Sierra leone Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in sierra leone, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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eCommerce
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Sierra Leone’s eCommerce sector is in its early stages, with growth potential driven by a young, tech-savvy population and increasing mobile phone usage. Mobile money platforms like Orange Money, Africell Money, and WAVE play a crucial role in facilitating digital transactions, especially in areas with limited banking access. The government supports digital transformation through initiatives like the National Innovation and Digital Strategy (2019–2029), which aims to improve infrastructure and digital access. However, challenges such as low internet penetration, unreliable logistics, and consumer mistrust due to fraud and product authenticity concerns impede progress.

On the regulatory side, Sierra Leone lacks specific eCommerce laws or consumer privacy legislation. General commercial laws apply, but there are no dedicated rules for online transactions, digital marketplaces, or data protection. The Right to Access Information Act (2013) promotes transparency for public institutions but does not address private-sector eCommerce. While ethical data practices are encouraged, they are not legally required. The Cybercrime Act of 2021 provides some legal framework for digital activities, addressing issues like electronic fraud and identity theft.

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Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

Limitations

As a beta product, the Chatbot is currently being tested and its responses may occasionally produce inaccurate or incomplete information. The Chatbot is trained to decline out of scope or inappropriate requests. The Chatbot’s knowledge is limited to the public information on the Export Solutions web pages of Trade.gov, which covers a wide range of topics on exporting. While it cannot provide responses specific to a company’s product or a specific foreign market, its reference pages will guide you to other relevant government resources and market research. Always double-check the Chatbot’s responses using the provided references or by visiting the Export Solutions web pages on Trade.gov. Do not use its responses as legal or professional advice. Inaccurate advice from the Chatbot would not be a defense to violating any export rules or regulations.

Privacy

The Chatbot does not collect information about users and does not use the contents of users’ chat history to learn new information. All feedback is anonymous. Please do not enter personally identifiable information (PII), sensitive, or proprietary information into the Chatbot. Your conversations will not be connected to other interactions or accounts with ITA. Conversations with the Chatbot may be reviewed to help ITA improve the tool and address harmful, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate questions.

Translation

The Chatbot supports a wide range of languages. Because the Chatbot is trained in English and responses are translated, you should verify the translation. For example, the Chatbot may have difficulty with acronyms, abbreviations, and nuances in a language other than English.

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