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China-Sierra Leone trade reached $2.3 billion in 2025, nearly 30% higher than the previous year, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations.
Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong disclosed the figures Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, during a media open day at the Chinese Embassy on Spur Road in Freetown.
Zhao said Sierra Leone’s exports to China grew by more than 40% in 2025, while bilateral trade increased by nearly 38% during the first half of 2026. He said the trend could produce another record for trade between the two countries.
“I believe this year we are going to witness a new record high bilateral trade volume,” Ambassador Zhao stated.
The ambassador attributed part of the growth to China’s zero-tariff treatment for Sierra Leonean products. He said discussions are also underway to expand Sierra Leone’s exports to China beyond fishing products to include palm oil, coffee and cocoa.
Zhao described the economic expansion as part of a broader relationship that has developed across politics, trade, health, education and people-to-people exchanges since China and Sierra Leone established diplomatic relations 55 years ago.
He said the two countries’ cooperation demonstrates what he described as China-Africa solidarity and mutually beneficial engagement.
The embassy’s open day also focused on cultural and media exchanges. Activities marking the anniversary have included cultural performances involving Chinese and Sierra Leonean artists, as well as media programs highlighting bilateral cooperation.
Among the initiatives highlighted were SLBC’s “Talk to China” program, a short-video competition organized by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and a five-part documentary produced by SLBC, AYV and Star TV.
The ambassador thanked Sierra Leonean media organizations for helping increase public understanding of relations between the two countries. He urged journalists to continue reporting on practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Zhao also encouraged Sierra Leonean journalists to visit China and document developments there, describing the media as an important channel for strengthening understanding between the two populations.
He urged journalists to maintain professional standards and objective reporting when covering China.
“Objective and impartial reporting is one of the most important professional principles for members of the media,” he said.
Zhao also urged the media to remain alert to false information and what he described as efforts to undermine China-Sierra Leone relations.
Beyond bilateral relations, the ambassador highlighted China’s economic performance during the first half of 2026. According to figures presented at the event, China’s GDP reached $10.09 trillion, while 6.95 million new urban jobs were created.
He said China’s total imports and exports reached $3.63 trillion during the period, while automobile exports rose to 5.1 million units, including 2.4 million new-energy vehicles.
Solar product exports also reached approximately $17.3 billion, according to the ambassador, who said the figures reflected China’s economic resilience and continued pursuit of high-quality development.
Zhao called for greater international cooperation amid what he described as rising unilateralism and protectionism.
“China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone to achieve more results in practical cooperation across various fields,” he said.
People-to-people exchanges featured prominently in his remarks. Zhao noted that 2026 has been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and highlighted measures aimed at making travel between China and Sierra Leone easier.
He said Sierra Leonean citizens holding valid diplomatic or service passports can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days under the bilateral mutual visa exemption agreement.
The ambassador also said the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has eliminated the appointment requirement for visa applications. Applicants for short-term single- or double-entry visas of no more than 180 days are also exempt from fingerprint collection, he said.
Zhao said China has introduced additional measures to make travel and consumption more convenient for foreign visitors, including easier access to banking services, expanded mobile payment options and simplified tax-refund procedures.
More than 6,000 Sierra Leoneans visited China in 2025, he said, describing the figure as a record.
The event concluded with testimonies from Sierra Leonean journalists who had visited China, followed by a question-and-answer session on China that included prizes for participants.
The latest trade figures and the ambassador’s remarks come as China and Sierra Leone commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations, with Beijing signaling an interest in expanding trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
