Conakry, Guinea, 2 June 2025 (ECA) – On May 28 and 29, 2025, the Republic of Guinea advanced its economic diversification efforts by hosting a workshop in Conakry to review and validate its national strategy for promoting and developing trade in services.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Small and Medium Enterprises, through its National Directorate of Foreign Trade and Competitiveness, organized this workshop with the technical and financial support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Sub-Regional Office for West Africa. The event convened national and international experts representing the public sector, private enterprises, and civil society.
The main goal was to validate an ambitious strategic document designed to harness the potential of Guinea's services sector, by ensuring alignment with national priorities and the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In her address, Ms. Diaka Kaba, National Director of Foreign Trade and Competitiveness, underscored the vital role of trade in services for the country's economic transformation. "It is essential to recognize and enhance the immense potential of the services sector, which covers areas as diverse as finance, health, digital technology, engineering, and tourism," she stated.
Ms. Kaba highlighted upon the inclusive and cooperative approach taken in developing this strategy, which stemmed from close collaboration between public and private stakeholders and the ECA.
Mr. Amadou Diouf, Head of the Sub-Regional Initiatives Section at the ECA Sub- Regional Office for West Africa, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Guinea and representing the Director of the Sub-Regional Office, highlighted the significance of this strategy. He stressed its relevance in aligning with the broader continental momentum fostered by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He pointed out that: “many African nations, including Guinea, continue to prioritize mining and petroleum exports while facing a persistent deficit in trade in services. Addressing this imbalance could help stabilize the current account, enhance export diversification, and strengthen their role in intra-African trade”.
By officially inaugurating the initiative, Mr. Mamadou Saliou Diaby, Secretary General of the Ministry, placed the national strategy into a wider framework of structural transformation. He underscored the significance of a three-pronged approach: balanced liberalization, strategic regulation, and inclusive economic growth, with a particular focus on youth and women.
“Trade in services serves as a key driver for generating skilled employment, enhancing the competitiveness of Guinean enterprises, and strategically positioning Guinea within regional and global value chains," stated Mr. Diaby.
The workshop fostered valuable contributions from participants, enhancing the strategy project and establishing a solid foundation for an operational roadmap. This roadmap is designed to secure the necessary resources for implementing the associated action plan, monitor progress, and ensure full stakeholder engagement in achieving the objectives.
The ECA reiterated its commitment, in collaboration with the United Nations system in Guinea, in supporting the country in this initiative and further advancing its sustainable development efforts.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
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Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org