Home Blog Page 466

Africell Impact Foundation Empowers 30 Students, Faculty Members in Innovation & Entrepreneurship

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Africell Impact Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science, has organized a one-day training event aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of 30 selected students and faculty members from six universities across Sierra Leone. The training, with focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship took place on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Multi-Purpose Hall on Fourah Bay College Campus in Freetown.

In his address, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, commended Africell Impact Foundation for organizing the training for Students and Faculty Heads from various universities.

He said Africell as a company, through its Corporate Social Responsibility, has been supporting innovation, community development etc, further commending the company’s strides towards transforming the educational landscape in the country in order to regain its position for global competitiveness.

The Deputy Minister stated that the country has a glorious history almost spanning over 200 years of Higher Education which started at the Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, adding how significant progress has been made but said not good enough to fit into the 21st century industrial revolution.

He described the training as very important towards supporting the ongoing educational transformation in the country as it will form the basis for closer collaboration that will support the country’s vision for higher educational excellence and global competitiveness.

Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara said the training has also equipped participants with the necessary skills, innovation and entrepreneurship of which he encouraged participants to use the tools and apply the methods they have learnt saying they will help them leverage leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Laura Jane Silverman, the Head of LSE Generate, representing the London School of Economics and Political Science, explained LSE’s extensive expertise in economics, law, management and politics. According to her, LSE Generate, is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship that is dedicated to empowering emerging leaders with the skills and knowledge required for success.

She pointed out that the partnership between Africell and LSE Generate seeks to deliver high-quality professional training to students and faculty members.

The Africell Group Communications Director, Sam Williams, said students from universities mainly focus on gaining  knowledge from books by taking lectures and writing exams, adding that the purpose of the training is to teach students and faculty heads soft skills they need in order to succeed in the modern workplace or to start a business.

He highlighted that one of the priorities of Africell’s work in Sierra Leone is to deliver social impacts in the field of education of which they brought experts from the London School of Economics and Political Science to offer knowledge and expertise to students in the country.

Sam Williams said they want it to be an ongoing program underscoring how they are expecting the London School of Economics and Political Science to come back next year and open the program maybe to include school children in addition to university students.

He said the training focused on leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship geared towards building the capacity of students and faculty members on the various topics.

One of the trainees, Marian F. Kargbo, a student from the Milton Margai Technical University expressed her gratitude to Africell Impact Foundation, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, and the London School of Economics and Political Science for providing such a valuable training.

She shared her insights gained during the leadership portion of the training, emphasizing the importance of active listening for effective leadership.

Marian pledged to apply the skills and knowledge she has acquired to make a positive impact.

QNET’s 25th Anniversary: Global Event, Product Launches, and Green Commitment

QNET, the globally renowned direct-selling company focused on wellness and lifestyle, has marked its 25th anniversary with a remarkable double convention in Penang, Malaysia. This historic event brought together an astounding 20,000 participants hailing from over 20 countries, including Sierra Leone, for back-to-back conventions in September.

Aligned with its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing its environmental footprint, QNET introduced two standout products at the anniversary celebrations.

1) Homepure Nova with Pi-Plus Cartridge: This enhanced iteration of the company’s best-selling HomePure Nova 9-stage water filtration system guarantees improved hydration and enhanced antioxidant benefits in your drinking water.

2) Bernhard H Mayer OMNI Watch Collection: A new collection of Swiss timepieces meticulously crafted with eco-friendly materials certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), highlighting the fusion of luxury and sustainability.

These five-day conventions served as a valuable platform for QNET’s customers and distributors to deepen their product knowledge, engage with experts, and witness dynamic product demonstrations. Attendees also benefitted from business-building training sessions, insights from accomplished distributors, and a deeper understanding of industry know-how. Adding to the excitement were guest appearances by Bollywood celebrities and performances by international entertainers.

In a resounding display of commitment to sustainability, QNET implemented several eco-conscious initiatives during the conventions to minimize its carbon footprint. This included partnering with environmentally responsible vendors for booth constructions, eliminating single-use plastics, reducing printed materials through digital alternatives such as QR codes, and distributing purchases in reusable bags made from eco-friendly materials.

