By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The High Commission of India in Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic ties with the country, following the successful hosting of the India–Sierra Leone Trade and Investment Promotion Seminar at The Place Resort, Tokeh Beach, on Saturday, 23rd August 2025.

The high-profile seminar brought together representatives from the National Investment Board, Special Envoys of the President of Sierra Leone, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), business leaders, and members of trade organizations. The event was designed to explore opportunities for enhancing trade and investment flows between the two nations.

Delivering the keynote address, India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Baisnab Charan Pradhan, thanked participants for their attendance and highlighted India’s growing role as a global economic powerhouse. He noted that India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy at $4.19 trillion, is projected to surpass Germany within the next two years to become the third-largest.

Pradhan underscored India’s appeal as an investment destination, citing its steady growth rate, low inflation of 2.8 percent, and strong foreign direct investment inflows. “India’s population of 1.4 billion presents a vast consumer base, and our reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax and the bankruptcy code have created a conducive business climate,” he said.

He stressed the rising trajectory of India–Africa trade, now nearing $100 billion, with Indian investments on the continent valued between $40–50 billion. Specifically, trade with Sierra Leone has expanded by over 150 percent in seven years, rising from $117 million to $408 million. Pradhan identified opportunities for Sierra Leone in edible oils, ethanol, and renewable energy, urging the country to explore India’s $250 billion import basket.

Highlighting sector-specific opportunities, the High Commissioner encouraged Sierra Leone to consider investments in palm oil and ethanol, with India’s vast demand creating room for growth. He also invited Sierra Leone to join global platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance, which provide access to finance, technology, and expertise.

Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone, Mohamed A. Sesay, Director of the National Investment Board, outlined priority areas for investment. He noted that while India is a longstanding partner, trade imbalances persist, with Sierra Leone importing more than it exports. Sesay proposed light manufacturing, energy expansion, and value addition in the extractive sector as avenues to bridge this gap.

He also showcased opportunities in fisheries, water management, tourism, and health infrastructure. “Sierra Leone offers prospects across every sector, from renewable energy to plastic waste management and ecotourism,” Sesay said, adding that the government is reviewing incentives to make the investment climate even more attractive.

Peter Mannah, the President’s Special Envoy for Healthcare, called for stronger Indian participation in Sierra Leone’s health sector. He emphasized the need for local hospitals, pharmaceutical production, and medical schools, noting that such investments could retain funds currently spent on overseas medical treatments. “The government is ready to support with incentives such as free land for pharmaceutical factories,” Mannah disclosed.

Also addressing the seminar, Giina Lavaly, Country Officer for the International Finance Corporation, outlined the IFC’s ongoing efforts to boost private sector growth in Sierra Leone. She pointed to existing investments in agribusiness, cement production, solar energy, and financial services, with a pipeline of over $80 million in projects. Lavaly stressed that Sierra Leone remains open for business, particularly in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

In closing, both Indian and Sierra Leonean representatives expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations. They agreed that continued dialogue, private sector involvement, and government support are key to unlocking opportunities in trade and investment.

The seminar concluded with a call for stronger partnerships that would not only expand India–Sierra Leone trade but also create jobs, enhance industrialization, and improve service delivery in both nations.