Freetown, Sierra Leone, 12 February– Sierra Leone has achieved a significant milestone as the first AfCFTA State Party to complete an implementation readiness assessment under the AfCFTA Implementation Review Mechanism (AFIRM). This comprehensive assessmentevaluates the country’s implementation of its commitments and obligations under the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Goods, marking progress and identifying challenges. As Sierra Leone prepares to begin trading under the AfCFTA, the assessment provides an insight not just into its readiness level but into areas requiring technical and capacity building support.
Following seven days of in-depth discussions, at which national experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, reviewed Sierra Leone’s compliance with key obligations under the Protocol on Trade in Goods such as tariff schedules, rules of origin, customs cooperation, trade facilitation, transit, NTBs, TBTs and SPS, the meeting:
- Validated the AfCFTA implementation readiness assessment report for Sierra Leone;
- Approved an Action Plan to further improve Sierra Leone’s compliance to its AfCFTA commitments and obligations under the Protocol on Trade in Goods and prepare it to commence trading;
- Identified broader challenges and opportunities for deeper trade integration under AfCFTA
The findings provide a clear roadmap for strengthening Sierra Leone’s trade capacity, with recommendations on legal and policy reforms, private sector engagement, and infrastructure development to unlock the full benefits of the Agreement.
By leading this process, Sierra Leone sets a precedent for State Party accountability under the AFIRM. The report will not only inform national reforms but also serve as a model for other State Parties embarking on their own assessments.
The AfCFTA Secretariat remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone in implementing the reportrecommendations, including its Action Plan. The Secretariat is committed to work with State Parties to ensure that all fully benefit from trading under the AfCFTA.
