The European Union has called attention to the export and investment opportunities available to Sierra Leone under its Everything But Arms (EBA) trade arrangement, as the initiative marks 25 years of providing duty-free and quota-free access to the European market for eligible developing countries.
The issue was discussed at an event organised by the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, bringing together government representatives and members of the business community to examine how the country can make better use of preferential access to European markets.
EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone Jacek Jankowski highlighted the scheme’s role in opening European markets to developing economies, noting the potential for countries such as Sierra Leone to expand exports, strengthen local production and attract investment.
The EBA arrangement allows goods originating in least-developed countries to enter the EU without import duties or quotas, with arms and ammunition excluded. Sierra Leone is among the countries eligible for the scheme.
The discussions come as the EU prepares to implement a renewed Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) framework from January 2027. The revised system is intended to continue preferential market access while strengthening its links to sustainable development, job creation and responsible trade.
However, access to a preferential trade arrangement does not automatically translate into increased exports. Data from the EU-backed GSP Hub indicates that only a small proportion of Sierra Leone’s exports to the European market used EBA preferences in 2025, highlighting the need to improve export competitiveness and make better use of available trade benefits.
For Sierra Leone, expanding agricultural processing, meeting international product standards and strengthening the capacity of local businesses could help the country turn preferential market access into increased export earnings and employment.
The anniversary discussions therefore provide an opportunity for government and private-sector stakeholders to assess the barriers limiting Sierra Leonean exporters and identify practical ways to expand the country’s presence in European markets.
