The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) has on Friday April 12, 2024 paid a familiarization visit to the Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone Limited (formerly Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone Limited), at the Mabilafu, Mara Chiefdom in the Bombali District.
In his welcome address, the Associate Finance Manager of the Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone Limited, Patrick Tucker said that the visit of the Agency shows a very good recognition to their company, adding that they are pleased to work with the Agency.
The Director General of SLLCA, Mr. Fodeba Daboh disclosed that the Agency’s visit is just a familiarization visit. “We are here to listen to your concerns and challenges with regards Local Content issues,” he said, noting that many time Multinational Companies take the work of the Agency as an institution that Police them.
He said that the Agency’s mandate cut across every sector, pointing out that that the Agency’s mandate is to create sufficient linkages between foreign Companies and the local businesses.
He disclosed that they want to localize Sierra Leone’s economy thereby making it as a local content economy. He said that they want to see Sierra Leonean employees in managerial positions.
He said they believe in localization and value chain development. He said that they do not settle for low standards.
He disclosed that the Agency is working on a Critical Skills Database where Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad can upload their skills and curriculum vitae, adding that Multinational companies will login to the Agency’s website and search for the relevant skills they need for their companies which will prevent Multinational companies from bringing experts in country to do the same job that a Sierra Leonean can do.
He commended Sunbird Bioenergy Limited for submitting their Local Content Plan, noting that the Company do not need to submit another Plan until after three years. “However, they need to enter into a partnership agreement with the Agency so that the Agency will monitor the implementation of their plan,” he said.
DG Daboh told them about the Local Content Audit which is conducted once every year to ensure their compliance level.
He said that they regulate to ensure compliance to Local Content laws, noting that quiet recently, the Agency has approved the Local Content Plan for Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone Limited.
He disclosed that local content is about job creation for Sierra Leoneans, noting that the President Julius Maada Bio has declared 500,000 jobs for Sierra Leoneans which the Agency will coordinate and facility the space so as to actualize what the President has said.
“So, we are here today to meet with this Company to see their facilities and staff,” he said, noting that the Agency will come again at any time this year to evaluate the compliance rate of Sunbird.
