NP-SL: Empowering Sierra Leone with Quality Petroleum Products & Local Development Initiatives

November 3, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL Ltd, a leading player in the nation’s energy sector, is making significant strides towards empowering the citizens of Sierra Leone with top-tier petroleum products and local development initiatives. Their proactive and customer-centric approach is leaving no one behind in the pursuit of quality and excellence.

One of the standout achievements of NP-SL Ltd is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, one of which is the introduction of modern calibrated pumping machines at its Filling Stations that ensure transparency and accuracy in fuel dispensing. This groundbreaking initiative has earned NP-SL Ltd the prestigious title of “1st For Customer Care,” providing customers with contentment, knowing they will no longer be shortchanged by pump attendants.

A recent nationwide survey has reaffirmed the company’s sterling reputation, with customers praising both the Shareholders and Management for their dedication to effective service delivery and setting the standard for customer care in Sierra Leone.

Economists and development specialists are applauding the company’s emphasis on local content and empowerment. NP-SL Ltd has made it a policy to offer employment opportunities exclusively to Sierra Leoneans, thereby, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth as well as improving living standards.

NP Gas, one of the company’s flagship products, has garnered widespread acclaim for its efficiency and environmental friendliness. Customers are embracing this cooking device, available in various cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at NP-SL Ltd’s Filling Stations. The easy availability of gas refills at these stations adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.

NP Smart Card is another innovative offering from the company, which has become a customer favorite. This convenient and cashless payment method allows users to purchase petroleum products hassle-free. Users appreciate the ease of refilling their Smart Cards instead of relying on cash transactions, making fuel purchases smoother and more convenient.

NP-SL Ltd’s impact extends beyond Sierra Leone’s borders, with successful branches in neighboring countries such as Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia. This expansion not only showcases NP-SL Ltd as a thriving business entity but also underscores its significant contribution to local and regional socio-economic development.

Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd serves as a beacon of success and unwavering dedication to the welfare of Sierra Leone and its people. With the company’s commitment to providing quality products and uplifting the nation through local initiatives, the company stands as an inspiration for others to emulate. Without any iota of doubt, NP-SL Ltd is indeed making Sierra Leone proud and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the journey towards progress and development.

High & Multiple Taxes Stifle Vital Roles of Local Manufacturers in Economic Growth

November 3, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Led Government, spearheaded by President Julius Maada Bio, is committed to revitalizing the local manufacturing sector, aiming to bolster economic development. While local manufacturers play a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s economic progress, they are grappling with a formidable challenge in the form of exorbitant and numerous taxes that hinder their growth prospects and create economic instability.

Local manufacturers are burdened by a complex and onerous tax system, navigating through import duties, excise taxes, value-added tax (VAT), income tax and local council rates. These multiple taxes place a substantial financial strain on local manufacturers, constraining their ability to invest in innovation, expansion and job creation.

Import duties, imposed on essential raw materials and machinery required for production, inflate the costs of inputs, rendering local goods more expensive to produce. Consequently, these higher production costs result in elevated prices for locally manufactured products, which can dissuade domestic consumption and make imported alternatives more appealing.

Excise taxes, levied on specific goods, including items used in the production process, further escalate production costs.

Value-added tax (VAT), when applicable, is levied on the final price of goods and services. Local manufacturers are compelled to pass on this tax to consumers, potentially compromising the competitiveness of their products in the market, especially with high VAT rates.

The cumulative effect of high and multiple taxes is the increased cost of production, rendering locally manufactured goods less competitive compared to imported alternatives in both domestic and international markets. Fulfilling tax obligations strains local manufacturers, making it challenging for them to invest in technology, enhance productivity and create more employment opportunities.

Business expansion is hindered by the presence of numerous and burdensome taxes. The potential of indigenous manufacturers to contribute positively to the nation’s economic development remains untapped, if not rendered virtually impossible.

Excessive taxation could drive local manufacturers to operate in the informal economy and seek ways to evade taxes, potentially depriving the Government of significant revenue and undermining the sustainability of the manufacturing sector.

