The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) and Private Sector players on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 held the first quarterly Consultative Forum Meeting, at the Agency’s Conference Hall in Freetown.

The meeting brought together stakeholders from Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Road Maintenance Fund Administration, National Telecommunication Authority (NatCA), NCTVA, National Investment Board, OBT Shipping Company, National Consumer Protection Commission, Ministry of Finance, National Youth Commission, and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, among others.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of SLLCA, Mr. Fodeba Daboh explained that pursuant of s. 66 of the Agency’s Act, 2016 mandates the Agency to set up a consultative body to be known as the Sierra Leone Local Content Consultative Forum which shall provide a platform for information sharing and collaboration in the sectors covered by this Act with respect to – upcoming projects in the sectors; information on available local capabilities; and other policy proposals that may be relevant to Sierra Leonean content development, adding that this section created the platform for stakeholders to come together to discuss and promote local content business.

DG Daboh added that the Forum has a statutory obligation to work towards the implementation of local content laws which are clearly spelt out in the Act, pointing out that that the work of this institution doesn’t alone lies in the hands of this directorate but rather with the institutions that forms part of the Forum.

He said that the aim of this forum is to foster collaboration among the government, private sector and the civil society organisations. “It means, the work of this Agency doesn’t only lies in the hands of the directors within the Agency, but rather, this forum must be seen to drive this process,” he said.

DG Daboh has expressed a desire to clearly understand the operations of forum members to ensure that the benefits provided are effectively directed towards the indigenous Sierra Leoneans businesses and communities. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of upholding established standards and not compromising on quality in the process.

He said that they went to ensure that the economy of this country is in the hands of the Sierra Leoneans, adding that they want to see indigenous businesses competing at the global stage, adding that they don’t just want to compete at local level.

He said that this forum is responsible for gathering information on new and ongoing projects within their various institutions which will be beneficial to local entrepreneurs thereby enabling them to compete, pointing out that for far too long, the economy of this country has been in the hands of foreigners.

DG Daboh is aware of the capacity gap in the country, but stated that that is NCTVA , Sierra Leone Standard Bureau, and the ministry of Higher Education, among other institutions are working together to ensure that they bridge the capacity gap.

The Director General further explains the role of the Agency in job creation and the Agency’s role in granting work permit for foreign nationals.

The Deputy CEO of Road Maintenance Funds Administration, Mr Bashir Sheriff emphasizing the critical role of the Ministry of Labour in collaborating with the Agency, and highlights an essential aspect of national development, noting that this partnership ensures that Sierra Leoneans are prioritized in the job market, which is vital for promoting local employment opportunities and reducing dependency.

A representative from the Sierra Leone Importers Association, Mr. Sheriff Barrie also calls for collaboration between the Ministry of Labor and Local Content with regards the issuance of work permit. Issues around the review of the Agency’s Act in line with the current trend was discussed and the need to collaborate with NIB and also to have an in-House legal practitioner which will handle legal issues that may arise in the process of regulating and enforcing the Agency’s Act.

A Legal Officer of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Martin Rogers ESQ said that the Agency need to employ an in-house legal practitioner so that he will handle legal issues and develop regulations, if the agency wholly depends of Law Officers Department, it work will be impeded because Law Officers have several work on their table.

In a bid to ensure effective and enhanced business linkages for Local entrepreneurs, the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 holds a roundtable business Linkage Meeting with Hotels and Restaurants Owners, at the Agency’s Conference Hall in Freetown.

The meeting was attended by Business Development Department and representatives from Roy’s Hotel and Restaurant, Atlantic Hotel, and Peaki Residence Hotel.

The purpose of the meeting, focusing on market/supplier issues and collaboration between local suppliers and big businesses which is pivotal for fostering an inclusive and sustainable business environment.

The Private sector development officer of SLLCA, Sarah M.T Bao  said that creating Business linkages for our local entrepreneurs is a key deliverable in the work of the Sierra Leone Local content Agency, cognizance of the Big Five Game Changer as per Hos Excellency the President Rtd. Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio’s agenda. Through it’s match making strategy, the agency in the recent past has linked several local businesses various sectors of the economy with multi-national companies locally as well as internationally.

She assured measurable outcome of the monthly sectorial business linkage meetings, the Agency will thoroughly follow-up with local entrepreneurs on the number of business contracts received due to its intervention.

