Transforming the Public Service Architecture
Building a Capable, Professional, and Citizen-Centered Government for National Transformation
The public service is the engine of the state. It is the system through which plans become policies, policies become actions, and actions become services that improve people’s lives. But without reform, no plan—no matter how brilliant—can succeed.
Under the Big Five Game Changers, the Government of Sierra Leone is reimagining the public service: transforming it from a slow, fragmented system into a merit-based, technology-enabled, and citizen-focused institution that delivers with excellence, speed, and integrity.
This Big Five priority ensures that everything else works—by building a professional civil service that can plan, implement, and account for national development outcomes.
THE PRESIDENT'S VISION
Without strong public institutions, youth employment programs stall, agriculture projects underperform, and citizens lose trust in government.
The goal is clear: rebuild trust, efficiency, and service excellence at every level of government.
This Big Five priority turns vision into structure. It is the governance bedrock for Sierra Leone’s development plan.
Core Pillars Of Public Sector Reform
This reform priority focuses on five areas that will redefine how government works and serves.
Institutional Performance & Results Management
Move from output to outcomes. Public institutions must deliver not just services, but impact.
Key actions
- National performance framework for all MDAs
- Annual delivery scorecards for ministries
- Results-based contracts for top-level officials
- Real-time monitoring dashboards and citizen feedback tools
Outcome: Government that works, measures results, and takes responsibility.
Professionalization of the Civil Service
Create a merit-based, career-oriented public service that rewards excellence and accountability.
Key actions
- Civil service exams and structured entry pathways
- Continuous learning and capacity development
- Talent management and promotion based on merit
- Leadership development programs for directors and senior managers
Outcome: A civil service filled with smart, skilled, and motivated professionals.
Digital Governance & e-Government
Digitize government to improve speed, transparency, and public access.
Key actions
- e-Government portals for services (birth registration, taxes, licenses)
- Inter-ministerial data-sharing platforms
- Digital document workflows to reduce paper and bottlenecks
- Cybersecurity standards and digital identity systems
Outcome: A modern, connected, efficient state that saves time and reduces corruption.
Decentralization and Local Governance
Empower local councils to plan, budget, and deliver services closer to citizens.
Key actions
- District Development Plans aligned with national goals
- Fiscal transfers and budgeting tools for councils
- Local service delivery dashboards
- Training for local administrators and ward committees
Outcome: A responsive, inclusive government that works where people live.
Integrity, Ethics & Trust-Building
Public service must be accountable, ethical, and citizen-first.
Key actions
- Public Service Code of Ethics implementation
- Mandatory integrity and anti-corruption training
- Strengthening of internal audits and compliance units
- Citizen charters and service-level guarantees
Outcome: Citizens regain confidence in their institutions and participate in governance.