The solution lies in simplifying the tax system to make it more comprehensible and easier for manufacturers to fulfill their tax obligations. Additionally, incentives, such as reducing import duties on essential machinery and raw materials to lower production costs, are vital for encouraging investments.

Government’s support, including access to finance and technical assistance, can further bolster the local manufacturing sector.

To unlock the full potential of the local manufacturing sector and promote economic development, it is imperative for the Government, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, to address tax challenges by implementing simplified, supportive and business-friendly tax regulations. These actions will pave the way for a thriving local manufacturing sector, resulting in increased employment opportunities, innovation and overall economic growth.

LICCSAL Business College Establishes Two Faculties, Incorporates Two New Deans

November 3, 2023

As part of the ongoing reforms of the 23 years old academic institution, the LICCSAL Business College, which has its degree programs affiliated to the University of Sierra Leone and supervised by the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) has established two new Faculties, the Faculty of Business Administration and the Faculty of Accounting and Finance.

The Deans of the two new Faculties have been charged with the responsibility to reengineering the Academic Programs of the College in line with the requirements of the University of Sierra Leone (USL) and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

Dr. Olubumi C. J. Ganu has been appointed to serve as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration while Dr. Nyande Fania is Acting as Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance

The college has two degree programmes affiliated to the University of Sierra Leone and Supervised by the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) ,BSc. Business Administration with three pathways Procurement & Logistics, Entrepreneurship & Marketing and Human Resource Management, BSc Finance and Accounting

The newly appointed Deans have engaged with the Principal of the College, Cecilia Bangura, to work with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and National Council for Technical and Vocational Awards (NCTVA) to introduce new degree and diploma programs supervised by accredited Universities in Sierra Leone

LICCSAL Business College will reopen in this November month for new and continuing students.

WFP & Partners Inaugurate Nyam Nyam Pap Factory: Local Production for Local Consumption

November 3, 2023

To enhance child nutrition and local empowerment, the World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Ministry of Health through the Directorate of Food and Nutrition and the Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security inaugurated four food processing factories for the local production of affordable and enriched complementary food for children aged 6-23 months. The newly launched factories are in Zimmi, Gbangbatoke, Kambia, and Sahn Malen.

One of the primary challenges in promoting child nutrition has been the high cost of food commodities and labour-intensive preparation methods for indigenous complementary foods. To address these issues, WFP, with funding from the French Government, has established small-scale food processing facilities in four communities, which are managed by Mother Support Groups. These facilities will produce affordable and enriched complementary food known as “Nyam Nyam Pap” using local recipes with nutrient-dense commodities, designed for children aged 6-23 months. This innovative approach contributes to the timely introduction of complementary feeding, while also helping caregivers save time and resources previously spent on food preparation or on sub-optimal feeding solutions.

Mother Support Groups have been strengthened as a strategy to enhance maternal infant and young child feeding, involving community-based nutrition programs. These groups are now empowered to provide nutrition education, conduct cooking demonstrations using locally available foods, and engage in community outreach to identify and refer children at risk of malnutrition.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday 31 October 2023 in Sahn Malen, Pujehun district, Yvonne Forsen, Country Director of the World Food Programme, commended the Mother Support Groups for their commitment to the project, emphasizing that it has been a long journey. She highlighted that the WFP’s strategic plan for 2020-2025 has shifted from expensive treatment of moderate acute malnutrition to prevention. Forsen explained, “The idea of establishing the production centers in the communities and running them on solar-generated energy is to cut down costs and make the Nyam Nyam Pap accessible and affordable to caregivers. This would not have been possible without the generous donation from the Government of France.”

Romain Vuillaume, Chargé d’Affaires of France in Sierra Leone, underscored the French food aid program’s objective to respond to severe food and nutrition insecurity while strengthening the resilience of rural populations. He commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its “Feed Salone” initiative, urging everyone to support it for the country’s food security.

