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Sierra Leone’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, has announced a significant improvement in the country’s trade performance, with exports rising from US$1.33 billion in 2023 to US$1.68 billion in 2025, representing a cumulative growth of 21.4%.
Speaking at the Civic Day London Edition Conference held at Westminster Chapel, Minister Sesay outlined the legal, financial, and institutional reforms underpinning Sierra Leone’s trade and investment agenda.
He revealed that increased local manufacturing has helped reduce imports to US$1.9 billion in 2025, reducing the trade deficit by nearly half, from US$589 million in 2023 to US$286 million. The Minister emphasized that a comprehensive WTO trade policy review has strengthened Sierra Leone’s position as an attractive destination for international trade and investment.
Minister Sesay highlighted government efforts to stabilize the economy and protect consumers. He explained that pricing mechanisms developed in partnership with the World Bank and other international institutions are helping cushion Sierra Leoneans against global commodity and fuel price fluctuations.
He further disclosed that forthcoming reforms would target SMEs, integrating informal traders, market women, and young entrepreneurs into the formal financial system to improve access to trade finance and business opportunities.
According to Minister Sesay, these reforms have already attracted over US$800 million in investments for domestic manufacturing and industrial development. He added that the Government is collaborating with the UNDP to establish a Diaspora Investment Fund Policy, creating a transparent framework for Sierra Leoneans abroad to invest securely in the country’s economic transformation.
This announcement positions Sierra Leone as a rising trade hub, with reforms aimed at balancing imports, boosting exports, and fostering inclusive growth.
