The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has commended Pee Cee & Sons for responding to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s call for increased private-sector investment in agriculture, describing the company’s contribution to the Feed Salone initiative as a significant step towards strengthening domestic food production, reducing import dependence and advancing Sierra Leone’s economic development.
Speaking during the World Food Day celebration in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, on Thursday, 22 October 2026, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka praised President Bio’s leadership in encouraging businesses to invest in agriculture, noting that Pee Cee & Sons had demonstrated how private-sector participation could support national development priorities.
The celebration, held under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” highlighted agricultural innovation, sustainable farming practices and stronger partnerships among Government, businesses and farmers in addressing food insecurity.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka said the Government’s engagement with private investors is encouraging more companies to participate in domestic food production. He specifically cited Pee Cee & Sons as an example for other businesses to emulate, stressing that increased investment could improve productivity, create employment and make locally produced food more accessible.
“Before now, food prices were high, but it is better now. Before now, onions were a problem when I took office as Minister. We have reduced the importation of onions,” Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka stated.
He attributed improvements in food production and affordability partly to Government agricultural interventions and increased private-sector participation.
“This is the first time in the history of Sierra Leone that food prices are going down,” the Minister declared, adding that food imports had declined over the preceding three years and that 22,000 jobs had been created in 2026 under Feed Salone.
The Minister’s figures underscore the Government’s emphasis on agricultural investment as a means of tackling food insecurity and unemployment. However, sustaining those reported gains will require consistent production, reliable market access and continued monitoring of food prices and import volumes.
Pee Cee & Sons, operating under its parent company, Pee Cee Holding Ltd., has expanded beyond consumer goods, distribution and manufacturing into commercial agriculture through its subsidiary, Pee Cee Agriculture Limited.
The investment aligns with Feed Salone’s objectives of increasing domestic food production, reducing reliance on imported commodities and strengthening Sierra Leone’s resilience against external economic shocks.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks associated with heavy dependence on imported food, particularly when international supply chains were disrupted. Consequently, investment in local agriculture has become increasingly important to national food security.
Pee Cee Agriculture’s commercial farming operation at Lokomasama, Lungi, focuses primarily on onions alongside other crops, including maize and potatoes.
The company reportedly cultivates approximately 70 hectares twice annually, representing 140 hectare-cropping cycles, with a long-term ambition of developing a fully mechanized 500-hectare agricultural operation.
It has also reportedly secured financing support, including a US$12 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to expand domestic agricultural operations, improve farming efficiency and strengthen production capacity.
The company aims to supply substantial quantities of locally grown onions to the domestic market. Achieving that objective could reduce import dependence, ease pressure on foreign exchange demand and improve the reliability of local food supplies.
Beyond commercial production, Pee Cee Agriculture’s operations have the potential to generate rural employment, strengthen women’s economic participation and create opportunities for local farmers.
Its reported collaboration with Njala University and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on research and smallholder contract-farming training further highlights the importance of linking commercial agriculture with knowledge transfer and community development.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka’s commendation reflects the Government’s broader determination to position agriculture as a commercially viable sector capable of generating employment, supporting local industries and stimulating economic growth.
For farmers, greater private-sector involvement could improve access to markets, modern production techniques, agricultural training and more predictable demand.
For consumers, stronger domestic supply chains could reduce exposure to international price fluctuations, although affordability will continue to depend on transportation costs, storage facilities, seasonal production and market competition.
The World Food Day celebration also reinforced the importance of improved seeds, mechanization, irrigation, agricultural research, post-harvest management and practical assistance to smallholder farmers.
Pee Cee Agriculture’s expansion demonstrates how established businesses can complement Government agricultural programmes through financing, technical expertise and cooperation with public institutions.
The recognition accorded to Pee Cee & Sons places the company among private-sector investors being acknowledged for supporting Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone agenda.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka emphasized that sustainable agricultural transformation requires Government leadership, private investment and active participation from farmers and rural communities.
The Magburaka celebration provided an opportunity to highlight reported progress while drawing attention to outstanding challenges, including inadequate rural infrastructure, limited storage and processing facilities and the need for competitive market prices.
Continued investment will be essential to expanding production, improving agricultural infrastructure and ensuring that locally produced food reaches consumers efficiently.
As Sierra Leone pursues greater food self-sufficiency, Pee Cee Agriculture’s operations illustrate the potential for commercial farming to complement smallholder agriculture, create employment and strengthen domestic food supplies.
Through Feed Salone, the Government aims to establish a productive and resilient agricultural sector capable of reducing dependence on imports and supporting national development.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka’s recognition of Pee Cee & Sons therefore reinforces the Government’s message that sustained private-sector investment remains essential to transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape, improving food security and creating lasting economic opportunities.
