UNDP and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone strengthen their collaborative efforts to advance regional integration, economic transformation, and inclusive development under AfCFTA.
In a high-level strategic engagement between the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), both parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth, regional integration, and digital transformation.
The meeting, led by the Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay * and Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa Bureau for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) *Regional Director Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, provided a platform for reflection on past successes, shared appreciation for progress made, and a renewed strategic direction to further deepen collaboration. The focus of the dialogue centered on sustainable implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), empowerment of women and youth, support for SMEs, and the adoption of digital tools to drive trade and inclusion.
Dialogue Highlights
Expression of Gratitude and Recognition
The Honourable Minister expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding support provided by UNDP to the Ministry. He highlighted that UNDP’s financial and technical contributions have been pivotal in moving the Ministry’s mandate forward, especially in policy development, capacity building, and implementation of key trade and industrial reforms.
UNDP’s Perspective on Sierra Leone’s Progress
Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, in turn, praised the Ministry for its effective use of the support received. She noted Sierra Leone’s proactive role in implementing development and continental integration agendas, particularly through its commitment to the AfCFTA. She recognized the Ministry’s efforts in aligning trade and industrial development policies with broader national and regional priorities.
Commitment to Continued Collaboration
UNDP, through Ms. Eziakonwa, reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting Sierra Leone in advancing its trade and development goals. Priority areas of future collaboration were highlighted as follows:
- Full-scale implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- Strengthening and formalizing support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Empowerment initiatives for women and youth
- Scaling up e-commerce and digital trade solutions
Strategic Action Points
The engagement concluded with agreement on the following critical action areas, which will serve as the pillars of future collaboration:
- Effective Implementation of AfCFTA
Accelerate national implementation strategies for AfCFTA to ensure that Sierra Leone leverages the full benefits of regional trade liberalization, including market access, competitiveness, and industrial diversification.
- Enhanced Financial and Technical Assistance
Mobilize targeted financial and technical resources from UNDP to build institutional capacity within the Ministry particularly in areas of trade policy development, value chain integration, and program implementation. - Deployment of Digital Identity Systems
Collaborate with UNDP on establishing a secure and inclusive digital identity infrastructure to support e-governance, financial inclusion, and the development of a modern digital trade ecosystem.
- Expansion of Women and Youth Programs
Design and implement inclusive development programs aimed at integrating women and youth into the national economy through entrepreneurship development, access to finance, business incubation, and value-added trade opportunities.
Why This Matters
Strategic Alignment & Momentum: This partnership underscores a!Sierra Leone’s strong alignment with UNDP’s vision for a connected and inclusive Africa, driven by regional integration and socio-economic transformation.
Targeted Impact through AfCFTA: The AfCFTA is a critical platform for Sierra Leone’s economic diversification. Through UNDP’s support, the country can better position itself to access larger markets and foster industrial growth.
Digital Tools for Inclusion: The adoption of digital identity and e-commerce platforms will play a vital role in modernizing trade and increasing access to services, particularly for marginalized populations.
Equity-Centered Growth: Empowering women and youth is central to achieving inclusive, sustainable development. This partnership ensures that these groups are not only included but prioritized in the development agenda.
This high-level engagement reaffirmed the strength of the partnership between UNDP and the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The active participation of Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of Sierra Leone’s role in the regional economic landscape and the shared vision for inclusive prosperity.
With renewed commitments and a clear set of strategic priorities, the Ministry and UNDP are well positioned to scale impact across trade facilitation, digital transformation, and inclusive development placing Sierra Leone firmly on the path toward sustainable and equitable economic growth.
