. These investments help boost household incomes, strengthen rural livelihoods, and contribute to broader economic stability.
Other companies such as Gansu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Company (GCIGC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) have donated food and essential materials to communities in Bumbuna and Port Loko, especially during periods of high need. Their interventions have supported vulnerable households and improved community wellbeing.
In the education and community infrastructure sector, Leone Afric Metals has built a school, constructed a community hall, and provided subsidies to 123 teachers in Bombali District. These contributions address critical gaps in educational access and quality, directly supporting human capital development. Meanwhile, Guoji Supply Chain Company has invested in public sanitation, drinking water systems, and community electricity in Cline Town initiatives that significantly enhance public health and quality of life.
China’s involvement also extends to technology and skills development. Huawei, one of China’s leading ICT companies, has trained nearly 10,000 Sierra Leonean ICT professionals, contributing to the country’s technological advancement and supporting its digital transformation agenda. This investment in youth and skills development is vital for preparing Sierra Leone’s workforce for the modern economy.
These examples reflect a broader trend: economic cooperation between China and Sierra Leone is not limited to commercial gains but is rooted in shared development aspirations. Chinese enterprises are increasingly integrating into local communities, fostering harmonious relationships, and ensuring that Sierra Leoneans directly benefit from the opportunities created through bilateral cooperation.
Looking ahead, the China–Sierra Leone partnership is poised to deepen further. With continued collaboration in trade, investment, human capital development, and community engagement, both countries stand to achieve greater economic prosperity and social progress. The Embassy of China continues to encourage more Chinese companies to expand their investment footprint, uphold best practices, and work closely with communities to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
The growing success of China–Sierra Leone economic cooperation is a testament to a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for development. As both nations pursue their respective development goals, their cooperation remains an important force promoting economic growth, industrial development, and long-term prosperity for the people of Sierra Leone.
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