The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency in partnership with development stakeholders held quarter one (Q1) Consultative Forum meeting at the National Investment Board (NIB) on the 31^st March, 2026 at 10am.   The purpose of this meeting was to adopt the last minutes, discussed development agenda agreed by the various committees and chat the way forward on new action points. The meeting brought together various stakeholders, representatives of MDAs, Private sectors and the Executive Chairman of NIB amongst others to drive together the implementation of Local Content Policy that will foster economic empowerment and growth.

Dr. Hinga Sandy, the Executive Director- National Investment Board commented on his commitment to implement the local content policies saying that the work of LCA is intertwined with that of NIB. He went further to say that the registration of all local businesses now lies within NIB as there is now an online business registration portal where all local businesses can register their businesses according to the provisions of the LCA policies. The Mid Term National Development plan has a huge gap and it is expected to be closed by the local businesses, noting that NIB and LCA will monitor the Cooperate Social Responsibilities (CSP) by companies to develop the communities they are operating, he said. He ends on the note of integrating LCA policies in to MDAs, Private sectors and Professional bodies in Sierra Leone to enhance economic growth.

The Director-General, Fodeba Daboh commended the work of the NIB executive Director in working together to drive the local content economy, commenting on the Cooperate Social Responsibility that has not worked well for the locals and emphasized that companies need to do more in terms of local content, noting that the forum brings the stakeholders together to facilitate the space for local content compliance that will enhance national development. The meeting was adjourned to a date and venue that would be communicated later.

The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency on the 3^rd March, 2026 signs agreement of compliance with the CTC mining company and the first Sierra Leonean company, Roy Global limited to forester compliance on the full implementation of local content policies as enshrined in their local content plan at the agency’s conference hall.

In his opening statement, the Director-General, Mr. Fodeba Daboh stated that this ceremony is a statutory obligation as indicated in section 58 (1) of the local content Act 2016 to integrate local citizens in to the workforce. This signing represents a critical step in operationalizing the Local Content Act in the mining sector and that this agreement formalizes their commitments to enable inclusive and sustainable compliance to the Local Content provisions within their operations across key sectors such as workforce development, procurement, technology transfer and the broader economic contributions of our indigenes in Sierra Leone. He reiterated the fact that the agency wants to enhance a local content economy and this cannot be achieved if it fails to urge the companies to plug our locals into their operations.

The DG further reiterated that the purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the mining companies integrate Sierra Leonean talents, businesses and institutions into their value chains in a meaningful and progressive manner that would enhance national economic development. We are very intentional to ensure that mega contracts are not awarded to foreign vendors but our local vendors; qualified, trained and capacitated Sierra Leoneans should be giving first considerations when it comes to employment, capacity development, award of contracts and procurements, he said. This agreement also provides a structural framework for planning, implementing and reporting on our local content obligations and that it aligns with the company’s initiatives to national priorities, the agreement also will establish a monitoring and enforceable road map to promote transparency and measureable outcomes to the provisions of the local content Act. The importance of this agreement also stressed the need for workforce integration, increase employment and skills development opportunities and the gradual localization of technical, managerial roles within the mining operations of Sierra Leone. Procurement and supplier development fosters growth and competitiveness of Sierra Leoneans suppliers and local content is about our businesses and products, and that if Sierra Leoneans have the capacity to deliver on those areas, the mining companies must give them first consideration and not also forgetting to invest in technology competence of the locals as enshrine their local content plans. This agreement also contributes to broad base economic development through social investments, institutional supports and measureable local value chain creation and it’s a demonstration of mutual accountability and shared commitment to ensure that FDI results in to tangibles and lasting benefit for the people of Sierra Leone.

