By Hajaratu S. Bangura
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, has announced that Sierra Leone’s exports grew from US$1.33 billion in 2023 to US$1.68 billion in 2025, representing a cumulative growth of 21.4%.
He made the disclosure on Thursday, June 18, 2026 during the Civic Day London Edition Conference held at Westminster Chapel in London, where he outlined key legal, financial and institutional reforms driving the country’s trade and investment agenda.
Minister Sesay noted that the increase in exports, coupled with a reduction in imports to US$1.9 billion in 2025, has significantly improved Sierra Leone’s trade balance.
According to him, increased local manufacturing has helped reduce the country’s trade deficit from US$589 million in 2023 to US$286 million, nearly cutting it in half. He added that the Ministry has undertaken a comprehensive trade policy review with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as an attractive destination for investment and international trade.
The Minister further highlighted government efforts to promote economic stability and support local businesses.
He explained that pricing mechanisms developed in partnership with international development institutions and the World Bank are helping cushion consumers against global commodity and fuel price fluctuations.
He also revealed that forthcoming reforms targeting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) will focus on integrating informal traders, market women and young entrepreneurs into the formal financial system to improve access to trade finance and business opportunities.
Minister Sesay emphasized that these reforms have boosted investor confidence, attracting over US$800 million in investments for domestic manufacturing and industrial development.
He further disclosed that the Government is working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish a Diaspora Investment Fund Policy aimed at creating a transparent framework for Sierra Leoneans abroad to invest securely in the country’s economic growth and transformation.
