Dauda A. Kuyateh (PhD)
Ministry of Finance & Lecturer, University of Makeni
BACKGROUND
On April 15, 2025, Sierra Leone made history during its Third Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Sierra Leonean delegation was led by the Honorable Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay, along with the Principal Deputy Financial Secretary (PDFS) from the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Samuel E.B. Momoh, the Deputy Director of the National Investment Board, Mrs. Mahawa Sandi, and representatives from the Customs Department of the National Revenue Authority. The groundbreaking moment culminated in an overwhelming commendation for both Minister Alpha Sesay and Ambassador Lansana Gberie for their landmark trade and investment policy achievement, which has put Sierra Leone on the map and appealed for global support and cooperation. This support is critical to unlocking Sierra Leone’s trade policy framework to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and drive sustainable economic growth and development.
The event demonstrated strong engagement from Member States, who raised insightful questions and offered constructive feedback on Sierra Leone’s implementation of trade policies. This interaction underscored the strength and resilience of the country’s economy in overcoming various challenges, including the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the COVID-19 pandemic, and emerging geopolitical tensions.
SIERRA LEONE’S 30 YEARS OF WTO MEMBERSHIP AND THE TRADE POLICY REVIEW.
Coinciding with Sierra Leone’s 30 years of steadfast contributions to the WTO, the review attracted more participating countries than expected, all eager to witness the discussions and gain insights into Sierra Leone’s commitments, economic resilience, and the significant advancements made in implementing trade and investment policies within the WTO framework. According to Ambassador Mammadou MO. Kar of the Gambia, the high participation rate of WTO member states at the TPR can be attributed to Ambassador Lansana Gberie’s influence and significant contributions to the WTO and the UN as Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative. Importantly, the discussions emphasized the necessity of adopting policies that enhance export competitiveness, diversify the economy, and improve the overall business environment.
During the review, Sierra Leone highlighted its considerable trade and investment potential by showcasing significant advancements in the development and implementation of its trade and investment policies, aimed at fulfilling its obligations to the WTO. Through the insightful and compelling presentation delivered by the Honourable Minister of Trade, Mr. Alpha Sesay, at the April gathering at the WTO, Sierra Leone reaffirmed its strong commitment to fostering a multilateral trade system and promoting rules-based, transparent and inclusive system and policies that create a favorable environment for trade and investment to benefits all nations, particularly countries like ours that face developmental challenges. Despite facing economic uncertainties exacerbated by both external and internal shocks, as well as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, the country has successfully navigated these challenges, leading to impressive macroeconomic progress. The economy of Sierra Leone recovered to 3.1% in 2022 and is projected to reach 4.7% in 2024 and 5.2% in 2025.
It is important to recognize that Sierra Leone’s efforts on a number of trade policies was acknowledged and have helped its business environment, which include the Special Economic Zone Policy, Industrial Policy, Agribusiness Strategy, National Trade Strategy, Consumer Protection Law, Cooperative Policy, Draft review of the SME Policy and Law 2025.
Another critical intervention on trade facilitation is the reforms on streamlining and simplifying the ASYCUDA for effective customs processes and operations to reduce clearance times. Added to that development, the National Trade Facilitation Committee was established to enhance coordination among stakeholders and further improve trade processes.
Significant progress has been achieved with the National Digital Transformation Strategy, which aims to improve digital literacy and establish a supportive regulatory framework for innovation. As part of this initiative, the National Switch has been launched and is currently at an advanced stage of implementing a single window system for the port. This system enhances interoperability among banks, mobile money providers, and FinTech platforms.
In addition, Sierra Leone’s ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement fulfilling over 80 percent of trade facilitation commitments and being part of the plurilateral Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. Itrepresents an important commitment to addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Ambassador Mammadou Kar of the Gambia, the discussant at Sierra Leone’s Trade Review Process (TRP), presented a strong case for Sierra Leone. He praised the country’s notable advancements and admired its commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO). He underscored important reforms, including the implementation of ASYCUDA and active participation in regional trade liberalization, while commending Sierra Leone’s resilience in confronting both historical and contemporary challenges.
At the same time, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, was particularly impressed by the Honorable Minister’s presentation and the country’s impressive accomplishments. She approached the high table to shake hands with Honorable Minister of Trade Alpha Sesay, as well as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Mr. Lansana Gberie, Ambassador Mammadou MO Kah of The Gambia, the discussant, Ambassador Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdul Hamid from Nigeria, the Chair of the review body, and the Secretary General of the review.
Sierra Leone received widespread praise from numerous WTO member countries, including the UK, EU, Canada, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Qatar, Indonesia, Australia, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Madagascar, Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. This acknowledgment highlights the country’s significant efforts and commitment to advancing its National Trade Strategy in alignment with WTO standards and protocols. Notable achievements include compliance with the National Trade Facilitation Agreements, the establishment of the National Investment Board, adherence to the Fisheries Subsidies Agreements, and improvements in digital customs processes through systems such as ASYCUDA World and the Single Electronic Window.
Some historic, friendly and trading countries, like Canada, proffers salient recommendations which include: 1) Sierra Leone to bolster strong engagement WTO; 2) addressing the outstanding notifications, building on trade facilitation strategies/ capacity in the WTO; 3) e-commerce, and 4) multiparty trade engagements.
On the FINAL DAY of the review which was on the 17th, the EU made a Statement that reads, “As a reliable and predictable development and trade partner, the EU reiterates its commitment to continued support to Sierra Leone on its path towards inclusive and sustainable growth, notably the efforts to overcome socio-economic challenges and economic reforms to increase business efficiency, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness. However, EU congratulates Sierra Leone on the successful conclusion of the 3rd Trade Policy Review and is certain that their cooperation will continue both in the multilateral context and bilaterally.
CONCLUSION
This achievement at the TRP within the World Trade Organization was admirable and presents Sierra Leone with a valuable opportunity to strengthen our resilience in pursuing our development objectives, especially the implementation of the Medium Term National Development Plan (2023-2030) which is aligned with the Big Five Game Changers and the national objective of achieving Lower-Income Status by 2039. Against that backdrop, Sierra Leone must act decisively to implement the emerging trade and investment policy framework that fosters economic sustainability. reduces our dependence on imports, enhances efforts for economic diversification, which will help to position the country for a more resilient and prosperous future.
The Director–General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Opoju Ewealla, particularly commended our trading partners and countries such as the UK, the E.U., Canada, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia and the African group and LDC’s for their contribution and meaningful insights toward Sierra Leone’s successful Third Trade Review at WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
