Ministry of trade and industry

16/03/2026

Interview with the Minister from Star Radio station

16/03/2026

11/02/2026

Sierra Leone's Step-by-Step Guide for Trading Goods under the AfCFTA. Held a three day Validation Workshop at Sierra Palms Resort, Freetown.
Objectives of the Validation Workshop: To endure the Guide and Portal's accuracy, relevance and user-friendliness, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive consultative validation process with key national stakeholders. The Validation Workshop seeks to collectively review, enrich and validate the draft Step-by-Step Guide and Trade Information Portal to ensure they are fit for purpose . The workshop will also serve as a platform to train stakeholders on using the Information Portal.

*The Specific Objectives of the Workshop are to:
✓ Present the draft Step-by-Step Guide and Trade Information Portal to National public and private sector stakeholders.

✓ Gather detailed feedback, corrections and practical insights regarding the content, clarity and completeness of the two instruments.

✓ Validate the accuracy of the outlined regulatory and procedural requirements, involved institutions and documentary requirements.

✓Assess the instruments usefulness and accessibility for their primary target users, MSMEs, women and youth-led businesses.

✓ Train of Trainers for critical stakeholders on effectively using the Digital Trade Information Portal.

✓ Discuss the dissemination and evaluation process of the instruments to ensure ownership by stakeholders.

The workshop will mainly be in plenary, with presentations on draft Step-by-Step Guide and Trade Information Portal.

Elizabeth Kargbo
Info. Officer

04/09/2025

*Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry Arrives in Algiers for IATF2025*
The Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, has arrived in Algiers, Algeria, for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), taking place from 4–10 September 2025.
This year’s IATF is expected to generate $44 billion in trade and investment deals, host over 35,000 delegates and visitors, and bring together more than 75 countries and 2,000 exhibitors.
📌 Key Focus Areas: Agriculture, Energy, ICT, Health, Creative Industries, Manufacturing, and Youth Start-ups.
Sierra Leone is leveraging this strategic platform to attract investment, forge new partnerships, and showcase its trade potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning the country as a competitive player in Africa’s $3.5 trillion single market.
“Sierra Leone’s participation at IATF2025 demonstrates our strong commitment to unlocking opportunities under the AfCFTA. This platform allows us to showcase our trade potential, attract new investments, and build partnerships that will empower our private sector, especially MSMEs, women, and youth-led enterprises, to compete across Africa’s $3.5 trillion market.”
— *Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, Sierra Leone*
*Sierra Leone Delegation to IATF2025*
• Ministry of Trade and Industry
• Sierra Leone Commercial Bank
• Rokel Commercial Bank
• Produce Monitoring Board
• SMEs & Entrepreneurs:
o Susue Chilli Coconut Oils
o Women Green Bank
o Shea & More (Natural Beauty Products)
o Grace & Co Food Processing Enterprise
o Trippies Clothing (Sustainable African Fashion)
This robust delegation underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting private sector innovation, financial sector resilience, and agro-industrial potential on the continental stage.
*Support and Partnerships*
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided critical support to three SMEs and one staff of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Okawood

16/02/2025

*THE ORACLE NEWSPAPER*

*SIERRA LEONE TRADERS UNION BOMBALI DISTRICT HOSTS MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO DISCUSS MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS GROWTH*

*By Ibrahim Saddam d Country e Yai*

In a significant effort to address the challenges faced by local traders and stimulate economic development, the Sierra Leone Traders Union in Bombali District recently hosted the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Sesay, at the Makeni City Council Hall. During the event, the Minister acknowledged the impressive work being carried out by the Sierra Leone Traders Union in the district and expressed his gratitude for their contributions to the country’s economic progress.

Minister Ibrahim Sesay, widely regarded as one of the best Trade Ministers due to his hands-on approach and dedication to the growth of local businesses, received praise from the Union for his continuous support. The Union highlighted that Minister Sesay has always been responsive to their needs, working in tandem with their goals for market development.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of traders from several key areas, including the Central Market, Makeni Lorry Park, Independent Square, and NP, as well as from neighboring regions. Discussions centered on the future of commerce in the district and solutions to pressing challenges faced by the traders.

