Honorable Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Trade and Industry, and head of the country’s delegation to the World Trade Organization (WTO), has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to multilateralism and inclusive trade during the country’s Third Trade Policy Review at the WTO, taking place from April 15–17, 2025.
Sierra Leone’s first Trade Policy Review occurred in April 2005, and its second review was in February 2017. These reviews are conducted under the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Mechanism, which systematically examines the trade policies and practices of member countries to enhance transparency and foster understanding among WTO members. For developing countries like Sierra Leone, these comprehensive reviews typically occur every seven years, allowing for the assessment of trade policy evolution and the implementation of previous recommendations.
The WTO, an UN-affiliated organization with 164 member states, serves three primary functions: negotiating trade deals, monitoring trade practices, and settling disputes.
This year’s Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone is a significant milestone, as the country celebrates 30 years of membership in the WTO. The review highlights key developments in trade policy, economic indicators, sectoral progress, and reforms aimed at facilitating more effective engagement with Sierra Leone’s Trade Policy Framework.
In his speech, Honorable Alpha Ibrahim Sesay highlighted the country’s economic progress, challenges, and strategic vision for sustainable development through trade. He noted that Sierra Leone’s GDP growth is projected to reach 5.2% in 2025, driven by reforms in key sectors such as mining, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, and digital innovation. The Minister also emphasized the country’s ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and urged other African and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to actively engage in the second phase of negotiations at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon.
Mining and fisheries remain vital pillars of Sierra Leone’s economy, contributing over 20% of export earnings. The country’s nationwide geophysical survey has strengthened investor confidence, while the manufacturing sector now contributes 22% of GDP, marked by the launch of Sierra Leone’s first steel production company.
Regarding trade facilitation, Minister Sesay reported significant improvements, including the adoption of the ASYCUDA system, the formation of a National Trade Facilitation Committee, and digital initiatives such as the Salon Payment Switch and the National Single Window for Ports. These efforts are driving greater financial inclusion and enhancing the efficiency of trade operations.
The Sierra Leone Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) outlines five key priorities: food security, human capital, youth employment, public sector reform, and innovation. The government is also implementing policies aimed at improving the business climate, such as updated strategies for trade, SMEs, and agribusiness.
Minister Sesay praised regional integration efforts through ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and noted Sierra Leone’s access to global markets through preferential schemes like the EU’s Everything But Arms and the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
However, the Minister acknowledged ongoing challenges, including infrastructure gaps, a narrow export base, and a widening current account deficit. He called for enhanced global support and for reforms within the WTO to address the unique needs of LDCs, particularly in areas like food security, industrialization, and special and differential treatment.
Minister Sesay concluded by emphasizing Sierra Leone’s commitment to using trade as a tool for development and prosperity. “We believe a transparent, rules-based, and inclusive trade system benefits all nations. Sierra Leone stands ready to collaborate with partners to ensure global trade remains a vehicle for shared progress,” he said.
During the interactive session, several WTO Member States, including Singapore, Zambia, Canada, Nigeria, Ghana, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Malawi, Brazil, and Australia, commended Sierra Leone for its progress while addressing the challenges it faces. They encouraged Sierra Leone to develop more effective trade policies, attract external investments, and foster sustainable development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As per WTO practice, other member states recommended that Sierra Leone continues to comply with WTO notifications and other relevant measures.
At the conclusion of the review, Sierra Leone promised to carefully consider all the recommendations and use the insights gained to guide its trade policy evolution in future reviews.
The Chairman of the Trade Policy Review Body, His Excellency Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the WTO, thanked Sierra Leone’s delegation for its comprehensive engagement with the WTO.
The Director-General of the WTO also attended the review to show support for Sierra Leone’s progress over the years.
Statements were delivered in support of Sierra Leone by various regional organizations and trading blocs, including the African Union, the European Union, the LDC Group, and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group of countries. These organizations commended Sierra Leone for the progress it has made, while also acknowledging the remaining challenges.
Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie, the Head of Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, coordinated Sierra Leone’s participation in the review process. The review is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
