World Bank Confirms Sierra Leone Remains Low-Income Country

The World Bank Group has released its July 2026 Country Income Classifications, confirming that Sierra Leone remains in the low-income category.

According to the latest update, countries are classified based on Gross National Income (GNI) per capita using the Atlas method. For FY2026, the thresholds are set as follows: low-income economies at US$1,135 or less; lower-middle-income economies from US$1,136 to US$4,495; upper-middle-income economies from US$4,496 to US$13,935; and high-income economies at US$13,935 and above.

The World Bank stated that Sierra Leone’s GNI per capita remains below the US$1,135 benchmark, keeping the country within the low-income group.

As a result, Sierra Leone continues to qualify for concessional financing from the International Development Association (IDA), which provides grants and low-interest loans to support development projects in low-income countries.

In contrast, Togo has moved from low-income to lower-middle-income status in the latest classification, reflecting differing economic trajectories within the West African region.

The classification serves as a global benchmark for economic performance and helps guide international financial support and policy planning.