Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, 17 April 2025— The successful conclusion of Sierra Leone’s Third Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) marks a significant milestone as the country celebrates 30 years of WTO membership. The review process was met with widespread commendation from member states, highlighting Sierra Leone’s impressive progress in trade and economic policy reform.
Leading the Sierra Leonean delegation was the Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, joined by officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, the Customs Department of the National Revenue Authority, and the National Investment Board.
A standout moment during the review was the strong praise directed toward Minister Alpha Ibrahim Sesay and Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie for their strategic leadership and the country’s landmark advancements in trade and investment policy. These efforts have strengthened Sierra Leone’s international standing and enhanced its attractiveness to foreign direct investment—critical drivers for achieving long-term, sustainable economic growth.
The session featured active engagement from WTO member states, who posed insightful questions and offered constructive feedback on Sierra Leone’s trade policy implementation. This dynamic exchange underscored the country’s resilience and determination in navigating challenges such as the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global geopolitical uncertainties.
The review also reinforced Sierra Leone’s renewed opportunity to advance its national development goals through the implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2023–2030). Aligned with the government’s “Big Five Game Changers,” the plan aspires to achieve middle-income country status by 2039. Central to this ambition is the timely operationalization of Sierra Leone’s emerging trade and investment framework, with a focus on economic diversification, import reduction, and sustainability.
Sierra Leone previously underwent trade policy reviews in April 2005 and February 2017. This third review stood out for the exceptional level of positive recognition from WTO members, including the United Kingdom, United States, European Union, Canada, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Qatar, Indonesia, Australia, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Malawi, Madagascar, Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
During the review, over 170 questions and 39 comments were received from member states. Sierra Leone acknowledged all contributions and expressed its commitment to incorporating this feedback into the evolution of its trade policies and international partnerships.
Key achievements recognized during the review included
• Implementation of the National Trade Facilitation Agreement
• Establishment of the National Investment Board
• Effective efforts towards economic diversification and ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
• Ongoing digitization of customs via ASYCUDA World and the Single Electronic Window
Member states also offered several key recommendations, including
• Strengthening engagement with the WTO
• Addressing outstanding notifications
• Advancing trade facilitation and capacity building
• Embracing e-commerce and enhancing multilateral trade engagement.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the valuable contributions of Sierra Leone’s trading partners—such as the UK, EU, Canada, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and members of the African, LDC, and ACP groups—in supporting the success of this review.
The review concluded with Sierra Leone reaffirming its commitment to advancing reforms in digital trade, sustainable fisheries, agriculture, and women’s economic empowerment.
Minister Alpha Ibrahim Sesay reiterated the nation’s dedication to an inclusive, rules-based global trading system that promotes sustainable development.
For more information, please contact
Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché—Geneva, Switzerland
Phone: +41 79 175 66 48
Email: m.sheriff@slmge.ch
