Ministry of Trade and Industry

Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay

Minister of Trade and Industry

Advancing trade and industrial development for domestic, regional, continental, and international markets.

Featured Initiatives Contact Us

Industrial Development

Supporting sustainable industrial growth through sound policies, private sector engagement, and monitoring that strengthen Sierra Leone's manufacturing base.

Our Services

Export Promotion

Enhancing Sierra Leone's export competitiveness through private sector capacity building and trade agreements such as AfCFTA and AGOA.

Explore Exports

Trade Infrastructure

Building robust trade infrastructure and logistics to facilitate seamless movement of goods and services across borders.

Our Services

Energy & Resources

Promoting sustainable energy solutions and resource management to power industrial growth and long-term economic stability.

Our Services

Our Impact

Working Together

Trade is a catalyst for development. Sierra Leone continues to open market corridors through AfCFTA, ECOWAS, and AGOA.

Driving Sierra Leone's Economic Growth

Following the 2024 national accounts rebasing, Sierra Leone's economy is valued at about US$8 billion, with real GDP growth of roughly 4% in 2024. The Ministry works with partners and the private sector to strengthen competitiveness and diversify the economy.

~US$8B National GDP (2024, rebased)

~4% Real GDP Growth (2024)

54 AfCFTA Signatory States

1.4B AfCFTA Market (people)

Market Data

Stock Levels, Prices & Exchange Rates

Official market indicators published by the Ministry to support informed decisions for businesses, investors, and citizens.

Market data coming soon Exchange rates, commodity prices, and stock levels will be published here by the Ministry. Please check back later.

What We Do

Our Main Services

Core programmes that strengthen industry, expand exports, and create an enabling environment for private sector growth.

Industrial Development

Policies, private sector engagement, and monitoring to grow manufacturing and diversify the economy, including active participation in AfCFTA.

Exports

Building export competitiveness through standards alignment, trade agreements such as AfCFTA and AGOA, and support for participation in international markets.

Private Sector Development

Investment facilitation, fiscal concessions, and policy guidance aligned with national development goals under the NMTDP 2023–2028.

Women in Trade

Gender-responsive trade policies, financial support, and capacity-building for women entrepreneurs in domestic and international markets.

Standards & Quality

National Quality Infrastructure with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau so local products meet international trade requirements.

Trade Support

Business reforms, policy harmonization, and infrastructure improvements that strengthen customs processes and the overall business environment.

Our Strategy

Strategic Pillars

Five priorities guiding Ministry work to build a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable trade and industrial sector.

Pillar 1

Institutional Capacity

Strengthening MTI and affiliated agencies to deliver an enabling environment for private sector-led growth.

Pillar 2

Industrialization & SEZs

Accelerating industrial development, including the establishment of special economic zones.

Pillar 3

Trade Facilitation

Expanding participation in trade with more players to support healthy competition.

Pillar 4

SMEs & Entrepreneurship

Nurturing the growth of local small and medium enterprises and new business ventures.

Pillar 5

Policy Harmonization

Aligning national trade policies with regional and global initiatives to boost international competitiveness.

Management

Leadership

Political and professional leadership guiding trade and industrial policy for Sierra Leone.

Minister of Trade & Industry

Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay

Political and strategic head of the Ministry, providing leadership for trade and industrial development.

Deputy Minister

Mrs. Fatmata Kamara

Supports the Minister in policy delivery and coordination across trade and industry programmes.

Chief Director

Professional Head

Leads technical and operational delivery, supervising directorates and ensuring effective policy implementation.

View full management team →

In the Spotlight

Featured Initiatives

Highlights from recent engagements, industrial projects, and field monitoring across Sierra Leone.

AfCFTA Partnership

Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay met AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene to advance Sierra Leone's role in the continental market, aligned with the Feed Salone agenda.

Steel Industry

Local iron rod production at Odhav Multi Industries (SL) Ltd is reducing import dependence, stabilizing foreign exchange, and opening export opportunities across African markets.

Site Visitation & Monitoring

Routine field visits to industrial sites ensure compliance, identify bottlenecks, and support operators with timely policy and regulatory guidance.

Help Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers on exports, business registration, and trade licences in Sierra Leone.

I want to export from Sierra Leone — how do I go about it?

To export goods from Sierra Leone, you must first register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Next, obtain an Export Licence from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Depending on the product, you may also need a phytosanitary certificate (for agricultural goods) from the Ministry of Agriculture or a quality certificate from the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau (SLSB). Finally, you will clear your goods through the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Customs Division at the port of exit.

Do I need a registered business before I can export?

Yes. All exporters must have a legally registered business entity in Sierra Leone. You can register a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Registration typically takes 2–5 working days. Once registered, you can then apply for your Export Licence at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Where do I register a company or business in Sierra Leone?

Business registration is handled by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Freetown. For a sole proprietorship, you need a completed application form, two passport photos, and a valid national ID. For a limited company, you will additionally need a memorandum and articles of association, details of directors and shareholders, and a registered office address. The CAC also offers an online portal for faster processing.

What documents do I need to export goods?

The key documents include: (1) a valid Export Licence from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, (2) a Certificate of Origin from the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce (SLCCIA), (3) a Customs Declaration Form from the NRA, (4) a Phytosanitary or Quality Certificate from the relevant agency, and (5) a Bill of Lading or Airway Bill from your shipping agent. For AfCFTA markets, you may also need a certificate of compliance with the AfCFTA Rules of Origin.

What percentage of export proceeds must be repatriated?

Under the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) foreign exchange regulations, exporters are required to repatriate 100% of export proceeds through a licensed commercial bank within 90 days of the shipment date. Failure to comply can result in penalties including suspension of your Export Licence. Contact the BSL Foreign Exchange Supervision Department for guidance.

What is AfCFTA and how does it benefit Sierra Leonean businesses?

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a trade agreement among 54 African Union member states creating a single continental market of over 1.3 billion people. For Sierra Leone, it means reduced or eliminated tariffs when exporting to other African countries and new opportunities for manufacturers and farmers. The Ministry of Trade and Industry supports businesses through training, certification, and market linkage programmes.

How can I get a trade licence or import permit?

Trade licences are issued by your Local Council (Freetown City Council for Freetown-based businesses). Import permits for controlled goods are issued by the relevant government ministry. All importers must register with the NRA and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Contact the Ministry of Trade and Industry for guidance on additional permits.

Our Partners