The inauguration of these food processing factories represents a significant step forward in the fight against child malnutrition in Sierra Leone. By empowering local communities and mothers with the tools and knowledge to produce nutritious and affordable complementary foods this initiative holds the promise of a brighter, healthier future for the nation’s youngest generation.

Resumption of Bonuses and Slight Tariff Adjustment

November 3, 2023

The Government of President Julius Maada Bio has successfully negotiated a win-win package for mobile phone users and operators in Sierra Leone. Mobile phone companies have been agitating for an increase of 120% on billing of customers, but the Government had held on to their demands.

After successfully consulting with the mobile phone companies, there will be no 120% increase in tariffs. The inevitable increase will be marginal and way below what the companies wanted. Voice call billing would only be slight, whilst data would be almost negligible. The slight increment would still put Sierra Leone as the 4th cheapest tariffs in the West Africa sub-region, thereby making the country’s tariffs competitive.

Meanwhile, through the efficient and charismatic Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation Ms. Salima Bah and the mercurial Executive Director of National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) Amara Pedou Brewah, the mobile phone companies will resume bonuses and promotions, after more than two years. For a start, free calls at midnight will resume and the companies will announce the date of resumption of these bonuses and promotions.

Another major breakthrough has been made in the Telecommunications sector with the introduction of 5G services in the country. President Bio and his able Minister of Communications and NaTCA Director General have succeeded in getting the MNOs to buy into improvement of services, and the mobile companies have invested heavily in the purchase of 5G switches. This will significantly bolster quality of services and enhance business transactions as well as students’ research works on the internet.

Rokel Commercial Bank Gains Accreditation from International Trade Council

November 3, 2023

The Rokel Commercial Bank has become the latest financial institution in Sierra Leone to be accredited by the renowned International Trade Council. The ITC is a well-respected global chamber of commerce dedicated to promoting international trade, reducing trade barriers and enhancing global commerce through education, networking and pivotal business intelligence.

The International Trade Council has for many years championed market liberalization and fair trade across the world. It has at the core of its operations, transparent, predictable and multilaterally coordinated regulations. The ITC also helps its members sail through the complexities of international trade by simplifying processes and providing critical resources where necessary.

The organization has locally organized chapters operating in 28 countries with a diverse membership in 179 nations. Its membership comprises of Government trade and investment agencies, Chamber of Commerce associations and other business organizations. Many have come to regard the ITC as the foremost global trade advocacy organization whose positive impact of creating job opportunities and elevating the living standards of people has been felt across the globe.

An accreditation letter to the Rokel Commercial Bank, signed by Nina Escarda from the organization’s Secretariat reads; “This is to certify that Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone (SL) Ltd demonstrates conformance and recognition of accreditation as a member of the International Trade Council”

Reacting to the news, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin said the bank will continue to make significant improvements – leveraging on every available opportunity that will reposition the bank into a bonafide business champion in Sierra Leone.

“This accreditation will certainly open more doors of trade opportunities for us as a bank and will equally help to broaden our scope and coverage. This is a very big win for Sierra Leone and we will remain focused on being the Bank of Choice” he concluded.

Inauguration of Senegal’s Special Economic Zone Mirrors ARISE’s Economic Zone

November 3, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Macky Sall of Senegal has extended an honorary invitation to the Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, to witness the official inauguration of The Dakar Integrated Special Economic Zone and its Logistics Platform. The historic event took place on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in Diamniado, Dakar, Senegal, marking the commencement of a groundbreaking economic venture.

This inauguration holds great significance for Sierra Leone as it mirrors the recent launch of the Sierra Leone Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by President Bio on April 26th earlier this year in Koya. The SEZ initiative in Sierra Leone aims to catalyze transformative change in five key areas known as the “BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERS.” These include Human Capital Development, aimed at nurturing skills suitable for a 21st Century industry, the Youth Employment Scheme, a presidential initiative designed to generate employment opportunities for the country’s youth, and comprehensive Technology and infrastructure pathways geared towards ensuring sustained economic growth.