QNET’s choice of venue, the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang, proudly stands as the world’s first hybrid solar-powered convention centre and is Green Building Index certified. The centre has also incorporated initiatives like in-house bottling of drinking water, waste segregation, and rainwater harvesting to support its net-zero goals. In an additional move towards environmental stewardship, QNET has pledged to plant 2,500 trees in Malaysia to offset the event’s carbon footprint.

“We are immensely proud of the empowering ecosystem we’ve nurtured, grounded in our core philosophy of RYTHM—Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. As we commemorate this significant milestone, we also cast our eyes forward to a future filled with promise and potential. With our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global community building, QNET is poised to not only adapt but thrive in the dynamic landscape of wellness and lifestyle, offering unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship and personal development to individuals around the world. Here’s to the next chapter of impacting lives positively and promoting holistic wellness, as we continue this remarkable journey together,” stated Malou Caluza, CEO of QNET.

About QNET:

QNET is a prominent lifestyle and wellness company that employs a direct selling business model to offer a wide selection of exclusive products, enabling individuals to embrace a healthier, more balanced life. Established in 1998, QNET marks 25 years of making an impact around the world through its product offerings and e-commerce-powered business model in 2023.

QNET proudly holds memberships in the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, and more.

QNET is also actively involved in global sports sponsorships, serving as the official direct selling partner of the Manchester City Football Club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring its commitment to excellence and global reach.

To learn more about QNET and its mission of RYTHM—Raise Yourself To Help Mankind, please visit www.qnet.net.

Global Cooperation Reaches New Heights at Third Belt and Road Forum

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) marked a significant milestone in global cooperation as it celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Held from October 17 to 18 in Beijing, China, the forum bore the theme: “High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity,” reflecting a commitment to fostering unity, win-win outcomes and development on a global scale.

The BRF showcased an ambitious vision for realizing global modernization, a goal shared by all nations. Over the past decade, the BRI has successfully executed more than 3,000 cooperation projects, attracting nearly USD 1 trillion in global investments, and uplifting 40 million people out of poverty. It has also accelerated the modernization efforts of many developing countries. During the forum, President Xi Jinping announced further market access expansion for digital and other products, deepened reforms in state-owned enterprises, digital economy, intellectual property and Government procurement, along with entering into free trade agreements and investment protection treaties with more countries. This aims to unlock the potential of China’s vast market for the world.

The Forum conveyed a resounding message of unity, cooperation, openness, and mutual benefit. It emphasized that humankind shares a common future, and win-win cooperation is the path to success for initiatives benefiting all. The event witnessed over 10,000 registered representatives from 151 countries and 41 international organizations, reaffirming the global appeal and influence of Belt and Road cooperation. It was a clear signal to the world that unity, cooperation, openness, and mutual gain are preferable to division, confrontation, isolation, or zero-sum thinking. Amidst profound global changes and challenges, Belt and Road cooperation stands as a stabilizing force.

Action was a defining feature of the forum, with an emphasis on tangible outcomes. President Xi Jinping outlined eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, covering multidimensional connectivity, green development, scientific and technological innovation, practical cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and institution-building. The forum yielded 458 outcomes, including crucial cooperation initiatives, institutional arrangements, and specific targets. These commitments include providing 100,000 training opportunities on green development by 2030 and establishing 100 joint laboratories. Furthermore, China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China will establish RMB 350 billion financing windows, with an additional RMB 80 billion injected into the Silk Road Fund.

This emphasis on concrete action underscores the commitment to global growth and shared development. As the world enters a new decade, China, along with the international community, including Sierra Leone, stands poised to build on this progress, summing up experiences, drawing blueprints, forging consensus, and advancing the Belt and Road’s high-quality development for the benefit of all.

The Third Belt and Road Forum has ushered in a new era of global cooperation, setting a course towards a more prosperous and interconnected world.