“Additionally, strengthening these ties between local suppliers and larger companies can lead to more sustainable and resilient supply chains, which is beneficial for the broader economy,” she said.

The representatives from the Hotels thanked the Agency for such collaboration and expressing interest in the idea of collaborating with local suppliers to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of their supply chains, noting that getting goods from the local suppliers will lower the transportation costs and potentially reduce the lead time for receiving necessary supplies.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Alpha Sesay said on Tuesday January 9^th, 2024 that local content is a driver of industrialization aimed at promoting the utilization of domestic resources as inputs along value chains thereby achieving the objectives of increasing average local content levels, capacity utilization, and manufactured exports.

He made this comment when delivering a keynote address at the Local Content Workshop organized by Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL) at the New Brookfields Hostel in Freetown. The workshop was well attended by the Director General of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, including other Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), staff of the Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), local suppliers, contractors, and service providers.

He added that the mandate of the Sierra Leone Local content Agency is to promote Sierra Leonean content development by strengthening the domestic private sector and to promote a friendly investment climate that supports local supply chains and build a competitive workforce, adding that the 2016 Act is a legal regulatory mechanism in ensuring that local content provisions are implemented.

“Similarly, companies should understand it is their responsibility to give preference to qualified local businesses, especially those within the environment where the company is operating,” he said.

He said the Government will continue to encourage mining companies such as SRL to build the capacities of local businesses so they can deliver quality services and to operate fair and transparent procurement and employment policies which allow indigenous Sierra Leonean businesses and Sierra Leoneans to gain procurement contracts and employment.

He pointed out that Sierra Rutile should also be committed to regular engagement and communication with local suppliers to ensure they understand what SRL want and can easily navigate their contracting and procurement processes and be part of a transparent supply chain.

He encouraged all beneficiaries of this workshop to treat it with the seriousness that it deserves, noting that as local contractors, suppliers and service providers, such platforms do not only increase your knowledge and capacity in conducting business with multi-national companies, but also broaden your network and provide increased business linkages for you.

The Director General of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, Mr. Fodeba Daboh said that Sierra Rutile Limited has been around forever and so much is expected of them when it comes to Local Content delivery. “And for them taking the lead in having this Local Content workshop, tells us their strong show of commitment, and we look forward to more other companies not only within the mining sector, but other productive sectors to emulate same. Rest assure the Agency is always ready to give its support where applicable,” DG Daboh added.

He encouraged the Local Suppliers to know that Local Content is about competitiveness, value addition and more. “Thus, we do not settle for substandard. Local Suppliers also have to understand their obligations when it comes to service delivery. In order to ensure there is utilization of Sierra Leone goods and services, preferential margins of 10% is given to domestic suppliers by virtue of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency Act of 2016,” he said.

He pointed out that another aspect he must not leave out is, the perception about Local Content which have been considered far too long as, ‘highly complex, rigid and defined as too harsh.’ “However, it may interest you to know the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency Act 2016 is materially less harsh than comparable regulation in a number of other African countries where Local Content is a high-profile public policy,” he disclosed. “I tell you ladies and gentlemen; we have been more of facilitators than regulators of the 2016 Act. Therefore, it can be argued that, the provisions on local content in the 2016 Act is positioned as an incentive in terms of the limited restrictions to market access for foreign suppliers, the realistic targets for hiring Sierra Leonean citizens and the achievable objectives for encouraging raw material inputs to manufactured products compared to other African countries.”

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, today, October 26, 2024 embarked on a cleaning exercise at the Aberdeen-Lumley beach, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Freetown. This initiative aimed to enhance the beach’s appeal by ensuring a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly coastal area, fostering tourism, and promoting civic engagement in environmental preservation.

The beach cleaning event attracted community members, government representatives, and volunteers from various local organizations, reflecting a collective commitment to maintaining the country’s natural beauty. Volunteers worked together to clear litter, dispose of waste responsibly, and ensure the beach area is pristine and welcoming for both locals and tourists.

The involvement of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency is crucial, as it highlighted the importance of local partnerships in achieving sustainable development. By supporting such initiatives, the Agency aims to increase environmental awareness, reinforce the nation’s commitment to sustainable tourism, and encourage active civic participation among Sierra Leoneans.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs emphasized that maintaining a clean and safe beach environment is integral to promoting Sierra Leone’s image as a prime eco-tourism destination. They expressed gratitude to all volunteers and stakeholders for their efforts, stressing that continued partnerships and community involvement are key to preserving the country’s natural resources for future generations.

