U.S. Ambassador Bryan Hunt Hosts Business Luncheon with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Trade, Alpah Ibrahim Sesay


On Friday, September 13, U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, hosted a pivotal business luncheon at his South Ridge residence, bringing together American businesses operating in Sierra Leone. The event, which featured the country's Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpah Ibrahim Sesay, as the guest of honor, focused on addressing key challenges affecting the local business environment.


During the luncheon, executives from American firms raised significant concerns over delays in port operations, high bank interest rates, and the need for clearer communication on investment opportunities. They also highlighted the unpredictability of the tax regime, which they described as a major obstacle to sustainable business growth.

Minister Sesay, in response, expressed gratitude for the candid feedback from the business community and assured attendees that the government is actively working to address these issues. He underscored the development of the Single Window Port Operations system, a crucial reform aimed at streamlining port procedures to eliminate delays and improve efficiency. Additionally, he highlighted various government efforts to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), emphasizing financial and non-financial assistance to make these businesses more competitive in export markets.


The Minister also detailed several government initiatives, including tax incentives and breaks designed to stimulate manufacturing growth. He encouraged businesses to collaborate closely with the government, positioning the private sector as a key driver of economic development. Sesay further urged companies to take advantage of preferential trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty- and quota-free access to U.S. markets. He requested U.S. assistance in formulating a new AGOA Utilization Plan to optimize its benefits.


Ambassador Hunt expressed strong support for the government’s initiatives, particularly the establishment of the Single Window Port Operations system, drawing on its success in other nations like Mozambique, where it has significantly improved operational efficiency and increased revenue. Hunt assured that the U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce, would continue to work closely with Sierra Leone's Ministry of Trade to address the challenges raised by business leaders.


Business executives in attendance praised Minister Sesay’s proactive stance and encouraged him to continue his open and collaborative approach to working with the private sector, underscoring the importance of these dialogues in fostering a more conducive business environment.



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