Marampa Mines Limited Urges Government to Revise Rail & Port Lease Agreement

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Marampa Mines Limited (MML), a significant player in Sierra Leone’s mining sector, has sent a crucial letter to the Hon. Minister of Mines & Mineral Resources, Mr. Julius Mattai, emphasizing the need for revisions to the Rail and Port Lease Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and Kingho. MML, under the leadership of CEO Craig Dean, has expressed concerns that the current draft of the lease agreement with Kingho could have adverse consequences for their operations and revenue generation, which would ultimately affect GoSL royalties and community development contributions.

In their letter, MML acknowledged Minister Mattai’s recent appointment and extended their commitment to working together to boost the country’s mining sector. They underscored the importance of guaranteed and unconditional access to the Pepel Rail and Port Infrastructure for exporting iron ore concentrate. MML has nearly completed a significant expansion project, which will be operational in January 2024 and increase their export capacity to approximately 4 million tons.

MML’s key concerns revolve around the ongoing negotiations between GoSL and Kingho for the Rail and Port Lease Agreement. They argue that the terms within their existing Mineral Lease Agreement (MLA) must be considered, as it grants them priority access rights and the GoSL’s commitment to ensuring their use of the infrastructure. These rights are crucial for MML’s long-term expansion plans, which are heavily reliant on access to the Rail and Port.

Specific clauses in their MLA highlight their rights, including a priority right to use the Rail and Port on “most favored customer” terms and a commitment from GoSL to facilitate their access. MML also maintains that their MLA provisions should take precedence over Kingho’s lease provisions.

In addition to their written concerns, MML recounted discussions with Kingho regarding access to the infrastructure, which left them apprehensive about not being granted access. Kingho even suggested that MML sell their high-grade iron ore concentrate to them, a proposition firmly rejected by MML.

MML’s concerns are detailed in a memo, which outlines necessary changes to the Lease Agreement with Kingho. Key recommendations include:

1. Reducing the lease duration from 20 years to 5 years to promote competition and accountability.

2. Requiring Kingho to grant access to third parties for up to 50% of the existing capacity.

3. Allowing a shorter notice period for shipment requests (1 month instead of 4).

4. Prohibiting Kingho from purchasing materials from other potential users of the Railway and Port.

5. Ensuring Kingho operates and maintains the Demised Properties according to best practices and international standards.

6. Mandating the use of the English language for all company documents.

7. Adding three new events of default for accountability.

8. Reviewing the lease agreement every 2 years and allowing for the introduction of another rail and port operator.

MML’s letter and memo highlight their commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all stakeholders, preventing monopolization, and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s mining industry’s future. The successful resolution of these concerns will be pivotal in ensuring the growth and profitability of the mining sector in Sierra Leone.

National Dialogue on Energy Transition Plan Ends

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Government of Sierra Leone and the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF) have on Tuesday 24th October, 2023 successfully concluded the first National Dialogue on Energy Transition Plan, aiming to create a just and inclusive transition to sustainable energy systems. This effort is in line with the Government’s commitment to drive socio-economic benefits, social inclusivity and empowerment while addressing climate change.

The two-day National Dialogue took place at the Freetown City Council in Freetown. It was inaugurated by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and enjoyed support from the Ministries of Energy, Agriculture & Food Security, Environment & Climate Change, Finance, and Planning and Economic Development. Participants included private sector investors, representatives from the UN systems, the World Bank, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Civil Society, Local Councils, Paramount Chiefs, sector experts, and academics from Africa, the United States, and the University of Sierra Leone.

In his opening remarks, PI-CREF Chairman, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella highlighted the intertwined challenges of climate change, limited access to energy, subsistence agriculture, unemployment, and poverty. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to address these challenges while keeping gender inclusivity central to the energy transition plan.

Senior Advisor to HE President William Ruto of Kenya and Special Presidential Climate Envoy, Ambassador Ali Daud Mohamed, emphasized that climate change necessitates collective action and commitment at local, national and regional levels. He urged African countries to invest in climate-resilient programs and develop legislation supporting climate-positive growth. He also expressed Kenya’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s energy drive.

In his keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio underlined his Government’s commitment to a clean energy system that could drive socio-economic benefits and social inclusivity. He acknowledged that Sierra Leone is highly vulnerable to climate variability and change and urgent efforts are needed to adapt to changing weather patterns.

