By Augustine Koroma
Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone has launched a companywide digital training programme designed to strengthen staff capacity, improve efficiency and align the business with international best practices. The initiative, which focuses on practical Excel skills, is already making a visible impact across multiple departments.
The training sessions, held weekly at the company’s offices, are directed by Human Resources Manager, Ibrahim Jah Sesay and delivered by Budekah Gunathila, Audit Manager and digital solutions specialist from Selenkay. By targeting employees in Finance, Audit, Agriculture, IT and the Weighbridge, the programme is broad in scope, reaching both frontline staff and Managerial teams.
According to Ibrahim Jah Sesay, the initiative is a deliberate move to position Sunbird Bioenergy as a modern, efficient and globally competitive business. He explained that the programme goes far beyond computer literacy.
“Our people remain the most important investment we can make. This is not just about learning Excel. It is about giving our staff the confidence to use technology to solve problems, make accurate decisions and work more efficiently. By empowering our team, we are ensuring the sustainability of Sunbird Bioenergy in the global energy marketplace,” he said.
Budekah Gunathila, who is leading the training sessions, described the programme as a culture-shaping exercise.
“Digital excellence is a discipline. The more we integrate technology into our daily tasks, the more accuracy, efficiency and accountability become part of our work culture. These are qualities that strengthen a company and prepare it for growth,” he noted.
Even though the programme is still in its early stages, staff across different departments say they are already reaping benefits.
From the Agriculture Department, junior executive Ms. Fatmata Kamara said the training has simplified data recording and analysis. She explained that what previously took hours to calculate can now be completed in minutes, with greater accuracy.
In the Finance Department, Ms. Janet B. Young, Acting Finance Manager, highlighted the role of Excel in improving precision.
“In finance, accuracy and time management are critical. The new skills we are acquiring make it easier to process large volumes of financial data with reliability and speed. This helps us deliver better results for the company,” she stated.
In Audit, supervisors have welcomed the training as a turning point in strengthening compliance. Mr. Bala S. Kamara described it as “an eye-opener” that enhances the ability to analyze data effectively and improve reporting standards. His colleague, Eshaka S. Kanu, said the training is transforming audit processes by boosting efficiency and aligning the department with international compliance benchmarks.
Beyond internal efficiency, Sunbird Bioenergy believes its staff development programmes contribute to Sierra Leone’s wider economic and social progress. Mr. Sesay reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting government efforts to build a digitally skilled workforce.
“Sunbird Bioenergy is proud to stand as a partner in Sierra Leone’s growth story. By providing our employees with modern skills, we are not only strengthening our operations but also contributing to national goals of digital transformation, job creation and sustainable development,” he remarked.
The programme also signals Sunbird’s readiness to embrace innovation and its recognition that technology plays a decisive role in driving competitiveness in the energy sector.
Observers say the company’s initiative could serve as a model for other large businesses in Sierra Leone, many of which still face challenges in staff training and digital transformation. By investing consistently in capacity building, Sunbird Bioenergy is showing how private companies can combine business growth with national development.
From farms to finance offices, the impact of the digital training is beginning to change how staff approach their work. With each session, employees are not only acquiring new skills but also gaining confidence in applying them to deliver faster, more reliable and more transparent outcomes.
For Sunbird Bioenergy, this represents more than a short-term project. It reflects the company’s long-term vision: building skills, empowering people and driving productivity for both corporate success and national progress.
