By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Oakwood Green Africa, in collaboration with the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) Secretariat of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and in partnership with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of Finance, has on March 6, 2025 announced the 2025 IATF Stakeholder & Business Engagement Session. The event is set to take place on March 25, 2025, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Under the theme: “Bridging the Last Mile: Unlocking Sierra Leone’s Intra-Africa Trade Potential,” the engagement session aims to bolster Sierra Leone’s active participation in intra-African trade and investment. Key stakeholders will convene to discuss trade facilitation, funding opportunities and business expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The session will also provide strategic insights into Sierra Leone’s preparation for IATF 2025, scheduled to be held in Algiers, Algeria, later this year.

The roadshow will gather Government officials, business leaders, policymakers and investors to outline Sierra Leone’s trade objectives, enhance market access and facilitate financing solutions for businesses. The discussions will center around:

- Defining Sierra Leone’s Participation in IATF 2025 – Ensuring strong representation in Algeria, strategic engagement during the fair and structured follow-ups to maximize trade and investment outcomes.


- Afreximbank’s Funding Support – Providing financial assistance to Sierra Leonean businesses and institutions aiming to scale operations and improve competitiveness.


- Africa Trade Gateway – Offering businesses access to a comprehensive suite of digital trade tools, including compliance, trade regulations, investment opportunities, logistics, e-commerce and supply chain finance.


- SME and Corporate Engagement – A dedicated session for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and corporate entities to explore ways of leveraging AfCFTA benefits and accessing structured financial support.

As part of the IATF Roadshow series, this engagement builds on previous successful business roadshows in Sierra Leone, facilitated by Oakwood Green Africa and Afreximbank. The initiative aligns with the Government’s economic strategy to promote diversification, private sector growth and trade expansion across Africa.

The event presents a significant opportunity for trade stakeholders to engage with financial institutions, explore new markets and establish strategic partnerships in preparation for IATF 2025.

Oakwood Green Africa is a Pan-African organization committed to driving sustainable development across Africa. The company serves as a conduit for capital, technology, trade solutions, capacity building and business acceleration. Through its strong banking infrastructure, digital financial services platform and extensive agent network, Oakwood Green Africa promotes intra-Africa trade and SME development, ensuring expanded market access and financial inclusion.

As a last-mile delivery partner for Africa-focused institutions such as Afreximbank, Oakwood Green Africa plays a crucial role in ensuring the uptake of trade and investment solutions, reinforcing its position as a key catalyst for African trade and economic empowerment.

Afreximbank is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution dedicated to financing and promoting intra- and inter-African trade. The bank provides financial programs, trade development support and advisory services to enhance trade expansion across Africa. Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, Afreximbank continues to be a pivotal force in fostering economic growth on the continent.

The Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI) is responsible for developing policies and programs that stimulate domestic, regional and global trade. It also plays a critical role in facilitating private sector investment and industry development while advising the Government on trade and private sector advancement.

With Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to regional trade and economic development, the 2025 IATF Stakeholder & Business Engagement Session serves as a crucial platform for positioning the country within the broader African trade ecosystem. As preparations for IATF 2025 intensify, the event will provide vital insights and opportunities to ensure Sierra Leone maximizes its trade and investment potential on the continental stage.