Geneva, Switzerland | Wednesday, October 22, 2025 — Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Dr. Lansana Gberie, has reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to make digital transformation a driving force for economic growth, innovation, and regional integration.
Speaking at the 31st Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Gberie participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Leveraging Digital Transformation for Regional Integration – From Policy to Practice.”
Ambassador Gberie outlined Sierra Leone’s growing momentum in advancing digitalization under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. He highlighted several key national initiatives, including the Updated National Trade Strategy (2024–2030) and the AfCFTA Readiness Report, which underscore the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for trade and technology-driven development.
He further noted Sierra Leone’s ongoing partnerships with global institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, and the Commonwealth Secretariat; all geared toward strengthening digital skills, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Ambassador Gberie also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on the forthcoming e-Trade Readiness Assessment. This initiative will lay the foundation for a National E-Commerce Strategy, designed to enhance Sierra Leone’s participation in regional and global digital markets.
“Digital transformation is not only about technology,” Ambassador Gberie emphasized. “It is about creating opportunities — connecting people, businesses, and ideas across Africa to drive shared prosperity.”
For further information, please contact:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché | Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Geneva, Switzerland
📞 +41 79 175 66 48