On the part of the CTC mining company, the Director of Corporate Affairs Dr. David Koroma, said they are committed to fulfilling all what they have included in to their local content plans and said 97% of employees of CTC mining company are Sierra Leoneans and this cut across from top management to unskilled workers and they will continue to do more. On the other hand, the first 100% local content company, Roy Global company limited engaged in drilling plastics in Sierra Leone, represented by the CEO, Mr. Roy Yusif Kargbo also made commitment to local content implementations and he called on the DG to foster the participation of more local businesses and local employment as they are the first Sierra Leonean company venturing into that with employment of 98% local indigenes in their operations giving more opportunities to Sierra Leoneans in  terms of skills transfer, capacity building, procurement opportunities to other Sierra Leoneans to foster economic development. He said their aim is to ensure 100% zero foreign national in to their operations and that the presence of foreign national is to ensure transfer of skills and trainings to our locals, referencing their Operations Manager of the company currently receiving international training that would add additional value to the operations of the company which has achieved international standards noting that they are even doing better than other international companies operating in the country.

In order to enhance the companies right to operate fully in the country as enshrined in the Act, the Director-General of the Agency, issued them a local content certificate of operations valid for three years and that they can now operate freely without fear, but encouraged them to submit their local content quarterly report to the agency as this will lead to upcoming monitoring of the company to confirm their provisions versus actual implementation of the local content in their operations.

Concluding, the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Mr. Daniel Fornah encouraged these companies to comply with the provisions of the Act and their local content plans and urged them to submit their local content quarterly report that will align with the provisions indicated in their local content plan submitted to the agency, noting that the agency shall have to confirm what they provided in their plans as against their quarterly reports.

In a bid to enhance the implementation of the Local Content laws, the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) on Tuesday, March 10^th. 2026 signed the Local Content Partnership Implementation Agreement with the Sierra Rutile Limited and LEOCEM, at the Agency’s conference hall in Freetown. 

The signing is part of the statutory requirement as stated in sec. 58(1) of the SLLCA Act 2016. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that Sierra Rutile and LEOCEM integrate local content laws into their value chains. The Agency has now signed implementation agreement with five companies: CTC Mining (SL) Ltd, Hub Hotel, Roy Global (SL) Ltd. Sierra Rutile Limited, and LEOCEM.

In his opening statement, the Director General of SLLCA, Mr. Fodeba Daboh said that the signing is a critical step in operationalizing the shared visions and commitment. “This agreement formalizes their commitment to embed inclusive and sustainable local content practices into their operations especially when it comes to workforce, procurement, supply and market development, technology transfer, skills transfer and the broader economic contribution.”

DG Daboh commends Sierra Rutile, stating that their company is representing local content because it now Sierra Leonean owned. ”This agreement today, when fully implemented, will definitely ascertain the reality of whether Sierra Rutile is indeed a Sierra Leonean owned as per the Company’s Act,” he said

He said that this agreement provides a structural framework for both companies in terms of reporting on their local content obligations.

He pointed out that the agreement aligns the company’s local content initiatives with national priorities particularly in job creation, enterprise development, and knowledge transfer, among others.

He said this agreement establishes an enforceable road map that promote transparency, accountability, and measureable outcome, noting that it will lead to increase employment and skills development opportunities for the ordinary Sierra Leoneans. “…We strongly encourage Sierra Rutile Ltd and LEOCEM to deliver on this agreement,” he added.

In her statement, the External Affairs Manager of Sierra Leone Limited, Madam Hussinatu Yilla gives a brief background of their company and their operational areas, disclosing that their company is a “living proof” of local content because their company is 100 percent owned by a Sierra Leonean and 97 percent of their staff are Sierra Leoneans.

She disclosed that they are personate about local content and personate on empowering Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Srikanth Donpudi, the Senior Commercial Manager of LEOCEM, Mr. P.Mohan Siva Prasad, said LEOCEM has 90 percent of Sierra Leonean staff. He assured a full implementation of their local content obligation.  

The ceremony was climaxed with the presentation of Certificate of Authorization to the companies valid for three years to operate.  

Concluding, the Agency’s Data Analyst, Mr. Augustine Sesay urged them to submit their local content quarterly report, encouraging them to use the Agency’s website skills database to employ Sierra Leoneans to serve in senior management positions.

 Background

The Sierra Leone Local Content Act was established to promote the active participation of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the workforce in key economic sectors, with the aim of reducing overdependence on imports, strengthening domestic value chains, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

RHINE AFRICA, operating through its GO+ supermarket and retail franchise model, presents a strategic opportunity for integrating local businesses into formal and modern retail markets. Through its expanding footprint, GO+ has the potential to absorb locally produced goods, support local suppliers, create employment, and enhance skills transfer, in alignment with local content objectives.

