The misconceptions of Sierra Leone

When considering a move abroad for work, Sierra Leone probably won't be anywhere near the top of your list of potential destinations. The numerous bad press of the 1990s, when the Sierra Leone Civil War left the country in devastation, has undoubtedly meant the country has suffered bad press, but is it still a cause for concern? With some of the world's best mining sites located in the country, there are some fantastic job opportunities in the area, with excellent salaries and benefits.

The country has largely stayed out of the news lately, which can only be a good thing considering the country's history. Undoubtedly, Sierra Leone still has it's problems. It ranked second last in the UN’s most recent Human Development Index, unemployment remains high and the education system hasn't met expectations, but most locals hang on to their optimism.

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Things have changed for the country though. Peace was declared in 2002 and Sierra Leone has blossomed. Life has largely returned to normal and today it is one of West Africa’s safest destinations. Reconstruction of the infrastructure continues, investors are consistently arriving and travellers are once again making it a must-visit location. 

With some of the best palm-lined beaches on the continent, it won’t be long before Sierra Leone takes its place in Europe’s packaged beach-holiday scene; but for now, the surf outside the capital is one of the country's best-kept secrets. And after a day in the sun, Freetown offers everything you need for a night out. Travel to the provinces, where roads are often abysmal and facilities usually basic, remains in the realm of the adventurous, but with vibrant culture and wonderful parks, the rewards are many.

Acorn Global currently has a brilliant job opportunity in Sierra Leone for a Resident Engineer, earning £70-80,000 per annum plus benefits including flights and accommodation. Once you look beyond the country's troubled past and appreciate how far things have come since 2002, it  is easier to see the wealth of opportunities on offer to you.


Helen Lock