AYV News, April 16, 2025
Head of Sierra Leone’s delegation to the World Trade Organization, Honorable Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and inclusive trade during its Third Trade Policy Review, among dozens of WTO’s member states this month at the World Trade Organization (WTO), taking place from April 15–17, 2025.
It could be recall that, Sierra Leone’s first Trade Review Policy Review took place in April 2005, and the second was in February 2017.
These reviews are conducted under the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Mechanism, which systematically examines member countries’ trade policies and practices to enhance transparency and foster understanding of national trade regimes among WTO members. For developing economies like Sierra Leone, these comprehensive reviews typically occur on a seven-year cycle, allowing for assessment of trade policy evolution and implementation of previous recommendations.
The World Trade Organisation is an UN-affiliated organisation with 164 member states. It has 3 main functions: negotiate trade deals; monitor trade practices; and settle disputes.
This year Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone is a significant milestone as the country marks 30 years of membership in the World Trade Organization. The review highlights key trade policy development, economic indicators, sectoral progress, and reforms initiatives to facilitate more effective engagement with Sierra Leone Trade Policy Framework.
The head of Sierra Leone’s delegation, Honorable Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, delivering his speech, highlighted the country’s progress, challenges, and strategic vision for sustainable development through trade.
The Minister noted Sierra Leone’s recent economic progress, including projected GDP growth reaching 5.2% in 2025, underpinned by reforms in key sectors such as mining, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, and digital innovation. He highlighted the country’s ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and called on other African and LDC members 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 the economy, contributing over 20% of export earnings. Sierra Leone’s nationwide geophysical survey has strengthened investor confidence, while manufacturing now contributes 22% of GDP, with milestones such as the launch of its first steel production company.
On trade facilitation, Minister Sesay reported significant improvements, including the adoption of ASYCUDA, the formation of a National Trade Facilitation Committee, and digital initiatives like the Salon Payment Switch and National Single Window for Ports. These, he said, are driving greater financial inclusion and efficiency in trade operations.
Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) outlines five priorities: food security, human capital, youth employment, public sector reform, and innovation. Complementing this are policies aimed at improving the business climate, such as updated strategies for trade, SMEs, and agribusiness.
The Minister praised regional integration efforts through ECOWAS and AfCFTA and cited the country’s access to global markets via preferential schemes like the EU’s Everything But Arms and the U.S. AGOA initiative.
However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including infrastructure gaps, a narrow export base, and a widening current account deficit. He called for enhanced global support and a reformed WTO that addresses 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 resolve to harness trade for development and prosperity: “We believe a transparent, rules-based, and inclusive system benefits all nations. Sierra Leone stands ready to work with partners to ensure global trade remains a vehicle for shared progress.”
During the interactive session, WTO Member States – Singapore, Zambia, Canada, Nigeria, Ghana, Japan, Dominican Republic, Europe Union, United Kingdom, Djibouti, Barbados, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malawi, Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, Angola among dozens commended Sierra Leone for showcasing progress while addressing challenges, aims to develop more effective trade policies, attract external investors, and enhance economic growth while promoting sustainable development in line with the SDGs.
As per practice, other WTO Member States recommended that the Government of Sierra Leone continues with WTO notifications, compliance among others.
At the conclusion of the third cycle trade policy review, Sierra Leone promised to take on board all the recommendations carefully and would use the World Trade Organization in the next comprehensive review typically occur on a seven-year cycle, allowing for assessment of trade policy evolution and implementation of previous recommendations.
The Chairman of the Trade Policy Review Body, His Excellency Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the WTO, thanked the delegation of Sierra Leone for engaging with the World Trade Organization and providing a comprehensive record of the state of trade in Sierra Leone.
The Director General of the World Trade Organization attended the review of Sierra Leone as a form of support on progress made over the years.
All regional organisations and trading blocks, including African Union, European Union, LDC Group, African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries delivered statements in support of Sierra Leone and commended progress it has registered over the years, while noting remaining challenges.
The Head of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie, coordinated Sierra Leone in the review mechanism.
The review will conclude tomorrow Thursday 17th April, 2025.
