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.