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The Ministry of Trade and Industry is planning to accelerate its preparations for the 2024 Inter-Africa Trade Fair (IATF), aiming to capitalize on lessons learned from its participation in the 2023 edition held in Egypt.
Diana Sally Koroma, Assistant Director of Export Promotion and Regional Integration at the Ministry of Trade, emphasized the importance of early and comprehensive sensitization to maximize Sierra Leone’s presence and engagement at the upcoming event.
Koroma acknowledged that while key stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank and Rokel Commercial Bank, attended the 2023 fair, the country’s ability to fully leverage the available opportunities was hampered by insufficient prior sensitization.
“The honest truth is, there was no more sensitization by then,” Koroma stated, outlining the Ministry’s commitment to addressing this gap by initiating preparations well in advance.
The Ministry’s revised strategy for the 2024 IATF will involve a broader range of partners, extending beyond the private sector to encompass the nation’s wider economic potential.
“This is not just for the private sector, it is for our country,” Koroma explained, underscoring the necessity of promoting Sierra Leone on the continental stage.
The Ministry’s plan focuses on expanding awareness, strengthening collaborative partnerships, and exploring the diverse opportunities presented by the Inter-Africa Trade Fair.
“There are so many opportunities, but it’s how we work toward those opportunities that determines how we can capitalize on them,” Koroma said, reiterating the Ministry’s dedication to establishing a stronger foothold for Sierra Leone within Africa’s growing trade networks.
