By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA) convened a Business Networking Lunch on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at the New Brookfields Hotel, bringing together Government officials, private sector leaders and development stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, address business constraints and explore opportunities for economic growth.
The event served as a strategic platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors, focusing on trade facilitation, investment promotion and private sector-led development. It also created an avenue for businesses to establish partnerships, exchange ideas and identify solutions to shared challenges within Sierra Leone’s evolving economic landscape.
In his welcome address, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture’s President, Oluniyi Robbin-Coker, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between Government and the private sector in shaping national economic outcomes. He emphasized that the country’s growth trajectory depends on building strong partnerships that encourage innovation, improve competitiveness and expand market opportunities.
A central issue raised was the growing congestion at the Freetown port, which he described as a major constraint on business operations. He noted that the port is currently operating beyond its intended capacity, leading to delays, increased costs and the diversion of cargo through neighboring countries. He called for the reestablishment of a Port Users Committee to improve coordination among stakeholders, including customs authorities, shipping lines and security agencies, to address inefficiencies in port operations and transportation logistics.
He also highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing engagement with Government institutions, referencing previous agreements aimed at improving the business environment. He reiterated that while Government is responsible for providing policy direction and regulatory frameworks, the private sector must drive economic growth through investment, production and job creation.
He identified tourism as a key sector with strong growth potential but acknowledged structural challenges within the hospitality industry that require targeted interventions. He further stressed the importance of regional integration, calling for the effective implementation of protocols under the Mano River Union to expand market access and facilitate cross-border trade. According to him, strengthening regional economic ties could significantly increase the size of the accessible market for local businesses and attract greater investment.
On tourism and economic diversification, Nabeela Farida Tunis, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, stressed that sustainable transformation requires strong partnerships with the private sector. She noted that tourism has evolved into a key economic sector with linkages to multiple industries, including hospitality, entertainment and the creative economy.
She emphasized the need to support micro, small and medium enterprises through formalization, skills development and access to finance, enabling them to scale up and contribute meaningfully to the economy. She further called for the integration of culture and creativity into business models, positioning them as drivers of job creation and national identity.
The Minister announced upcoming initiatives, including the One Nation Mega Festival and a national food expo, as opportunities for businesses to showcase products and services, attract investment and expand market reach.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to private sector development. He conveyed the support of Julius Maada Bio and described the networking lunch as an important mechanism for advancing trade, industrialization and national development.
The Minister acknowledged institutional challenges that had previously affected the effectiveness of the Chamber but noted that reforms and sustained dialogue had helped restore stability and confidence. He disclosed that between 2023 and 2025, the Government provided over 82.6 million dollars in tax incentives to support businesses, despite fiscal constraints.
He highlighted improvements in key economic indicators, including steady GDP growth, declining inflation and relative exchange rate stability, supported by reforms and international partnerships. He pointed to manufacturing as a significant contributor to the economy and outlined Government efforts to promote local production, agro-processing and value addition, with the aim of reducing import dependency and improving the trade balance.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of regional and continental trade frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, which offers access to a vast market and new opportunities for Sierra Leonean businesses. He outlined ongoing reforms such as the introduction of a National Single Window system to digitize trade processes and address port inefficiencies, alongside broader legislative and policy measures to strengthen the investment climate.
The Business Networking Lunch concluded with a renewed commitment from both Government and private sector stakeholders to deepen collaboration, address structural constraints and promote inclusive economic growth. Participants emphasized that sustained engagement and coordinated action remain essential to building a competitive and resilient economy.