In this context, the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA), through its Business Development Department (BDD) and Skills Department, facilitated an engagement between GO+ representatives and a cross-section of registered local entrepreneurs.

 Purpose and Objectives of the Engagement: The engagement was convened to create a structured platform for dialogue and collaboration between SLLCA entrepreneurs and RHINE AFRICA (GO+). The key objectives were to:

• Explore opportunities for franchise establishment as a pathway for local business participation.
• Assess potential business market linkages between GO+ and local suppliers.
• Examine alignment between GO+ operations and Sierra Leone’s Local Content Policy.
• Identify challenges affecting local suppliers, including packaging, standards, finance, and market access.
• Provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to raise concerns and share practical experiences.
• Propose actionable recommendations to strengthen local content integration and partnerships.

Overview of Discussions: The engagement brought together representatives of RHINE AFRICA (GO+) and entrepreneurs registered with the SLLCA. Discussions focused on franchise opportunities, local sourcing, supply chain requirements, and mechanisms for improving the visibility and competitiveness of “Made in Sierra Leone” products within supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants.

GO+ outlined its franchise model, local sourcing potential, and plans for expansion, including provisions for bank loan facilitation through collateral assessment, collaboration with packaging companies, access to ceiling/packaging machines, and plans for an upcoming clothing factory. Local entrepreneurs actively shared concerns and expectations regarding fair market access, standards compliance, and institutional support.

 Key Issues Raised by Local Entrepreneurs

• Operational Collaboration: Entrepreneurs requested clearer information on GO+’s operational framework and how collaboration with local suppliers would be structured to ensure efficiency and fairness.
• Packaging and Standards: Packaging was identified as a major constraint. Many local products struggle to meet supermarket requirements related to packaging quality, labeling, hygiene, and shelf life, affecting competitiveness and acceptance.
• Supply Assurance and Consistency: Entrepreneurs assured GO+ of their capacity to supply local products but emphasized the need for timely notifications on demand. Challenges remain in meeting consistent quantity requirements due to limited working capital and production capacity.
• Unfair Rejection of Local Products: Concerns were raised regarding alleged unfair rejection of local products by some supermarkets without clear justification. Entrepreneurs called on the Local Content Agency to investigate and protect local producers from reputational and financial harm.
• Monitoring of Supermarkets: Participants called for improved monitoring of supermarkets to ensure compliance with local content requirements, particularly the consistent stocking and visibility of “Made in Sierra Leone” products.
• Competition and Market Positioning: Clarification was sought on GO+’s strategy for competing with local shops, especially in light of public perceptions that supermarkets are more expensive.
• Access to Local Products in the Hospitality Sector: Entrepreneurs highlighted limited access to local products in hotels and restaurants and recommended mandatory “Made in Sierra Leone” shelves within hospitality establishments.

Opportunities Identified: The engagement highlighted significant opportunities for local businesses, including:

• Supplying locally produced food items, household goods, and packaged products to GO+ outlets.
• Participation as franchise owners, distributors, or service providers within the GO+ value chain.
• Increased product visibility, income stability, and employment generation through formal retail markets.
• Skills transfer and business growth supported by structured retail systems and partnerships.

Challenges Affecting Effective Market Linkages

Despite the opportunities, several challenges were identified:

• Inadequate packaging, labeling, and quality control among local suppliers.
• Inconsistent supply volumes and limited production scalability.
• Limited access to finance and working capital.
• Weak storage, transportation, and cold-chain infrastructure.
• Insufficient awareness of GO+ procurement standards and requirements.

Recommendations: To strengthen collaboration and local content integration, the following actions are recommended:

• Conduct targeted training for local suppliers on quality standards, packaging, food safety, and inventory management.
• Establish a structured local sourcing framework within GO+ that prioritizes qualified Sierra Leonean suppliers.
• Strengthen collaboration between GO+ and the SLLCA for supplier registration, certification, and matchmaking.
• Facilitate access to finance through partnerships with banks and development programs.
• Improve communication of procurement needs, standards, and opportunities to local businesses.
• Enhance SLLCA monitoring of supermarkets and hospitality establishments to ensure compliance with local content requirements.

