The ECOWAS Commission recently held a workshop in Freetown, Sierra Leone, aimed at strengthening the National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) from September 30 to October 1, 2024. The focus was on enhancing the institutional capacity of the NTFCs by providing them with tools and technical knowledge necessary to meet World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) obligations.
H.E Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry in Sierra Leone, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Agenda. He highlighted that improving trade facilitation would boost economic empowerment by enhancing skills in trade logistics and customs management. “Improved efficiency in trade processes will facilitate smoother cross-border trade,” he stated, noting its potential to foster SME growth and job creation.
ECOWAS Resident Representative H.E Harouna Moussa underlined the role of trade facilitation as a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration. He pointed out the importance of prioritizing it for sustainable development through streamlined procedures and reduced bureaucracy.
Representing the World Bank Group, Ms. Benedicte Meille stressed that trade facilitation is essential across various sectors like customs and trade. She advocated for an inclusive approach involving all stakeholders through the NTFC to support national development initiatives effectively.
The workshop saw participation from officials of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, business associations, customs representatives, members of NTFCs, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission representatives, and a representative from the World Bank Group.
