By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has officially launched the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) ePhyto Project, a digital initiative aimed at modernizing phytosanitary certification and strengthening agricultural trade in Sierra Leone.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It seeks to digitize the issuance and exchange of phytosanitary certificates through the Ministry’s Crop Protection Unit (CPU).
The “Soft Launch Event ePhyto Project,” held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Freetown on Tuesday, marked a significant step toward replacing paper-based certification systems with a modern electronic platform. The system is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and reliability in agricultural exports.
Launching the project on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Minister II, Sahr Hemore, commended development partners for their continued support. He described the initiative as a transformative shift in Sierra Leone’s agricultural trade framework, enabling faster and more secure cross-border movement of plant products.
Hemore disclosed that an implementation mission currently underway in Freetown, which began on April 13 and will run through April 17, is focused on laying the technical and institutional groundwork required for the project’s success. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond its launch, highlighting the importance of capacity building, systems strengthening, and collaboration among stakeholders, including private sector actors.
He further assured that the Government remains committed to providing the policy direction and institutional backing needed to ensure the effective rollout of the project. According to him, successful implementation will reduce delays and costs associated with phytosanitary certification, thereby improving the competitiveness of Sierra Leone’s agricultural exports.
Speaking at the event, GATF Project Manager Laura Garrone emphasized the importance of modernizing phytosanitary processes, noting that digital certification is key to facilitating international trade and ensuring compliance with global standards. She praised the Government of Sierra Leone for its strong leadership and engagement, particularly recognizing the role of the Crop Protection Unit in advancing the initiative.
Garrone explained that GATF works by bringing together governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to deliver practical reforms. She added that the success of such initiatives depends on dialogue, shared ownership, and sustainable solutions tailored to operational needs.
Also addressing the gathering, Chief Agriculture Officer at MAFS, Abdulai Jalloh, welcomed the initiative and linked it to the Ministry’s broader “Feed Salone” agenda. He noted that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and promote exports.
The launch event concluded with technical presentations by GATF representatives Laura Garrone and Amine Belkhadir, alongside the Head of the Crop Protection Unit, Alie Mansaray. The presentations focused on the global ePhyto solution and its expected benefits for Sierra Leone.