Choithrams (T. Choithram & Sons), one of Sierra Leone’s longstanding business establishments, has received prominent coverage in the October/November 2026 Sierra Leone edition of Forbes Africa, under its Africa Undiscovered series, highlighting the company’s contributions to commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, education and community development.
The publication features Harish Agnani, Head of Operations of Choithrams, whose leadership responsibilities span a diversified business structure that has grown from a modest retail establishment into an enterprise with operations across 27 countries.
The feature forms part of Forbes Africa’s examination of Sierra Leone’s investment landscape, highlighting businesses and industry leaders contributing to economic diversification, infrastructure development and human capital advancement.
Founded in 1944 by Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani, who established a small retail shop in Freetown, Choithrams has maintained a continuous presence in Sierra Leone for more than eight decades. Its original establishment, known as Shop Number One, remains operational, reflecting the company’s enduring commercial roots.
Speaking to Forbes Africa, Harish Agnani explained that the company’s expansion began within Sierra Leone before extending into other African markets and beyond.
“We expanded across Sierra Leone before entering other African markets and now we operate in 27 countries,” he disclosed.
Today, Choithrams operates five supermarkets, a wholesale outlet, an electrical retail store and three warehouses in Sierra Leone. Those facilities support the distribution of food, household commodities and imported products to consumers across different regions.
Beyond importing goods, the company has invested in local manufacturing, operating two production facilities responsible for hard-boiled candies, bubble gum and laundry soap. Its international supply network also includes procurement operations in Dubai, a United Kingdom manufacturing facility producing Natco-branded food products and an export office in India.
According to Harish Agnani, the company’s business strategy places considerable emphasis on understanding regional consumer preferences, maintaining reliable supply chains and expanding into communities where modern retail facilities remain limited.
However, Choithrams’ influence extends considerably beyond commercial activities.
One of its most significant contributions is Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown, which provides healthcare services through a cost-recovery arrangement that allows financially disadvantaged patients to receive subsidized or free treatment.
Supported by the Choithram International Foundation, the hospital has undertaken several humanitarian medical interventions, including free surgical programmes and nationwide eye-care campaigns.
Harish Agnani revealed that one specialist programme involving seven German doctors successfully conducted 44 surgeries without charging patients. The procedures ordinarily carried estimated costs ranging between US$5,000 and US$10,000 each, with the company covering associated logistics and medication expenses.
Another major intervention involved cataract treatment, through which more than 10,000 patients were screened and 1,542 surgeries performed free of charge, according to figures presented in the publication.
Patients travelling from provincial communities also received transportation, accommodation and daily support, while plans were outlined to undertake approximately 2,000 additional surgeries.
The company’s humanitarian record also includes making its hospital facilities available to United Nations personnel during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict without charging rent, while maintaining arrangements for civilian access to medical services.
Education represents another important pillar of Choithrams’ investment.
Through Choithram International School, the company provides education based on international curriculum standards while prioritizing the recruitment and professional development of Sierra Leonean teachers.
“We have not imported a single teacher. We believe in building local capacity,” Harish Agnani emphasized.
The institution, which enrolled 153 students at the time of the interview, plans to expand its capacity to between 400 and 450 learners. Harish Agnani also reported that the school secured Cambridge accreditation during its first year.
Furthermore, the company’s College of Digital Excellence provides information technology training and diploma programmes, supported by educational partnerships involving Manipal University in India, NIIT and the British Council.
Harish Agnani explained that the company’s commercial expansion, healthcare interventions and educational investments are financed through internal resources and foundation support rather than direct Government contributions.
The Forbes Africa feature brings renewed attention to Choithrams’ longstanding presence in Sierra Leone and its combination of business development with investments in essential social services.
Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen private-sector participation highlight the company’s experience as an example of how established businesses can contribute to local production, enhance professional skills, expand access to healthcare and create opportunities for sustainable national development.
For Choithrams, its 82-year journey reflects not merely commercial expansion but a continuing commitment to serving Sierra Leone through enterprise, education, healthcare and community investment.
