Sierra Leone Garners African Trade Leadership, Invites Investment Amid AfCFTA Milestone. Freetown, Sierra Leone — President Dr. Julius Maada Bio celebrated a significant milestone for Sierra Leone on January 21, 2026, as the nation became the first to complete and gazette its National African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Readiness Assessment and Schedule of Commitments.
In a speech at the Forum Friends of the AfCFTA Breakfast Meeting during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos 2026, President Bio emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering a digital and industrial economy.
According to President Bio, the achievement reflects a strategic national approach that goes beyond mere compliance with the AfCFTA. He highlighted the importance of a data-driven strategy for growth, identifying strengths, bottlenecks, and investment opportunities.
The President also underscored the necessity of transitioning from paper — based systems to digital platforms, aiming to reduce transaction costs and harmonize digital trade regulations across the African Union.
In his address, President Bio made a strong case for investors to engage with Sierra Leone’s burgeoning digital and industrial sectors. He outlined the government’s focus on value addition, particularly in agribusiness and light manufacturing, supported by the establishment of Special Economic Zones and industrial parks.
He also emphasized the role of skills development and technical training in preparing the workforce for industrialized production and resilient supply chains.
The President positioned Sierra Leone’s AfCFTA approach as a model for the continent, inviting partners and investors to join the nation on its path of transformation. He declared that the country is open for business, with clear opportunities and a roadmap for growth.
In his concluding remarks, President Bio highlighted the government’s efforts to de-risk investments through sustained public-private dialogue, improved access to trade finance, and the structuring of bankable, data-backed projects. This strategy, he said aims to attract both domestic and foreign capital.
The historic AfCFTA achievement comes as Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen its position as a leader in trade reform on the African continent.
The President’s call for investment and partnership reflects the country’s ambition to leverage the AfCFTA to drive economic growth and prosperity.