 Conclusion: The engagement with RHINE AFRICA (GO+) demonstrated strong potential for building sustainable business market linkages between modern retail operations and local enterprises in Sierra Leone. When effectively aligned with the Local Content Agency’s mandate, these partnerships can promote domestic production, strengthen SMEs, create jobs, and contribute to inclusive economic growth. However, realizing these benefits will require deliberate efforts to address challenges related to quality standards, financing, logistics, and supplier capacity. Continued collaboration among GO+, local businesses, and government institutions remains critical to achieving long-term and sustainable outcomes.

Following an intensive period of technical capacity building training, mentorship, and coaching provided to entrepreneurs in two key value chains last year, a team headed by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA), Mr. Fodeba Daboh in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), held a two-day Pitching event for sixteen (16) local businesses in Bo and Bombali districts.

The pitching exercise which started on Wednesday, February 18^th, 2026 and ended on Friday, February 20^th, 2026 is part of the Phase Two of the ILO Opportunity Salone European Union (EU) funded project, titled: “Empowering Local Businesses to Improve Product Quality and Service Delivery in Sierra Leone”. The project aimed at strengthening, mentoring and coaching of local entrepreneurs on business growth in the cassava flour and the palm kernel oil value chains. The event brought together stakeholders from the District Councils, Sierra Leone Pharmacy Board, Sierra Leone National Bakers Union, ILO, and the Local Entrepreneurs, and others.

This pitching event aimed at identifying businesses that have gained positive impacts on business growth from the previous capacity training and mentoring they received from the industrial experts in the two value chains. The local businesses that participated in the pitching events are: The Holy Ghost, Augusta’s Kitchen, The Joshua Generation, God Will Soap, Hawane Soap, TMS and Hawa Investment and Akim Soap Making Cooperation in Bo district, and in Bombali district we have: Cassavity, Quedonoya Investment, Conteh Industries, Save Life Agro Farming Business, Ends Bright Ltd, HYGOs, Bee’s Agric  Investment, Kalump Women Empowerment Agric Business and Spring Blessed Bakery.

The Judges which were selected from various sectors of business enterprise and development specialists are: Madam Mary Alpha – Consultant from the Rural Farmer Radio, and Founder and CEO of Tok Farm, Mr. Abu Bakarr Bah Esq, Secretary General of the Sierra Leone National Bakers Union, and the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, amongst others.

In his opening statement, the Director General of the Agency, Mr. Fodeba Daboh, emphasized the importance of competitiveness for local businesses, describing them as engines of economic growth. He encouraged entrepreneurs to strive for excellence in order to take advantage of opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), warning that failure to maintain quality and competitiveness could render local markets vulnerable and become a dumping ground for substandard goods.

Mr. Daboh reiterated that SLLCA remains committed to supporting local businesses and clarified misconceptions surrounding the project’s implementation funds. He explained that the Agency does not receive direct cash disbursements from the ILO; rather, it serves as a facilitator and matchmaker, identifying eligible local businesses in accordance with ILO project guidelines.

“The support provided under the project is largely in-kind rather than cash-based,” he emphasized.

In their presentations, the Local entrepreneurs showcased the knowledge they have acquired in their previous capacity training and mentorship received from the technical experts.

The Judges were pleased with the presentations made by the entrepreneurs, and encouraged entrepreneurs to uphold quality standards and maintain competitiveness, noting that adherence to best practices will position them to succeed not only locally but also in regional and international markets.

Selected businesses will undergo certification following this pitching exercise, after which, the SLLCA will recommend those businesses to ILO for inclusion in business incubator programs designed to enhance further support and growth opportunities.

 

The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) in partnership with Serra Tropical Limited (STL) held a one day tripartite engagement meeting with the community stakeholders on Tuesday, 16^th December, 2025 at Momajo Place, Sumbuya- Lugbu Chiefdom.

