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Desiderio Consultants Ltd. is a think tank and a network of independent professional international development consultants established to promote and influence customs & trade-related policies in African nations to achieve trade facilitation reforms aimed at improving international and regional trade
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WTO finalizes the third trade policy review of Sierra Leone

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat completed the third Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, the third since the country acceded to the Organization. Trade Policy Reviews are an exercise, mandated in the WTO agreements, in which member countries' trade and related policies are examined and evaluated at regular intervals to verify their compliance with WTO rules. Significant developments that may have an impact on the global trading system are also monitored. The trade policy review of Sierra Leone depicts a situation of a country that is making strong efforts in implementation of reforms aimed at improving the business environment and facilitating trade. Customs transitioned from the IT system ASYCUDA++ to ASYCUDA World in January 2019, and a risk management system is in place to focus customs controls on high-risk consignments. However, a large proportion of shipments still undergo physical inspections, which undermines the intended efficiency of the risk management approach. In 2020, an Electronic Single Window was introduced to streamline procedures in import processes.

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Implications of S.S. trade measures on african markets and industrial development dialogue

The global trade landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by rising protectionist policies, strategic tariffs, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The recent tariff announcement by President Donald Trump on April 2 has once again brought to light the far-reaching impact of unilateral trade measures by major economies—particularly on developing regions such as Africa. For African economies focused on export diversification, industrial growth, and deeper integration into global value chains, these evolving tariff regimes present both risks and opportunities. Understanding their implications is critical for shaping effective trade and industrial policies. In a webinar held on 15 April we analyzed the potential effects of these global shifts and to explore actionable strategies for enhancing Africa’s resilience, competitiveness, and participation in the global trade system.

The recording of the event is available here.

Small and vulnerable economies severely threatened by new US Tariffs

The April 2025 edition of the UNCTAD Global Trade Update provides a first analysis of the impact of the “reciprocal tariffs” recently adopted by the United States, concluding that these additional customs duties, targeting a total of 57 trading partners, risk to greatly hinder the growth as well as the potential to diversify and add value to exports of small and vulnerable economies.

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Afrobarometer survey shows that the desire for trade liberalization is stronger in African autocracies than in democracies

A new Afrobarometer survey conducted in 34 African countries analyses in which measure foreign policies adopted by African governments match the preferences of their constituents on issues related to free movement of persons and free trade. The survey explores the perceptions of African citizens’ in relation to two areas that are crucial for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which focuses exactly on the free movement of goods and people for the creation of a single African market.

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New UNIDO report shows that Africa is industrializing, albeit insufficiently

Despite the continent has made significant strides in infrastructure development and energy and resource efficiency, the rate of speed at which it is industrializing is still insufficient, the new United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) industrial development report (2024) shows. Presented on 26 March 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, during a joint event titled ‘The Future of Industrial Development in Africa’, the study shows that the rate of transformation of African economies is low, participation in global chains remains weak and employment conditions are deteriorating.

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