Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing trade liberalization in West Africa. This declaration came as he received the 7th Technical Committee Report on the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) from Dr. Olorunsola E. Olowofeso, Director General of the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), at State House.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, expressed gratitude to President Bio for hosting WAMZ members and approving the 11th annual Trade Ministers’ Forum conference in Sierra Leone. The forum's theme, “International Trade Vulnerabilities of WAMZ Member States: Opportunities for Boosting Intra-WAMZ Trade,” highlights regional efforts to address trade challenges and foster economic cooperation.
Minister Sesay noted that WAMI organizes this forum annually among member states. Following Guinea's successful hosting in 2019, Sierra Leone was chosen for the 11th edition and elected as Chair, marking a significant leadership milestone in promoting regional trade.
Dr. Olowofeso commended Sierra Leone for its hospitality and successful conference hosting. He stressed the importance of good trade governance to enhance intra-WAMZ trade and integration. He identified tariff barriers as a persistent challenge and urged leaders to prioritize their removal for free goods flow among member states.
President Bio emphasized the urgency of trade liberalization for West Africa, noting other regions' benefits from free trade. He highlighted intra-regional trade's potential to boost economic growth and strengthen private sector engagement.
He expressed readiness to lead advocacy efforts, emphasizing moving beyond policy discussions to tangible actions breaking down trade barriers. “It’s time for West African leaders to translate policies into actionable steps that drive the free movement of trade,” he stated.
President Bio encouraged deeper private sector involvement in these efforts, asserting that regional integration could unlock substantial opportunities across WAMZ. He called for strong leadership and commitment to achieving seamless regional trade.
He concluded by assuring his full support and pledged further discussions with other West African leaders.
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