New government's performance.
President Julius Maada Bio has moved quickly in his first three months in office to deliver his election campaign promises of tackling corruption and providing free primary and secondary education. However, a lack of a parliamentary majority for his Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) means the new president is increasingly ruling by executive orders, with fears growing of a clampdown on dissent.
A proposed review of the mining law and licenses will increase sector uncertainty amid already low global demand (notably for iron ore).
Increased oil sector interest may emerge in the last quarter of 2018 following a license bid window for five deepwater offshore blocks.
Implementation of a free education policy will require effective local-level governance if it is to avoid being undermined by graft.
