By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Government of Sierra Leone has launched a Step-by-Step Guide to help local businesses understand and navigate the procedures for trading goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Madam Haja Fatmata Kamara, officially launched the guide on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown. The event brought together representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Japan, government institutions, the private sector, and development partners.
The launch aimed to strengthen Sierra Leone’s participation in continental trade and promote economic integration by equipping businesses with practical information on trading goods across African markets.
Delivering the keynote address, Kamara said the guide would help Sierra Leonean businesses understand the procedures and requirements for trading under the AfCFTA framework. She highlighted its potential to expand market access, create new trade opportunities, improve competitiveness, and increase the participation of local businesses in the African single market.
The Deputy Minister commended the development partners, government institutions, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders who contributed to the development of the guide. She stressed that continued collaboration among these groups would be essential to ensuring that Sierra Leone benefits from the opportunities offered by the continental trade agreement.
Kamara reaffirmed the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s commitment to promoting trade facilitation, supporting private sector growth, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to compete effectively in regional and continental markets.
She further emphasised that the guide should serve as a practical tool for traders, exporters, and other businesses, rather than merely a reference document, by helping them understand the processes involved in exporting goods to other African countries.
The launch represents a step towards strengthening Sierra Leone’s trade capacity, diversifying the economy, and preparing local businesses to take advantage of opportunities under the AfCFTA.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is expected to continue working with development partners and private sector stakeholders to expand market access, promote sustainable trade, and support the country’s broader economic development efforts.