The European Union and Sierra Leone have deepened their economic partnership with the official inauguration of the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Sierra Leone and the convening of the 3rd Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) in Freetown on 9 June 2026, according to a press release from the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone published on 12 June 2026. The event brought together senior government officials, European investors, and EU member state representatives to review business environment reforms and establish a structured platform for engagement between the government and European businesses.
The launch of EuroCham Sierra Leone marks a milestone 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 progress in economic ties and reaffirmed the government's commitment to a stable business environment, stating, "Sierra Leone is safe. Sierra Leone is secure and Sierra Leone is open for investment." He pointed to growing investments in logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and renewable energy.
EuroCham Sierra Leone, a new business association, will provide European companies with a unified platform for advocacy, policy dialogue, and engagement with government institutions. Mr. Hans Wurche, President of EuroCham and Managing Director of MSC, described the founding as "a strong statement of long-term partnership between the public and private sectors." The Chamber brings together companies in logistics, shipping, agriculture, energy, and tourism, many of which have already made substantial investments and created jobs. It will also help monitor recommendations from future Public-Private Dialogues to ensure continuity and accountability in reforms.
Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, welcomed EuroCham as a mechanism for improving communication and collaboration, stressing that Sierra Leone's economic transformation depends on a vibrant private sector. The PPD reviewed progress on previous issues, with participants agreeing on the importance of regular dialogue and follow-up mechanisms.
H.E. Jacek Jankowski, EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, described the inauguration as a major step forward, noting that European companies bring capital, knowledge, technology transfer, and decent jobs. He reaffirmed EU support for business environment reforms and responsible investment under the Global Gateway, which aims to multiply investments and create jobs for youth.
The establishment of EuroCham is expected to strengthen policy dialogue, improve coordination between public and private stakeholders, support investment advocacy, and contribute to a more competitive and predictable business environment in Sierra Leone.
The initiative benefits European businesses by providing a structured platform for advocacy and reducing investment uncertainty. For Sierra Leone, it promises increased foreign direct investment and job creation, particularly for youth. The government gains a credible counterpart for reforms, while EU taxpayers see their development funds leveraged through private investment. Potential trade-offs include the risk that reforms may prioritise investor interests over local small businesses, though the dialogue process aims to balance both.