The purpose of the meeting is to respond to a request made by the Managing Director of STL about the challenges the company is going through because of persistent theft cases derailing the operations of the company. The meeting brought together the Managing Director of STL- Mr. Kwame Wiafe, The SLLCA Director-General Mr. Fodeba Daboh, Hon Resident Minister South, Chief John Abu, Paramount Chiefs of five chiefdoms, the Assistant Inspector General of Police- Southern Region, the Office of National Security, the Regional Fire Force Officer and other community stakeholders that are critical towards the development of the Chiefdom.

The Paramount Chief of Lugbu Chiefdom, Chief Ensa Badara Nallo gave the welcome statement and stressed the timeliness of the meeting to address the burning issues affecting the smooth operations of the company. The Hon Resident Minister Southern Region, Chief John Abu, in his opening statement talks about the role of the agency to address the challenges of the company. The Agency has a responsibility to investigate and solve complaints emanating from the company according section 14, subsection 2(j) of the SLLCA Act, 2016, noting that the presence of the company in Lugbu chiefdom is an opportunity they should own and take actions against people that are involved in theft of vehicle, pineapple, diesel amongst others. These are actions that will destroy the operations of the company, he said, and therefore called on every stakeholder present to own STL plantation and support the company’s operations.

The Managing Director of STL, Mr. Kwame Wiafe welcomed everyone present as a show of concern for the development. He also appreciated the Director-General for the commitment on the part of Government to promote the Local Content development. He mentioned the employment of Sierra Leonean nationals to two thousand and ninety (2,900) and they are highly paid, stressing that the least paid local staff of the company is even up to the best paid civil servants. There are other benefits that the company gives the staff noting that this is one of the best company that has given generational opportunities to the indigenes, he said. The original idea on the operations of the company was to have more than ten thousand hectares of land for cultivation, this will enhance the employment of high number of people, whether educated or not, mentioning that the company has employed up to three thousand local staff as other chiefdom people are also benefiting from this employment. He mentioned that the company had a partnership with UNDP to train young people as local entrepreneurs that will be beneficial to the community. The company has also sent local staff to be trained in Philippines and that these people will be coming to serve the people. These are enough reasons for the community to own the company and sustain it operations. He ended up expressing optimism for a fruitful discussion that will lead to the operations of the company for sustainability.

DG Local Content Agency thanked all stakeholders present and gave the background of the work of the agency guided by policies according to the Local Content Agency Act 2016. He mentioned the usual statements of the President in the state opening of Parliament strengthening the operations and implementations of Local Content policy in the country. He tells stakeholders that local content does not only mean the employment of the locals in the chiefdom but across the country as far as they are competent, though he reiterated that it is the requirement of STL to employ locals instead of bringing people outside. It is the role of the agency to sufficiently link local entrepreneurs to Sierra Leonean companies, noting that STL has the responsibility to give contracts to locals that have the capacity to deliver especially in the procurement unit, as the agency works with companies to put premium on the service sector. He also reiterated that we as Sierra Leoneans have the responsibility to sustain the operations of the company and he therefore called on the authorities that they have been critically selected to have critical role to ensure they stop the people that are destroying the investment of STL in the Lugbu Chiefdom.

The STL Human Resource Manager, Mr. Bernhard Attawia says the company’s challenges fall within theft of fuel, company materials, fertilizer, vehicle, and pineapple which is the pillar in the operations of the company. He reiterated that theft of pineapple is rampant and seriously affecting the company’s operation. He mentioned the incident of fire which is also on the increase affecting and destroying the effective operations of the company.

The Local Unit Commander, Mr. Augustine Kabia (CSP) LCA Bo West Division talks about the various commitment the Police have made to restore the chiefdom from what it used to be. He called on everyone to set example on those culprits that are involve in theft issues in the chiefdom, and reiterated the support of chiefdom stakeholders to work with him to jail those culprits involve in this act in order to stop the theft cases in the chiefdom.

Chief Mohamed Sefoi, chiefdom speaker of Lugbu Chiefdom made commitment that he has instructed his chiefdom people that anyone involve in theft case within his jurisdiction, he will suspend the town chief as the town chiefs must have an idea of the bad boys within the town. He emphasized on community policing within the chiefdom to eradicate the rampant theft cases in the chiefdom.

