Sierra Leone, like many countries in theworld, is now facing the dire human and economic impacts ofthe COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Prior to the COVID-19(Coronavirus) crisis, Sierra Leone was one of the fastestgrowing countries in Africa. However, growth prospects havebeen severely undermined since the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)outbreak. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis, like the2014–2015 Ebola epidemic, is likely to damage adolescentgirls’ education prospects and their human capitalpotentials as the prevalence of child marriage and earlychildbearing as well as the risk of girls dropping out ofschool are all exacerbated during crises. This updatecomprises the economic outlook for Sierra Leone and aspecial chapter on educating girls. First part discussesrecent economic developments, the impact of COVID-19(Coronavirus) on the economy and the growth prospects underdifferent scenarios regarding the spread of COVID-19(Coronavirus). It discusses the potential channels oftransmission, provides estimates of spillovers, andemphasizes necessary policy responses. Second part of thisupdate highlights the economic gains that could be achievedfrom ending child marriage and promoting girls’ education.It also discusses a range of measures that could beundertaken by the government following the recent decisionto allow pregnant girls to stay in school or return to school.
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