African Special Economic Zones are acknowledged as crucial tools in bolstering economic growth, attracting foreign direct investments and expediting industrialization throughout the continent. The Dakar Integrated Special Economic Zone’s inauguration is the first of four such investments, highlighting the dynamic potential of these economic hubs.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed his pleasure and gratitude through a tweet from Senegal, where he underscored the significance of this invitation. He acknowledged the pivotal role that African Special Economic Zones play in boosting economic development, attracting foreign investments and fostering industrial growth across the continent.

Furthermore, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh recognized the event as a proud reminder of Sierra Leone’s own Special Economic Zone, emphasizing the essential role it will play in driving the BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERS for the nation’s prosperity.

In closing, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh extended his heartfelt gratitude to President Macky Sall for the esteemed honor and shared his anticipation for the upcoming Sierra Leone Economic Forum to be hosted in Dakar in January 2024. The forum promises to provide a platform to showcase abundant investment opportunities in Sierra Leone.

Deputy Justice Minister Unveils Justice Sector Reform and Investment Strategy

November 3, 2023

In a significant development aimed at improving access to justice in the country, the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, has unveiled the “Justice Sector Reform and Investment Strategy.” Speaking to a diverse group of Legal Aid Board staff, Hon. Sesay emphasized the boldness of this initiative.

This strategic plan, according to Hon. Sesay, will not only build upon the achievements in access to justice but also play a crucial role in the Government’s ‘Big Five Game-Changer’ agenda, which includes Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment Scheme, Catalyst for Democracy, Economic Productivity and National Security, Enhancing Public Service Architecture, Empowering Democracy, and National Development, as well as Technology and Infrastructure Initiative. The plan is poised to address various challenges, including resource constraints faced by justice sector institutions.

The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, also shared her perspective during the meeting. She pointed out that while the Board has accomplished much, it could have achieved even more if it had a sufficient number of lawyers, paralegals, and vehicles to support its mission.

During his visit to the Legal Aid Board’s headquarters, the Deputy Minister toured various offices, including the Programmes Department, where he had an opportunity to engage with staff. He also made a stop at the Rokel Commercial Bank outlet within the premises, where he spoke with bank personnel, learning about the procedures for opening and making payments into Child Maintenance Accounts. Additionally, he interacted with women who had come to the bank to collect their monthly Child Maintenance funds.

Hon. Alpha Sesay seized the occasion to observe an Inheritance Matter being mediated by the Board’s ADR Panel. The dispute involved a man and his stepmothers, and the Deputy Minister engaged with panel members, including the Consultant, Francis Gabiddon, to gain insights into the mediation process, the determination of monthly Child Maintenance payments, and the enforcement of agreements made by the parties.

The Deputy Minister’s visit to the Legal Aid Board head office also turned into a heartwarming reunion, as he had the chance to reconnect with former colleagues from his time at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. This promising move towards justice reform is expected to have a far-reaching impact on access to justice and legal support for the people of Sierra Leone.

MRCG Intensifies Calls for the Safety of Journalists

November 3, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has pointed out, in its 2^nd November 2023 Press Release that it is joining other organizations to observe the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ adding how the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 2nd November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in a General Assembly Resolution.

MRCG also maintained that the UN Resolution urges Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity also highlighting how the date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on the 2nd November 2013.

It continued that the landmark resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers, also urging Member States to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers and ensures that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

Also mentioned was that since 2018, the MRCG with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in the United States of America, has been monitoring and publishing reports on media freedom detailing cases of invitations, intimidations, attacks, assaults, arrests, detentions and prosecution
of journalists.

Further underscored was that MRCG’s tenth report on ‘Press Freedom in Sierra Leone’, which was published and launched in May 2023, showed that from the First to the Tenth Edition, sixty-six cases have been monitored, of which forty-seven of them were concluded, settled, resolved, dropped or abandoned because of lack of progress; four were in court; and fifteen under police investigation/inconclusive/stalled.

