Welcome to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Sierra Leone. We are dedicated to advancing trade and industrial development for domestic, regional, continental, and international markets. Our mission is to craft forward-thinking policies and programs that stimulate local and global trade, foster private-sector growth, and drive industrial and economic expansion. We prioritize private sector development, job creation, women and youth in trade, wealth generation, and formalization of the informal sector while ensuring Sierra Leone effectively participates and trades under preferential trade agreements such as AfCFTA, ETLS, WTO, China and Indian LDCs, and Everything but Arms (EBA). Together, we’re building a dynamic trade landscape for sustainable economic development.
MTI’s strategic vision is informed by the realization that Sierra Leone’s human capital development pursuits will produce a new generation of citizens whose taste for goods and services will be completely different from their current compatriots and the need to cater for these needs. Secondly, the world is becoming increasingly seamless and interdependence and there is need for Sierra Leone to take advantage of the several opportunities available to it through its participation in trading agreements to carve a niche in these arrangements.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry supports sustainable industrial growth through policies, private sector engagement, and monitoring. Key achievements include a rise in the manufacturing sector’s GDP contribution to 22% and the establishment of over 30 industries, fostering active participation in AfCFTA and economic diversification.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry enhances Sierra Leone’s export competitiveness by supporting private sector capacity, aligning products with global standards, and leveraging trade agreements like AfCFTA and AGOA. Partnerships and revised strategies further expand export opportunities in international markets and trade fairs across Africa.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry drives economic growth by supporting the private sector through investment facilitation, fiscal concessions, policy guidance, and market linkages. Key policies like the National Industrial and Agribusiness Policies foster a conducive environment, aligning private sector growth with NMTDP 2023-2028 goals.
The Ministry promotes gender-responsive trade policies under the AfCFTA Protocol, supporting women entrepreneurs with financial aid, capacity-building, and export opportunities. These initiatives empower women-led businesses to thrive in domestic and international markets, enhancing their role in Sierra Leone’s trade landscape.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, is advancing National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) to align with international standards. Through NQI, the country strengthens quality management, certification, and market surveillance, enabling Sierra Leonean products to meet global trade requirements.
Through business reforms, trade policy harmonization, and infrastructure projects, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is enhancing Sierra Leone’s business environment. Key achievements include regulated fuel pricing, improved customs processes, and industrial growth, all contributing to stronger domestic and international trade opportunities.
Trade is a foundational catalyst for development. Countries that are opened to international trade tend to grow faster, be more innovative, attract more investment, and create formal, well-paying employment opportunities for their citizens. Few countries have reached middle income levels without effectively utilizing trade.
Trade policymaking must be calculated, contemplative and deliberative to ensure that trade serves as an effective engine for inclusive growth and development. Well-crafted trade policies can diversify economic growth, support inclusiveness, and enhance economic competitiveness.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
Senior Weekly Management meeting, setting policies and acts enactment for the first quarter of the fiscal year.
Professional Head of The Ministry Of Trade and Industry
The Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone, Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, engaged in a high-level bilateral meeting with His Excellency, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) HE Wamkele Mene. The discussion was strategic and forward-looking, focusing on positioning Sierra Leone as a leading participant in the AfCFTA in line with HE President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone agenda, which champions sustainable economic growth.
The iron rod production capacity of Odhav Multi Industries (SL) Ltd alone will slash Sierra Leone’s $400 million annual import bill, stabilize foreign exchange reserves, and increase export earnings across African markets, fostering sustainable self-reliance.
Routine Trade visit to industries
Enhancing the capacity of MTI and its affiliated agencies to offer the enabling environment for private sector led growth.
Enhancing industrialization including the establishment of SEZs.
Facilitation of trade with more players, to support healthy competition.
Nurturing the growth of local SMEs and entrepreneurship.
Harmonization of national trade policies with regional and global initiatives to promote Sierra Leone’s international competitiveness.
To promote Industrial and Economic Growth