National Consultant Productive Transformation through Special Economic Zones in Sierra Leone

Objective and Scope of Work

This study will examine patterns and drivers of economic diversification and sophistication in Sierra Leone, the prospects for industrialisation, and the crucial role that can be played by SEZs. It aims to propose actionable policy recommendations for the Government to unlock productive transformation and contribute to unleash the full potential of the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Sierra Leone’s productive transformation.

Adequate infrastructure and an attractive regulatory framework represent two key pillars on which the attractiveness of the SEZs is based. Developing them up to international standards require expertise, resources, and institutional capacity. This study will review the SEZs policy and recommend concretes actions to identify the capabilities and conditions required to set up efficient SEZs in the country.

The study will inform on how the SEZs, production networks and value chain development can accelerate enhance the ability of Sierra Leonean firms to tap rapidly evolving local and competitive global international markets.