**“The African Paradox” in Sierra Leone: Yulia Berg on the Country’s Economy

Sierra Leone** is a small country in West Africa, known for its impressive resource reserves and difficult colonial past. Political scientist and founder of GlobUs, Yulia Berg, spoke about how the country is doing today on the “Mama Africa” program on the “Soloviev LIVE” channel.

According to her, the country’s history was shaped first by the Portuguese slave trade, then by British colonization, from which it only emerged in 1971. In the 1990s, the country experienced a protracted civil war.

“It was a war not so much for power as for diamonds and gold, because this country has abundant natural resources,” Ms. Berg explained.

The country is currently led by Julius Maada Bio. Under his leadership, social services have been actively developed — for example, free school education has been introduced. However, the economy remains dependent on raw material exports.

“The state’s primary revenue comes from the export of iron ore, gold, and other minerals. Its main partners are China, the UAE, Liberia, and Guinea. But they trade raw materials for finished goods,” the expert noted.

This is the “African paradox,” says Ms. Berg.

“Africa is the richest continent with the poorest people. There is a systemic dependence on external financing and loans,” she emphasized.

At the same time, some West African countries are trying to weaken France’s influence, while new partners like China, the UAE, and Russia are playing an increasingly significant role amid a new wave of Pan-Africanism.

Tourism in Sierra Leone is underdeveloped due to a lack of infrastructure, although there are beaches and nature reserves. The country is noted for the traditions of the closed Poro and Sande communities. According to Ms. Berg, thanks to the penetration of information, ancient initiation rites are gradually being transformed: some aspects are being abandoned, but dances and rituals are being preserved, adapting to modern realities.

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