Current Account Balance: Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's current account balance is currently -2 % of GDP as of 2026. # Sierra Leone Current Account Balance Sierra Leone's current account balance stands at -2% of GDP in 2026, marking a substantial improvement from the nation's catastrophic -39.
Current (2026)
-2 % of GDP
+41.2% y/y
Peak (1986)
6.7 % of GDP
Low (2011)
-39.9 % of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1980–2026 · 51 pts
Current Account Balance — Sierra Leone
1980 — 2026
Current Account Balance — Sierra Leone
Analysis# Sierra Leone Current Account Balance
Sierra Leone's current account balance stands at -2% of GDP in 2026, marking a substantial improvement from the nation's catastrophic -39.9% deficit in 2011. The country achieved its best performance in 1986 with a 6.7% surplus. Since 1980, Sierra Leone has experienced a 67.2% total change in this metric, reflecting decades of economic volatility and structural adjustment.
The most striking recovery occurred between 2011 and 2024, when the deficit narrowed from -39.9% to -3.8% of GDP. This turnaround reflects gradual stabilization in the country's external accounts following the severe imbalances of the post-conflict recovery period. Projections through 2026 suggest continued gradual improvement, with the deficit expected to shrink further to -2%. However, the persistent negative balance indicates Sierra Leone remains dependent on external financing and capital inflows.
Historical Data
51 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | -3.3 % of GDP | -3.12% |
| 2029 | -3.2 % of GDP | -23.08% |
| 2028 | -2.6 % of GDP | -8.33% |
| 2027 | -2.4 % of GDP | -20.00% |
| 2026 | -2 % of GDP | +41.18% |
| 2025 | -3.4 % of GDP | +10.53% |
| 2024 | -3.8 % of GDP | +60.00% |
| 2023 | -9.5 % of GDP | -48.44% |
| 2022 | -6.4 % of GDP | +12.33% |
| 2021 | -7.3 % of GDP | -25.86% |
| 2020 | -5.8 % of GDP | +25.64% |
| 2019 | -7.8 % of GDP | +16.13% |
| 2018 | -9.3 % of GDP | +20.51% |
| 2017 | -11.7 % of GDP | -138.78% |
| 2016 | -4.9 % of GDP | +67.11% |
| 2015 | -14.9 % of GDP | -106.94% |
| 2014 | -7.2 % of GDP | +33.94% |
| 2013 | -10.9 % of GDP | +48.34% |
| 2012 | -21.1 % of GDP | +47.12% |
| 2011 | -39.9 % of GDP | -185.00% |
Show all 51 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | -14 % of GDP | -62.79% |
| 2009 | -8.6 % of GDP | -50.88% |
| 2008 | -5.7 % of GDP | -23.91% |
| 2007 | -4.6 % of GDP | -53.33% |
| 2006 | -3 % of GDP | +21.05% |
| 2005 | -3.8 % of GDP | +9.52% |
| 2004 | -4.2 % of GDP | -13.51% |
| 2003 | -3.7 % of GDP | +0.00% |
| 2002 | -3.7 % of GDP | +35.09% |
| 2001 | -5.7 % of GDP | +24.00% |
| 2000 | -7.5 % of GDP | -17.19% |
| 1999 | -6.4 % of GDP | -204.76% |
| 1998 | -2.1 % of GDP | +25.00% |
| 1997 | -2.8 % of GDP | +59.42% |
| 1996 | -6.9 % of GDP | -18.97% |
| 1995 | -5.8 % of GDP | -38.10% |
| 1994 | -4.2 % of GDP | -31.25% |
| 1993 | -3.2 % of GDP | -966.67% |
| 1992 | -0.3 % of GDP | -137.50% |
| 1991 | 0.8 % of GDP | +117.39% |
| 1990 | -4.6 % of GDP | -109.09% |
| 1989 | -2.2 % of GDP | -2100.00% |
| 1988 | -0.1 % of GDP | +94.12% |
| 1987 | -1.7 % of GDP | -125.37% |
| 1986 | 6.7 % of GDP | +6600.00% |
| 1985 | 0.1 % of GDP | +114.29% |
| 1984 | -0.7 % of GDP | -16.67% |
| 1983 | -0.6 % of GDP | +88.46% |
| 1982 | -5.2 % of GDP | -15.56% |
| 1981 | -4.5 % of GDP | +26.23% |
| 1980 | -6.1 % of GDP | — |
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