By Marius Musa Kargbo
China-Sierra Leone bilateral trade is on course to reach a new record high this year, with trade between the two countries already recording strong growth in the first half of 2026.
The Chinese Ambassador made the disclosure during the Chinese Embassy’s Media Open Day in Freetown, where he highlighted growing economic, diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two countries as Sierra Leone and China commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations.
According to the Ambassador, bilateral trade reached US$2.3 billion in 2025, representing an increase of almost 30 percent compared to 2024. Sierra Leone’s exports to China also increased by more than 40 percent during the same period.
He said the momentum has continued into 2026, with China-Sierra Leone trade increasing by almost 38 percent in the first half of the year, leading him to predict that the two countries could witness a new record in bilateral trade by the end of the year.
The Ambassador attributed the rapid growth partly to China’s zero-tariff treatment for Sierra Leonean products, while revealing that discussions are ongoing to expand Sierra Leone’s exports to the Chinese market beyond fishing products to include palm oil, coffee and cocoa.
He also highlighted a series of activities organised to commemorate the 55th anniversary, including cultural performances, the SLBC programme Talk to China, the SLAJ “China–Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes” short-video competition, and a five-part documentary produced by SLBC, AYV and Star TV.
China Records Strong Economic Performance
The Ambassador also highlighted China’s economic performance during the first half of 2026, describing the country’s economy as demonstrating resilience and vitality as it begins its 15th Five-Year Plan period.
He said China’s GDP reached US$10.09 trillion, while 6.95 million new urban jobs were created. Total imports and exports reached US$3.63 trillion, representing a 16.9 percent year-on-year increase.
China’s automobile exports also reached 5.1 million units, including 2.4 million new-energy vehicles, while solar product exports were valued at approximately US$17.3 billion.
More Than 6,000 Sierra Leoneans Travelled to China
The Ambassador further announced measures aimed at making travel between Sierra Leone and China easier.
He said Sierra Leonean holders of valid diplomatic and service passports can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days under the mutual visa exemption agreement.
The Chinese Embassy has also removed the appointment requirement for visa applications, while applicants for short-term single- or double-entry visas of no more than 180 days are exempt from fingerprint collection.
According to the Ambassador, more than 6,000 Sierra Leonean citizens travelled to China in 2025, setting a new record.
Ambassador Challenges Media to Tell China-Sierra Leone Story
Addressing journalists, the Ambassador urged the media to play a greater role in strengthening understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Sierra Leone.
He challenged journalists to be “witnesses to the real China,” communicators of friendship between the two peoples, and defenders of China-Sierra Leone friendship.
He encouraged the media to document practical cooperation, highlight interactions between ordinary Chinese and Sierra Leoneans, and uphold objective and impartial reporting.
The Ambassador said the media remains an important platform through which the peoples of both countries can learn more about each other, as China and Sierra Leone enter a new phase of their 55-year diplomatic relationship.