The Resident Minister South, Chief John Abu reiterated his commitment citing examples of the work he has done and the punishment of some bad boys that have been involved in theft cases under his regime. He called on the company to come to the level of the community stakeholders and work together. He mentioned that the chiefdom needs to jail the culprits as deterrent to others. Referencing the theft of the vehicle that belongs to the company, he called on the chief driver of the company to say something about the theft of that vehicle as something needs to be done to restore it to the company. He also mentioned the presence of electronic drone to monitor the employees operations so as to prevent these acts and called on the community people to take ownership of the company.

Paramount Chief (PC) Ensa Badara Nallo also talks about unity and collaboration that the company needs to work closely with them stating that the Human Resource Director of the company has no good relationship with the chiefdom authorities and stated that the company will not succeed if they do not work closely with them as chiefs.

The Managing Director of  STL gave the background of the theft case regarding the truck and the logistical supports given to Police, but nothing has been done to identify the culprit involved, and he urged them to facilitate their investigations. He said at a point he even suspected senior members of the company but the company cannot sack them as there has been no evidence against them. Another major challenge of the company has also been the incident of fuel theft, and the only thing the company does is to suspend the culprit out of the company but if the Police could investigate the matter and punish the culprit, this will serve as a deterrent to other intending culprits, he said. He made commitment to the chiefdom stakeholders to work with them and the Police going forward to comply with necessary changes that the company needs to enhance the smooth and effective operations of the company for sustainability.

Rev Father Francis Boima Kamara- as a servant of God stressed the need for the company to give loans to local entrepreneurs as this will help promote their local businesses. Chief Gbensie Lansana Nalloh, representing all town chiefs urged other town chiefs to support the operations of the company and reiterates the significance of the company to the indigenes of the chiefdom.

The SLLCA Director-General concluded the meeting and stressed on collaboration as one of the key lacking between the company and the stakeholders. He reiterated to the MD that the PCs are exceptional people and that he cannot succeed without the full cooperation of the Paramount chiefs. He called everyone present to move forward with the smooth operations of the company. The Agency’s Chief of Operations, Mr. Morlu Brewah stressed the need for development and urged them all to work together to sustain the company’s operation, he reminded all members to go back and reflect on this engagement that will lead to positive feedback on the company’s operation going forward.

The International Labor Organization in partnership with the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency and other development partners has ended a three day Opportunity Salone knowledge Sharing event and Exhibition at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen from the 3r to the 5^th December, 2025. The event marked the presence of dignitaries, the Chief Minister- Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, The Minister of Trade and Industry- Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo – the ILO country Director for Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria, Mr. Tonderai Manoto-the ILO Chief Technical Adviser for Sierra Leone. Local Content Agency Director-General- Mr. Fodeba Daboh, The Executive Director of SMEDA, Representatives of Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs), other development partners and local business owners from across the country.

Day one marked by statements from various stakeholders and panel discussions of key participants where the Director-General, Mr. Fodebah Daboh made a succinct presentation on the support of ILO to local businesses in two key value chains, Cassava Flour in to bakery products and the Palm oil kernel in to beauty products implemented in four districts; Kenema, Makeni; Portloko and Bo districts. These businesses competed and the final competitors were awarded with some financial supports to improve on their business landscape by creating more jobs for other Sierra Leoneans. Day two and three were also marked by panel discussions where some panels were moderated by the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency. The programme had a business clinic and an exhibition center of local products where local business owners come to interact with business experts so as to seek solution to their business challenges

The Director-General, Fodeba Daboh in the last plenary discussion on institutional commitments to output delivery gave the following points: have MoU with Tourism Sector to ensure local products are displayed and sold, ensure local content goods and products are displayed at supermarkets/Hotels by enhancing market opportunities to local businesses, ensure greater awareness to local products, continue building capacity enhancement skills to local businesses, create market access to local entrepreneurs guided by the local content policy and ensure local entrepreneurs maintain standards and add quality to their products by working with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau for reduced percentage discount on testing local products that will enhance them access to international exports competition.

