Sierra Leone is set to participate and showcase its investment potentials at the IATF 2023 market place in Cairo, the Arab Republic.

The African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) Trade Fair is organized in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat as the 3rd Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) to be hosted in Cairo on the theme: “Connecting African Markets,”.

It may be hosted under the auspices of the Arab Republic of Egypt from 9-15 November 2023. The African Export-Import Bank, the African Union, the AfCIFTA Secretariat, and the Arab Republic of Egypt have invited thousands to join them at upcoming lATF2023 opportunities for all, in Cairo, Egypt.

The objective of the IATF2023 is to provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 Trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

It is noted that, the exhibition will target key investment sectors in the Agriculture and agro-processing, Automotive, Clothing and textiles, Construction and infrastructure, Consumer goods, Creative Industries, inducing Entertainment, Diaspora, Education, Energy and power, Engineering, Finance,  Health and pharmaceuticals, ICT,  Innovation,  Logistics, Manufacturing,  Mining,  Standards, Tourism, Transport (road, rail, maritime, air) Youth Start-ups.

The Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade have put together a comprehensive list of businesses, dealing in different products operating in the form of corporate, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and the two ministries are doing this to pave the way for deepening friendly exchanges and practical cooperation among regional sides in various fields, promote mutual understanding, bring hearts closer, and make greater contributions to building an African-African friendly home together. The Sierra Leone Commercial Bank and Rokel Commercial Bank, Micro Forestry Development Ltd, Sierra Tropical, and Sierra Bo Garri have all been listed amongst prospective corporate-F1 and corporate participants. While, Lambano SL Ltd, Rosel Beauty Shop, Lyoa Sourced, Monaj Design, Dorvaila Inn and Suite, Nianda Agriculture, Kujuls Naturals, Sydsher Enterprises, Susue Consulting, Hudson Martin, and Marie Carol are apparently amongst SME to be a part.

This is the first time Sierra Leone is participating in the IATF but is fully prepared to market what it can offer in terms of trade and investment opportunities. It is a drive in line with President Bio’s plan of transforming the economy; improving the micro-economy, developing the private sector, developing the financial sector and deepening financial inclusion as the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Cairo is facilitating in order to help professional and business services in Sierra Leone access this event to hear from Governments and leaders in the services sector across accounting, legal, consultancy and creative service industries on how Sierra Leonean businesses can grow their overseas networking and sales.

The  Trade Fair will open new opportunities for new development. The Seven-day event sees the participation of exhibitors from 54 countries, regions, and international organizations via online and offline channels.

With an area of over 150,000 square meters, the Trade Fair features over 20 pavilions. The trade fair will serve as a game changer and will generate mutual investment amounts which can be expanded as trade and commercial bonds between Afreximbank and Commercial Banks, thereby deepening the bilateral and trade ties that will leverage poverty reduction.