By Blessing C. Cole
Twenty-two years ago, the late Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, unveiled an ambitious blueprint for the nation’s future—Vision 2025: Sweet Sierra Leone. Launched on March 15, 2003, mere months after President Kabbah triumphantly declared that “the war don don,” the initiative symbolized hope, resilience, and a collective drive toward national transformation following a brutal decade-long civil war.
In August 2003, with the support of Sierra Leone’s development partners, the government published the Vision 2025 document, outlining a comprehensive strategy for the nation’s growth and progress. Although President Kabbah did not live to see the year 2025, his visionary legacy endures as Sierra Leone continues to navigate the challenges of post-war recovery and national development.
The Vision 2025 document is structured into five key chapters including overview of Vision 2025: An introduction to the initiative and its guiding principles, Situation Analysis: Examining Sierra Leone’s economic, political, and social realities, as well as the challenges and legacies of the war. Alternative Scenarios: Projections of potential development pathways based on strategic choices. Vision and Strategies: Detailed plans for achieving sustainable growth and good governance. Implementation Framework: Practical steps to transform the vision into reality.
At the launch of Vision 2025, President Kabbah emphasized the necessity of foresight and action:
“No lasting achievement is possible without a vision, and no vision can become real without action and responsibility.”
He highlighted that the initiative provided Sierra Leoneans with a platform to anticipate challenges, assess national capabilities, and explore viable development alternatives. President Kabbah urged citizens to take ownership of the vision, stressing the pivotal role of the youth:
“The youth, who constitute the most vibrant segment of our population, must be empowered to lead the effort toward achieving our national vision.”
Kabbah envisioned a future where Sierra Leone would build a strong and competitive private sector, foster a healthy and educated society, uphold democratic values and good governance, and sustainably utilize its natural resources. He called upon Sierra Leoneans and international partners to collaborate in turning this vision into a reality, uniting under the shared goal of creating a progressive, attractive, and united nation.
Mohamed B. Daramy, who served as Minister of Development and Economic Planning at the time, echoed President Kabbah’s sentiments. He noted that national transformation could only be achieved through a collaborative approach to development management.
“The ultimate goal of economic development is the improvement of people’s welfare,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in resource mobilization, aid management, and program implementation.
Daramy acknowledged the critical role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in providing financial and institutional support for Vision 2025. He described the publication of the document as the beginning of a dynamic process that would evolve with changing national, regional, and global circumstances.
Vision 2025 is more than a document; it is a living framework designed to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. As the nation inches into 2025, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the progress made and evaluate whether President Kabbah’s aspirations for Sierra Leone have been realized.
Future reviews and updates to the Vision 2025 framework will not only assess the nation’s achievements but also inspire the next generation to continue the journey toward a brighter future.