The event ended with the giving of awards to partners, local businesses and stakeholders that have incredibly supported the work of Opportunity Salone project for sustainable development and economic growth in Sierra Leone.

On Wednesday, 7^th October, 2025 the Director of Foreign Trade and Industrial Development of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. Mikai Turay paid a courtesy call to the Director-General of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency at his office at 21Steward Street in Freetown.

The purpose of this visit was to intimate the Director-General about the Ministry’s  partnership with the Agency on the implementation of Sierra Leones 1^st National Manufacturers Conference and Exhibition to be held at the International Conference Hall on the 29^th-30^th October, 2025.

In his opening statement, Mr. Turay said, this is a Presidential initiative brought to the attention of the Hon. Minister, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay. He said, considering the various complaints received by the President, he called on the Minister to bring these manufacturers together to identify key challenges they are going through and proffer possible recommendations in moving the Manufacturing sector forward for National Economic development as he would be in attendance. These challenges would be aired out by the Manufacturers on the first day and a communique would be prepared on the second day and submitted to the President by the President of the Manufacturers Association on behalf of his team.

The conference would be going alongside the exhibition, which is purely Made in Sierra Leone (MiSL) Exhibition. The story behind Made in Sierra Leone will never be completed without Local Content, he said. This is the reason he has come to meet the DG and team, the pioneers of Local Content to work together in the planning process so that where they have not done well, the Agency will take the lead in guiding the process by reaching out to the correct Local Entrepreneurs, at least 10 of them to showcase their local content products.

Responding, the Director-General- Fodeba Daboh stressed that MTI and LCA are one family referencing the social media notice he saw during his vacation and the many calls he received from people about MTI doing the work of the Agency on Local Content Exhibition. This is a misconception from the public, he said, but stressed the need to work together with the parent Ministry to pull this off, as this activity is purely local content.

The Deputy Communications and Outreach Manager stress the need to use this opportunity to showcase local content and the Communications Manager also requested for any possibility to extend the number of entrepreneurs above 10.

Director- Mikai Turay in his concluding statement promised to reach out to Chief Director and Professional Head of the Ministry and the Minister on the Agency’s concerns and revert to the Director-General on the way forward.

The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) on Tuesday, September 30^th, 2025 held the third Quarterly Consultative Forum meeting, where it approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the three subcommittees which were created in the previous meeting, at the Agency’s Conference Hall in Freetown.

The meeting which was chaired by the Director General of the Agency, Mr. Fodeba Daboh brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID), Sierra Leone Union of Technicians (SLUTech), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEDA), Ministry of Employment and Labour, Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, and National Investment Board (NIB), among others.

The third Consultative Forum quarterly meeting focused on discussing, reviewing, and adopting the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the Project Pipeline committee, Local Capabilities Mapping committee, and Policy and Regulation Subcommittees, as well as outlining the Way Forward for their work.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of the Agency, Mr. Fodeba Daboh welcomed the forum members particularly those who are just attending the Forum meeting for the very first time.

He explained that Section 66(1) mandates the establishment of the Sierra Leone Local Content Consultative Forum to facilitate information sharing and collaboration on upcoming projects, local capabilities, and relevant policy proposals for Sierra Leonean content development.

He pointed out that the Forum is there to enhance collaboration among MDAs and the private sector, primarily to look into other MDAs when it comes to projects, local capacity development and other related policy proposals, adding that the Forum will help the Agency in the implementation of local content related issues.

He emphasized that local content prioritizes Sierra Leoneans, not just through job creation, but also by generating wealth for locals. He stressed that with many natural resources going offshore, now is the right time to involve indigenous Sierra Leoneans in the mineral sector and prioritize them for contracts.

In his presentation on the ToR for the three subcommittees, Local Content Monitoring Manager of the National Mineral Agency (NMA) doubling as the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Local Content Consultative Forum (SLLCCF), Saa Lawrence Karminty explained that the subcommittees are created because the Agency’s act cut across every sector, noting that this is a huge job and for the Agency to be able to cover all of these sectors, they need these three Project Pipeline committee, Local Capabilities Mapping committee, and Policy and Regulation Subcommittees.

