Profiles of the Sierra Leone Informal Economy

In 2017, the GDP per capita in sub-Saharan Africa was approximately $1,554 dollars. The vast majority of that ($1,088 or 70%) was generated in the informal sector known as the Grey Economy. Sierra Leone mirrors this reality. We employ in these series creative writing anchored in data analytics to reveal and share insights from--and testimonials by--the young men, women, boys and girls who drive 70% of the Grey Economy in Sierra Leone in particular and sub-Saharan Africa at large.

Monday, June 10, 2019

Bomeh Inc.: Shit for Sale:: A Profile of the Sierra Leone Informal Economy (V)

Dr. Umaru Bah, CEO

DataWise (SL) Ltd.

@DataWiseSL

Kingtom Bomeh Landfill: Barren tree surrounded by salvaged plastic ready for haulage.A pig-pen of salvaged corrugated iron at top left. Raw sewage pond at mid-right, off-camera. Part of the Ebola burial plot just over the fence at Kingtom Cemetery, off-camera.

Africell headquarters sits atop the highest hill in Wilberforce. At least that’s what it looks like, viewed from afar in the Kingtom Bomeh refuse landfill. Its skyscraping height makes it an unavoidable landmark. As does its distinct yellow n-shaped exterior plating. The building enjoys the company of many international development agency offices. And a couple of other government agencies. And the residences of many expats: Most pay top dollars—or euros or pounds—for the sea view and the commanding panorama. And the seclusion.