The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) actively participated in the national validation workshop on the Step-by-Step Guide for Trading Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), held from 11–12 February 2026 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The workshop brought together government institutions, development partners, private sector representatives, and trade experts to refine practical guidance that supports Sierra Leonean businesses — especially SMEs and agribusiness operators — in effectively accessing African markets under the AfCFTA framework.
Objective of the Workshop
The workshop aimed to review, validate, and strengthen the national trade guide to ensure it reflects real operational procedures, simplifies export/import processes, clarifies Rules of Origin requirements, and enhances accessibility for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Target Beneficiaries
Primary beneficiaries include agribusinesses, exporters, importers, SMEs, women- and youth-led enterprises, trade facilitators, and institutions supporting private sector development across Sierra Leone and West Africa.
Partners and Stakeholders
The initiative involved collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Industry, development partners, trade institutions, and private sector representatives working collectively to improve AfCFTA readiness.
Role of SLeCAD
SLeCAD contributed private sector insights, particularly from agribusiness operators, ensuring that practical business realities, compliance challenges, and market access concerns were reflected in the guide’s refinement.
Impact on SMEs and Agribusiness Sector
This initiative is expected to:
- Improve trade awareness and compliance readiness
- Reduce export bottlenecks for SMEs
- Strengthen agribusiness competitiveness
- Expand regional market access opportunities
- Enhance Sierra Leone’s participation in intra-African trade
SLeCAD remains committed to supporting agribusiness development, private sector competitiveness, and regional economic integration through continuous engagement, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.
👉 Visit our website www.slecad.biz regularly for detailed updates, trade opportunities, and agribusiness support initiatives.
Businesses interested in AfCFTA readiness and agribusiness trade support can connect with SLeCAD.