Key topics raised during the meeting included the need for the construction of a new mini market to accommodate the growing number of vendors, the provision of educational scholarships for young traders, a reduction in bank interest rates, and improved access to business loans. Additionally, the Union emphasized the urgent requirement for a new office to better serve the traders in the region and to address their concerns effectively.

In his welcome address, the Mayor of Makeni City, Abu Bakarr Lamteils Kamara, thanked Minister Sesay for his presence and expressed his appreciation for the Minister's ongoing support of the Sierra Leone Traders Union. The Mayor underscored the vital role the Union plays in driving the nation’s economic growth, particularly in ensuring a steady supply of essential goods to the public. Mayor Kamara also made a special request to the Minister for assistance in organizing a pilgrimage to the Ka'bba for Muslim traders within the Union.

However, Mayor Kamara also raised a pressing issue—the rising cost of goods, which has placed a significant financial burden on local businesses. This concern was shared by many traders in attendance, who are struggling to cope with the increasing expenses while maintaining their livelihoods.

Minister Ibrahim Sesay responded by acknowledging these challenges and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to supporting the traders of Bombali District. He assured them that his ministry would continue to collaborate with the Sierra Leone Traders Union to create a more conducive environment for business growth and development.

11/02/2025

*Courtesy Visit by the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone*
*Date:* 11th February 2025
*Venue:* Ministry of Trade and Industry, Youyi Building

*Introduction*
The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, *Madam Josephine Gauld LVO* , paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay. The meeting focused on strengthening trade relations, investment opportunities, and addressing key challenges affecting trade between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

*Key Issues Discussed*

_*1. Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment*_
• Minister Sesay thanked the British High Commissioner for the visit and highlighted the strong historical and economic ties between the two nations.
• He emphasized the lack of direct flights between Sierra Leone and the UK, which has created barriers to trade and investment.
• He urged revitalization of the trade relationship to enhance business opportunities between the two countries.

_*2. Enhancing Trade Infrastructure*_
• Minister Sesay pointed out challenges in trade facilitation, particularly issues related to Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Sierra Leone’s main port.
• The Ministry has been collaborating with development partners, including the European Union, on a Single Window Initiative to streamline port operations and trade processes.
• He also stressed the need to upgrade the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau testing laboratory to enhance export quality and competitiveness in international markets.

_*3. Formalization of the Informal Sector*_
• Sierra Leone's economy is largely informal, limiting small businesses' ability to compete internationally.
• The Ministry, with support from partners, is working on a formalisation roadmap, particularly focusing on access to finance for SMEs.
• High interest rates from banking institutions remain a major obstacle for SMEs, making it difficult for them to grow.
• The Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) is supporting small businesses through matching grants and loans, but long-term sustainable financial support is needed.

_*4. Industrialization and Value Addition*_
• The Ministry is prioritising value addition to local products under the Feed Salon Initiative, which aims to boost agriculture and food self-sufficiency.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being promoted to enhance investment in rice milling and agroprocessing facilities.
• The Ministry is working with ARISE IIP to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for rice milling and agro-processing, which will help reduce smuggling at border crossing points.
• Collaboration with UNIDO has led to the establishment of Agro-Parks, initially in three regions, but now expanded to five regions.
• The "One Factory, One District" policy is being explored to increase local production and job creation.

_*5. Sierra Leone’s Integration into AfCFTA*_
• Sierra Leone is an active member of the AfCFTA and is working towards fully implementing the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) to enable local businesses to access Africa’s vast market.
• A team from the AfCFTA Secretariat is in Freetown validating the country’s readiness assessment instrument.
• The Ministry is collaborating with Invest Salon to attract foreign direct investment.

_*6. Women in Trade and MSME Development*_
• Deputy Minister Madam Fatmata Kargbo emphasised the importance of women’s participation in trade, particularly in the MSME and cross-border trade sectors.
• She highlighted the need for gender-sensitive policies to empower women entrepreneurs.

*_*7. Institutional Capacity Building*_
• Senior Permanent Secretary, Mr. AL-Hassan K. Kondeh, stressed the importance of capacity-building programs for Ministry staff and agencies in policy formulation, trade facilitation, and investment promotion.

