Sierra Leone and EU Strengthen Economic Partnership with Launch of EuroCham Sierra Leone Third Public-Private Dialogue Advances Business Environment Reforms and Investor Engagement

The Chief Minister pointed to growing investments across sectors including logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, mining and renewable energy. He also reassured investors of Government's continued support for private sector growth.

"Sierra Leone is safe. Sierra Leone is secure and Sierra Leone is open for investment."

Press Release

Sierra Leone and EU Strengthen Economic Partnership with Launch of EuroCham Sierra Leone

Third Public-Private Dialogue Advances Business Environment Reforms and Investor Engagement

Freetown, Sierra Leone - 9 June 2026 - The Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union and the European private sector reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations through the successful convening of the 3rd Government of Sierra Leone-European Union Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) and the official inauguration of the European Chamber of Commerce - EuroCham Sierra Leone.

The landmark event brought together senior Government officials, European investors, business leaders and representatives of the EU member States to review progress on business environment reforms, discuss investment climate challenges and establish a new institutional platform for structured engagement between Government and European businesses.

The launch of EuroCham Sierra Leone marks an important milestone in the growing investment relations between Sierra Leone and the European Union, coming as both partners celebrate 50 years of cooperation and seek to deepen collaboration under the EU's Global Gateway Strategy and Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan.

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh highlighted the progress made in strengthening economic ties between Sierra Leone and the EU and underscored Government's commitment to fostering a stable and predictable business environment.

"I believe that the relationship between the EU and Sierra Leone is stronger today through you and through your citizens than it's ever been."

The Chief Minister pointed to growing investments across sectors including logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, mining and renewable energy. He also reassured investors of Government's continued support for private sector growth.

"Sierra Leone is safe. Sierra Leone is secure and Sierra Leone is open for investment."

A key highlight of the event was the official inauguration of EuroCham Sierra Leone, a new business association designed to provide European companies with a unified platform for advocacy, policy dialogue and engagement with Government institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the Chamber, Mr. Hans Wurche, President of EuroCham Sierra Leone and Managing Director of MSC, described the establishment of the organisation as a significant step toward institutionalising cooperation between the public and private sectors.

"The founding of the EuroCham is a strong statement of long-term partnership between the public and private sectors in this country."

Mr. Wurche noted that EuroCham brings together companies operating in key sectors of the economy, including logistics, shipping, agriculture, energy and tourism, many of which have already made substantial investments and created employment opportunities in Sierra Leone.

He emphasised that the Chamber intends to play a constructive role in supporting reforms and facilitating new investment opportunities.

"We will serve as a bridge for investment, working closely with the Government of Sierra Leone and EU institutions to translate tangible initiatives into business opportunities in Sierra Leone."

The Chamber is also expected to help monitor and follow up on recommendations emerging from future Public-Private Dialogues, ensuring greater continuity and accountability in reform efforts.

Addressing participants, Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, welcomed the launch of EuroCham as a practical mechanism for improving communication and collaboration between Government and investors.

"EuroCham Sierra Leone gives the European business community a single, credible, organised voice, and it gives Government a structured counterpart."

The Minister stressed that Sierra Leone's economic transformation agenda depends on a vibrant and competitive private sector and that Government remains committed to improving the ease of doing business through stronger coordination, greater transparency and more effective implementation of reforms.

"Sierra Leone is open for business, and we mean it, not as a slogan, but as a commitment we are working every day to honour."

The Public-Private Dialogue also reviewed progress on issues raised during previous engagements. Participants agreed on the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and strengthening follow-up mechanisms to ensure that identified bottlenecks are effectively addressed.

H.E. Jacek Jankowski, Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone, described the inauguration of EuroCham as a major step forward in strengthening trade and investment relations between Sierra Leone and the EU.

"By fostering an enabling business environment and creating a level playing field, along with the means offered by the Global Gateway, Sierra Leone and the European Union can now pave the way for European entrepreneurs to multiply their investments, thereby creating the jobs that the youths of this country need."

The Ambassador highlighted the growing contribution of European companies to Sierra Leone's development, noting recent investments in digital infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and logistics.

"European businesses not only bring capital, they also bring knowledge and know-how, they transfer technologies. They create jobs. Decent jobs!"

He further reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to supporting business environment reforms and promoting responsible investment that contributes to sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The establishment of EuroCham Sierra Leone is expected to strengthen policy dialogue, improve coordination between public and private sector stakeholders, support investment advocacy and contribute to efforts aimed at creating a more competitive and predictable business environment.

As Sierra Leone seeks to attract increased foreign direct investment and expand opportunities for economic growth, the launch of EuroCham and the continued success of the Public-Private Dialogue process demonstrate a shared commitment by Government, the European Union and the private sector to building a stronger partnership founded on dialogue, reform and mutual prosperity.

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