MRCG stated that as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ is observed, it reminds the Government of Sierra Leone that in March this year, it monitored the attack and assault of the Station Manager of Fountain of Peace Radio (FOP) in Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone, Alie Tokowa, at the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) office in the district allegedly by its supporters on the instruction of the outgoing District Council Chairman of the party.

The organization stated also that it monitored the attack on the BBC Correspondent in Sierra Leone, Umaru Fofana, by supporters of the All People’s Congress (APC) party during the party’s Press Conference at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown in June 2023. It added how Umaru Fofana was officially invited by the APC to cover the event.

MRCG also claimed that in June 2023, it received a copy of a letter of complaint from Ibrahim Alusine Kamara, Managing Editor of Salone Compass Newspaper, stating that security officials assaulted him, endangered his life and vandalized his vehicle during an incident at the APC’s Press Conference on 25 June 2023 at the party’s headquarters in Freetown.

It pointed out that it also, monitored the online death threats against journalist Musa S. Kamara, working for Radio Democracy 98.1 FM from anonymous individuals on 20 August 2023 which followed an exclusive interview he had conducted with the then United States of America’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer, on the post-election crisis in the country.

The MRCG also stated that it is calling on the Police to speedily investigate those matters also maintaining that it notes that issues relating to the safety and security of journalists go beyond politicians and the Police, as there are reports of attacks on journalists from local authorities, youth and members of the public.

It also added how it wants to remind media owners and managers that one of its reports shows that majority of the media houses lack a safety and security policy and there were concerns about
addressing the welfare of journalists.

According to the organization, those are all safety and security issues and therefore continue to call on the Government, politicians, media organizations, media owners and managers, civil society organizations, and members of the public to ensure the safety and security of journalists across the country at all times.

‘Craving For Development’ Set to Address Sierra Leone’s Agribusiness Ecosystem

November 1, 2023

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Ignition Hour Programme of ‘Craving for Development’ ,a Non-Governmental Organization, is a discussion programme aimed at searching for ten entrepreneurs to tackle issues that are related to disrupting innovation within the agribusiness ecosystem in Sierra Leone.

A selected team commenced listening to the programme on the 26^th October, 2023 at the Creative Hub Africa at Lumley in Freetown geared towards assessing ideas portrayed by Sierra Leonean innovators.

It must be noted that the Ignition Hour Venture Building Program is a 24- month initiative that will take ideas pitched by innovators to high growth and Value Company.

In an interview with the CO- Founder and the CO- Director for Craving for Development, Aminata Kane, the ignition started in 2018 with the aim of supporting entrepreneurs.

According to her, this is the fourth season after successfully conducting three sessions. “What we are hoping to achieve is that entrepreneurs will pick up business opportunities that we would share in their sectors and then start businesses,” she said.

She continued that the format of the Ignition Hour before this one wasn’t for them to automatically collect the business ideas but pointed out that with this one, “we want them to be generated organically, by getting them naturally here and get their business ideas.”

“So we want to just have the show where entrepreneurs will come in and share their business ideas, like business opportunities and also build their skills,” she said.

Aminata Kane said entrepreneurs are more focused on accessing finance than starting businesses that can help them contribute to development.

She revealed that upon the twelve ideas presented six were invalid as they are looking for business ideas that can enhance the ecosystem.

“We want something that would give solution to the logistical issues, that will grow very safely and very securely for twenty-four months and at the end of those twenty-four months they will be able to raise One Hundred Thousand Dollars,” she said.

She added that they are looking for ten vibrant ideas, those that are capable of disrupting the agricultural sector and we have already identified the problems. “We are looking for ideas that are bringing solutions to the whole ecosystem,” she stated.

She said $20,000 will be given to each of the ten entrepreneurs whose ideas will be deemed fit to solve agribusiness ecosystem challenges.

Prior to the pitching of ideas by the innovators a panel discussion was held on agriculture by three panelists.