By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen

Freetown, 7th April 2026 Under the theme “Fostering Trade Facilitation Through Digitization and Collaborative Compliance”, the Association of Clearing and Forwarding has officially transitioned into the Sierra Leone Customs Brokers Union, signaling a stronger and more unified body for the sector. The launch brought together stakeholders from ministries and institutions across the country.

Public Relations Officer Amadu Wurie Jalloh described the transition as a landmark moment. “Today, we are not just gathered here for another meeting. We are witnessing a milestone in the evolution of trade facilitation in our nation. Today, we have officially transitioned from an association into a focused union,” he said.

Union President Anthony Mohamed Salia urged members to embrace unity and uphold professionalism. “This union is built on the pillars of professionalism, integrity, and progress. As we begin this new chapter, I call upon all members to remain united, committed, and actively involved. The strength of our union will depend on our solidarity, cooperation, and shared purpose,” he emphasized. He added that the union’s goal is to enhance smooth service delivery for customers, ensuring transparent and efficient operations at international standards.

Secretary General Saidu A. Dumbuya, who served as keynote speaker, explained that the transition was necessary to keep pace with global changes in logistics. “The global landscape of logistics is changing to meet the demands of 2026, from full digitalization to critical cooperation. We are in the digital revolution, and we need to follow the same path,” he said, calling on members to remain unified and committed.

The message from the launch was clear: Sierra Leone’s logistics sector is evolving, and the newly formed Customs Brokers Union is determined to improve service delivery, strengthen compliance, and position itself as a key player in modern trade facilitation.