Mamadu Sallieu Barrie
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Haja Fatmata Kargbo Kamara, Joins High-Level Delegation in Landmark International Trade Initiative
Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing international trade and strengthening economic competitiveness following the signing of the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, widely known as the Accra Convention, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mohammed Rahman Swaray.
The historic signing ceremony, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), marked an important milestone in international efforts to transform trade documentation and facilitate more efficient cross-border transactions in an increasingly digital world.
Minister Swaray signed the Convention on behalf of Sierra Leone, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Haja Fatmata Kargbo Kamara; Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Ambassador Imran Kanu; and High Commissioner H.E. Mohamed Kaisamba.
The ceremony also featured a keynote address by Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, under the theme “Trade Facilitation for a Digital Age.”
A STRATEGIC STEP TOWARDS MODERNIZING SIERRA LEONE’S TRADE SECTOR
The Accra Convention represents a significant opportunity for countries to embrace digital solutions that simplify trade documentation, reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve supply-chain efficiency and strengthen the security of international commercial transactions.
For Sierra Leone, participation in this landmark initiative reflects the country’s growing ambition to build a more efficient, competitive and digitally enabled trade sector capable of supporting economic diversification and sustainable development.
The Convention’s potential to facilitate the use of electronic negotiable cargo documents could help businesses streamline shipping processes, improve access to trade financing and reduce some of the challenges associated with traditional paper-based documentation.
These developments are particularly important for local industries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), exporters, entrepreneurs and producers seeking greater access to regional and international markets.
DEPUTY MINISTER HAJA FATMATA KARGBO KAMARA’S ROLE IN SIERRA LEONE’S TRADE TRANSFORMATION
The participation of Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Haja Fatmata Kargbo Kamara, underscores the importance of strong institutional representation and international cooperation in advancing Sierra Leone’s trade and industrial development agenda.
Her presence at this high-level engagement reflects the Ministry’s commitment to exploring progressive policies and practical initiatives that can improve the business environment, strengthen export competitiveness and create greater opportunities for Sierra Leonean businesses.
As Sierra Leone continues to pursue industrial growth, local value addition and economic diversification, embracing digital trade facilitation will be essential to reducing barriers, improving efficiency and positioning the country to compete more effectively in the global marketplace.
The initiative also aligns with the country’s broader aspirations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to deepen intra-African trade, expand market access and promote economic integration across the continent.
BUILDING A MORE COMPETITIVE ECONOMY
Beyond the signing ceremony, the Accra Convention provides an important platform for strengthening international partnerships, sharing expertise and identifying practical approaches to ensure that digital trade reforms deliver tangible benefits to businesses and citizens.
For Sierra Leone, the challenge and opportunity lie in translating international commitments into effective national policies, appropriate legal frameworks and accessible digital systems that respond to the needs of traders, manufacturers, exporters and small businesses.
Digitalizing trade is no longer simply a technological ambition; it is an important component of economic transformation, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development.
Sierra Leone’s participation in the Accra Convention therefore represents a forward-looking step towards a modern trade environment where documentation is more efficient, transactions are more secure and businesses are better positioned to seize opportunities in regional and global markets.
With continued commitment, institutional collaboration and strategic investment in digital trade infrastructure, Sierra Leone can strengthen its position in international commerce and advance its ambition of building a more productive, inclusive and competitive economy.