The Aberdeen-Lumley beach cleaning exercise not only succeeded in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the beach but also served as an educational platform, inspiring Sierra Leoneans to protect their environment and contribute to sustainable development.

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.

The Director General of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA), Mr. Fodeba Daboh has on Friday December 9th, 2022, received the ‘Most Influential Local Content Champion in Sierra Leone 2022’ from the Global Impactful Women, at the New City Hall in Freetown.

Director General of SLLCA Receives Most Influential Local Content Champion in Sierra Leone 2022

The Award was received by senior management staff of the Agency on behalf of the Director General who was unavoidably absent.

This is the second prestigious award the Director General has received in less than a month after he had earlier received the 4th Prestigious Awards from The Women’ Forum Sierra Leone for his outstanding achievement in creating the enabling climate for women led businesses across the country.

The Award was received by senior management staff of the Agency on behalf of the Director General who was unavoidably absent.

Sierra Leone High Commissioner in Accra, Ghana, Her Excellency Francess Virginia Anderson on Thursday 1st December visited the ongoing West Africa Agro Food Trade Show, which is being held at the Accra International Conference Centre.

High commissioner Anderson visits Sierra Leone’s booth at the West Africa Agrofood Conference

During her visit to the fair particularly Sierra Leone’s booth, High Commissioner Anderson met with the country’s representatives of institutions such as the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, Standards Bureau, Agro processing and Competitiveness Project of the World Bank.

She applauded and congratulated all representatives of Sierra Leone and urged them to always do more in ensuring their products meet the required standards as by so doing Sierra Leone’s Flag will fly high.

She encouraged them to be doing all they could in improving what they do and making sure even their packaging meets international expectation.

As a nation she said, Sierra Leone will continue to do that which is needed in showcasing its quality.

Sierra Leone’s Products displayed at the West Africa Agrofood Conference in Ghana

A total number of 18 Agro processing Local Entrepreneurs also formed part of Sierra Leone’s team. They informed the High Commissioner about the purpose of the fair and how it has been.

According to them, the event brought together 98 exhibitors of 21 countries from Africa, Asia and Europe with a goal of displaying value chain of Agroindustry products and facilities.

Representative of the Agro processing and competitiveness project at the Small Medium Enterprises, Haja Meyers briefed the High Commissioner on how exceptional the entrepreneurs have been, and that they continue to receive support from the Agro prosessing and competitiveness project of the world bank.

She pleaded with the High Commissioner to support them in any way by ensuring they also enter the regional market through the desired networking.

Sierra Leone Local Content Agency Director General, Fodeba Daboh appreciated the High Commissioner for the visit while promising that his Agency and all others working together in the same interest will continue to project Sierra Leone’s local content to Africa and the world at large.

The Director General of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA), Mr. Fodeba Daboh, and other senior government officials recently attended the seventh International Summit & Exhibition for Applied Education and TVET at the Hunan International Convention & Exhibition Center, Changsha in China.

The summit on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, to Friday, August 18, 2023, was hosted by the International Transnational Education Association (ITEA) and co-hosted by the International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM).

The Summit is a joint Development of National Vocational Education Standards and National Qualifications Frameworks collaborative project with The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Cambodia, and Pakistan.

The Sierra Leone delegation comprises the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Mr. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara who delivered the keynote address, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr Josephous Brimah, the Acting Director of National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Abdul Senesie and the NCTVA representative, Mr Abdul Rahman Sesay.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Mr Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara said that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five changer for sustainable economic development and social process is in line with the objective of this summit. He emphasized that developing middle-level manpower through TVET can help achieve the “Big Five”.

In his address, the Director General of the SLLCA, Mr. Daboh explained that the Agency’s key priority and strategic focus is skills development and strengthening the capacity of local enterprise.

DG Daboh believed that a skilled workforce could create a pool of Sierra Leonean professionals’ workforce ready for immediate use by multinational companies.

He added that the Agency has built and will continue to build a robust network between local firms and their international counterparts.

“It is against that background that we are working diligently with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and its affiliate Agencies like NCTVA and Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to develop our middle-level manpower and also to curb the persistent skills mismatch between schools and colleges and employing firms,” DG Daboh added.

He disclosed, “So far, we have developed a scorecard for companies registered in Sierra Leone which makes adherence to Agency laws easy and enticing.