*British High Commission’s Commitment*
Madam Josephine Gauld LVO assured the Minister of continued UK support in areas such as:
o Access to finance for SMEs in Tech and innovation investment
stment in Agro-Industry
o Capacity building for trade and investment promotion
She commended Minister Sesay for his efforts in strengthening Sierra Leone’s trade sector and pledged further cooperation.

*Conclusion*
The meeting underscored the mutual commitment of Sierra Leone and the UK to enhance trade relations, improve infrastructure, and support SMEs and women in business. Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration and explore opportunities for trade and investment growth.

Elizabeth Kargbo
Information Officer

11/02/2025

*Courtesy Visit by the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone*
*Date:* 11th February 2025
*Venue:* Ministry of Trade and Industry, Youyi Building

*Introduction*
The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, *Madam Josephine Gauld LVO* , paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay. The meeting focused on strengthening trade relations, investment opportunities, and addressing key challenges affecting trade between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

*Key Issues Discussed*

_*1. Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment*_
• Minister Sesay thanked the British High Commissioner for the visit and highlighted the strong historical and economic ties between the two nations.
• He emphasized the lack of direct flights between Sierra Leone and the UK, which has created barriers to trade and investment.
• He urged revitalization of the trade relationship to enhance business opportunities between the two countries.

_*2. Enhancing Trade Infrastructure*_
• Minister Sesay pointed out challenges in trade facilitation, particularly issues related to Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Sierra Leone’s main port.
• The Ministry has been collaborating with development partners, including the European Union, on a Single Window Initiative to streamline port operations and trade processes.
• He also stressed the need to upgrade the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau testing laboratory to enhance export quality and competitiveness in international markets.

_*3. Formalization of the Informal Sector*_
• Sierra Leone's economy is largely informal, limiting small businesses' ability to compete internationally.
• The Ministry, with support from partners, is working on a formalisation roadmap, particularly focusing on access to finance for SMEs.
• High interest rates from banking institutions remain a major obstacle for SMEs, making it difficult for them to grow.
• The Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) is supporting small businesses through matching grants and loans, but long-term sustainable financial support is needed.

_*4. Industrialization and Value Addition*_
• The Ministry is prioritising value addition to local products under the Feed Salon Initiative, which aims to boost agriculture and food self-sufficiency.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being promoted to enhance investment in rice milling and agroprocessing facilities.
• The Ministry is working with ARISE IIP to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for rice milling and agro-processing, which will help reduce smuggling at border crossing points.
• Collaboration with UNIDO has led to the establishment of Agro-Parks, initially in three regions, but now expanded to five regions.
• The "One Factory, One District" policy is being explored to increase local production and job creation.

_*5. Sierra Leone’s Integration into AfCFTA*_
• Sierra Leone is an active member of the AfCFTA and is working towards fully implementing the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) to enable local businesses to access Africa’s vast market.
• A team from the AfCFTA Secretariat is in Freetown validating the country’s readiness assessment instrument.
• The Ministry is collaborating with Invest Salon to attract foreign direct investment.

_*6. Women in Trade and MSME Development*_
• Deputy Minister Madam Fatmata Kargbo emphasised the importance of women’s participation in trade, particularly in the MSME and cross-border trade sectors.
• She highlighted the need for gender-sensitive policies to empower women entrepreneurs.

*_*7. Institutional Capacity Building*_
• Senior Permanent Secretary, Mr. AL-Hassan K. Kondeh, stressed the importance of capacity-building programs for Ministry staff and agencies in policy formulation, trade facilitation, and investment promotion.

*British High Commission’s Commitment*
Madam Josephine Gauld LVO assured the Minister of continued UK support in areas such as:
o Access to finance for SMEs in Tech and innovation investment
stment in Agro-Industry
o Capacity building for trade and investment promotion
She commended Minister Sesay for his efforts in strengthening Sierra Leone’s trade sector and pledged further cooperation.

*Conclusion*
The meeting underscored the mutual commitment of Sierra Leone and the UK to enhance trade relations, improve infrastructure, and support SMEs and women in business. Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration and explore opportunities for trade and investment growth.

Elizabeth Kargbo
Information Officer