He added that the Project Pipeline subcommittee will identify major projects that will come into the country and see how these contracts will incorporate local content clauses that will create jobs for Sierra Leoneans.

He said that the Local Capabilities Mapping committee will look at the various potentials that the country have, adding that this committee will map out all the relevant skills available in country so that they will be available to take technical jobs in companies.

He explained that the Policy and Regulation Subcommittees will be responsible to review the Agency’s act, identify areas of mismatch with other laws, identify areas of compliances, noting that members of this subcommittee will look at every institution and ensure their compliance with the Agency’s Act.  

He said that when these subcommittees become operational, then the work of the agency becomes easier, adding that the Agency’s will only be collecting the data and analyzing it.

He disclosed that the subcommittees are expected to meet monthly.

He commends the Director General for operationalizing the Consultative Forum, noting that despite the Agency’s Act was enacted in 2016, but the implementation only stated in 2018 when President Bio was elected.  

The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) and Serra Mineral Holdings Limited have on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 signed Local Content Plan Implementation Agreement, at the Agency’s Conference Hall in Freetown.

The signing ceremony was well attended by the senior management staff of the Serra Mineral Holdings Limited and staff of the Agency.

Speaking on the rationale of signing of the Local Content Plan Implementation Agreement, the Director General of SLLCA, Mr. Fodeba Daboh said that the signing represents a critical step in operationalizing the Sierra Leone Local Content Act of 2016 within the mining sector.

He explained that the agreement formalizes Sierra Mineral Holdings’ commitment to embed inclusive, sustainable, and legally compliant local content practices into its operations across workforce development, procurement, technology transfer, and broader economic contributions.

He added that the agreement establishes a structured framework for planning, implementing, and monitoring the company’s local content obligations, in alignment with national priorities such as job creation, skills development, and enterprise growth, adding that it also sets a clear, roadmap to ensure compliance with the Local Content Act, promoting transparency and accountability.

“His Excellency the President Rtd. Brig said “we must insist in the implementation of our local content laws in Sierra Leone” and this is what the Agency and Sierra Mineral Holdings Is here to compliment,” he added. “Ultimately, this agreement is a demonstration of mutual accountability and a shared vision, ensuring that foreign direct investment results in tangible, lasting benefits for the people and the economy of Sierra Leone.”

He stated that by signing of this agreement means that the company has agreed to fully comply with the Agency’s Act particularly when it comes to employment, training, human resource development and succession plan. He disclosed that he wants to see more Sierra Leoneans in managerial roles within the Company.

He is optimistic that the Company will work inline with the agreement, disclosing that the Agency will give the Company the technical support so that the agreement will be fully implemented.

Presenting the Certificate of Authorization, the Director General explained that Section 40(1) of the Local Content Agency Act requires all foreign companies operating in Sierra Leone to formally submit a Local Content Plan to the Agency. He noted that the certificate of authorization is only issued to companies whose plans have been submitted and approved, in line with this legal requirement, noting that the certificate has a securitized feature which is a QR Code that is unique only to the company.

The General Manager of Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited, Mr. Aleksei Panov said that they prioritized Sierra Leonean suppliers, transfer of skills, sustainable development growth. He said that 70 percent of their employees are from the mining communities, noting that they also give first consideration to local suppliers for the procurement of good and services.

He assured that the Company will fully implement the agreement.

The Director of Human Resources of Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited, Zhanna Volosevich said that the Company has worked inline with the Local Content outline, disclosing that they have many promotions within the Company. She said that they have succession plan which guides them.

She said that they have about 96 percent of Sierra Leoneans employed.

She said that local content is one of the most important institutions in country because it prioritizes Sierra Leoneans, commending the Director General and team for their hard work in ensuring that indigenous Sierra Leoneans are not only employed, but mining contracts are awarded to them.

She also commended the Director General for his guideline in ensuring that their company fulfils all the requirements for the award of Certificate of Authorization.

The signing ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Notice of Approval for the company’s 2025–2027 Sierra Leonean Content Plan, along with the issuance of a Certificate of Authorization.