On October 29, 2025, the Global Chamber on African Trade, Rights, and Economic Development (GCATRED) was ably represented by Ms. Zariatu Turay, the organization’s Director of Gender and Children’s Affairs, at the Manufacturers Round Table Conference and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition.
The event opened with a welcome address by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, who underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s industrial base and promoting local content.
Day One featured four keynote presentations from prominent stakeholders in the industrial and development sectors:
A representative of the Manufacturers Association reflected on the persistent challenges in creating an enabling environment for local industries and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to continued engagement with key partners and institutions.
- A representative from UNIDO highlighted the organization’s ongoing support toward infrastructure development, empowerment of SMEs, and promotion of women and youth enterprises. They also announced an upcoming partnership with the Standards Bureau aimed at enhancing quality assurance and fostering intersectoral collaboration.
- The World Bank Group’s representative elaborated on the Bank’s contributions in funding, capacity building, and policy development, while addressing structural and financial barriers facing manufacturers.
- The Minister of Finance spoke on opportunities and existing constraints within the manufacturing sector, urging financial institutions to lower interest rates and improve access to capital for local producers.
Delivering the keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio emphasized Sierra Leone’s determination to transition from import dependence to manufacturing self-reliance, stressing that local production generates employment, retains national wealth, and drives inclusive growth. He reaffirmed the government’s industrialization agenda, aligning it with the Feed Salone Initiative and ongoing efforts to empower youth and women in the manufacturing ecosystem.
President Bio also announced three strategic initiatives designed to accelerate industrial transformation and foster collaboration across sectors:
- Building Sierra Leone Innovatives Promotion
- National Manufacturing Road Map (2025–2030)
- National Manufacturing Pact — aimed at promoting accountability and partnership-driven growth.
GCATRED’s participation in this landmark event reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive trade, sustainable industrialization, and gender-responsive economic development across Africa.