MAFS launches GATF EPHYTO Project in Sierra Leone.

The Ministry Agriculture Food Security (MAFS) launched Global Alliance Trade Facilitation (GATF) ePhyto Project Tuesday 14th April 2026.

This initiative, supported by FAO and IPPC through ministry’s Crop Protection Unit (CPU), replaces paper certificates with electronic equivalents. Held at ministry conference hall, soft-launch event marked nation’s transition from manual documentation to digital verification. Electronic phytosanitary certificates enhance agricultural commerce, enable shipment tracking, and improve risk response for plant health authorities.

Deputy Minister II, Mr. Sahr Hemore, speaking on behalf of Minister, praised GATF and FAO for steadfast collaboration. He acknowledged CPU’s essential role driving transformative shift from paper-based documentation to modern electronic systems. Such transition boosts efficiency, transparency, and reliability while expediting safer agricultural commodity trade.

Hemore confirmed implementation mission began work in Freetown April 13th, continuing through April 17th. This exercise lays crucial groundwork for success, extending beyond mere launch to construct systems, nurture capacity, and forge partnerships with private sector stakeholders.

Successful digital rollout, he added, will deliver immense advantages to nation, slashing delays and expenses. Government pledges necessary policy guidance, institutional backing, and coordination to achieve stated goals.

Laura Garrone, GATF Project Manager, emphasized modernizing plant health verification to ease agricultural commerce. She lauded country’s government, particularly agriculture ministry’s Crop Protection Unit, for robust engagement and leadership launching this effort.

GATF unites public bodies, private enterprises, and development partners delivering practical reforms. Keen focus on dialogue and shared ownership ensures sustainable solutions responding to operational needs.

Professor Abdulai Jalloh, Chief Agriculture Officer at agriculture ministry, welcomed electronic certification effort. He reaffirmed Ministry’s ‘Feed Salone Project’ remains dedicated to boosting exports.

Event concluded with presentations from GATF representatives Laura Garrone and Amine Belkhadir alongside agriculture ministry CPU Head Alie Mansaray, covering global electronic verification systems and local benefits respectively.

Correspondent: Musa Kamara

Email: kaymuzay222@gmail.com

Tel: +232 78 155260