President Bio noted the progress made in increasing electricity access and the establishment of mini-grids but recognized the necessity to reduce energy poverty. He revealed the Government’s long-term vision to position Sierra Leone as an agricultural powerhouse and a regional energy hub.

To achieve this vision, President Bio pledged to mobilize investments for one gigawatt of energy generation capacity over the next 10-15 years. This would provide local consumption and allow for export to the sub-region. He emphasized the importance of developing policies and programs for climate resilience and an inclusive energy transition.

In conclusion, President Bio stressed Sierra Leone’s renewable energy potential and the need to combine it with conventional energy to power homes and businesses supporting the nation’s economic growth and climate action goals.

Key ministers from various Government departments, the World Bank, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation also delivered statements during the opening ceremony. The event featured panel discussions on various topics and was brought to a close by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

IPAM, USL Bags Prestigious Accreditation from Renowned Int’l Body

The Institute of Public Administration and Management’s Bachelor of Science Programme in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management has been accredited by the “world’s largest professional body serving Procurement and Supply”, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

At a College Management Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 18th October 2023, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, Assoc. Prof. Miriam Conteh-Morgan said she received the letter of accreditation after about six months of submitting the application. She noted that the B.Sc. in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management is among the fastest growing programmes at IPAM, adding that the CIPS accreditation has further raised its profile with international recognition.

DVC Conteh-Morgan said they are elated as an administration for such an acknowledgement and thanked her team, including the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Dr. Ernest Udeh and the former Head of the Department of Procurement, Dr. Shekou Ansumana Nuni for their immense contributions toward the attainment of such a level of recognition. She said the CIPS accreditation is a validation that the programmes offered at IPAM meet international standards, noting that IPAM can compete in certain areas at an international level. She said such an achievement has brought further credits to IPAM and by extension, the University of Sierra Leone.

Admonishing students of the Procurement Department at IPAM, Assoc. Prof. Conteh-Morgan said they should be proud of such an achievement but hasten to caution that they should bear in mind that such recognition comes with responsibility. She noted that for the institution to maintain the CIPS accreditation, which she said did not come easily, students of the procurement department should be hard-working because the future success of the programme rests on their efforts to go through the programme successfully and become ambassadors of IPAM. She encouraged prospective students to apply for the course and to make great efforts to become outstanding students.

The Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programme is a 321-Credit B.Sc. (Hons) undergraduate-level programme delivered over a four-year period on a face-to-face basis at IPAM. The CIPS accreditation provides a fast-track path to becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
According to the conditions for accreditation, to apply for MCIPS designation, “students must submit their application to IPAM for onward transfer to CIPS within five years of graduating and have three (3) years of experience within a role of responsibility within the procurement and supply sector.” Moreover, only students completing the program “will be eligible for MCIPS; credit transfers between courses or institutions not specified on the Accreditation Statement will not be accepted.”

Furthermore, the CIPS letter of accreditation states that students undertaking the programme will receive a one-year complimentary membership card from the international institute which is renewed annually while they are enrolled for the course.

Among other benefits, the CIPS accreditation provides students with “support and guidance; expertise and intelligence; career progress and success; community and connection; and credibility and recognition”. Moreover, the accreditation constitutes recognition of a world-class programme, which reflects the current and future needs of the global procurement and supply management profession.

Leonus Di Genius Celebrates 10 Years in Music with a Special Christmas Show

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a Press Conference held on Monday 23rd October, 2023 at the Balanta Music Academy on Liverpool Street in Freetown, Leonus Di Genius’s Management along with family, friends, and fans, celebrated the talented young artist’s ten-year journey in the music industry with an unveiling of Leonus Di Genius’s show on December 25th at the Freetown Amusement Park.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Manager of Leonus Di Genius, Leonous Johnson, began by expressing gratitude and introducing the event, highlighting Leonus’s journey and achievements.

He reflected on how Leonus’s talent was discovered when he was just two years old, born into a family of entertainers and music lovers, stating that the family nurtured his talent, recorded his performances, and decided to share them with Sierra Leone.

Leonous Johnson said that his debut, the hit song “Buy for Me Sweet,” became the most played and trending song in the country, making him a star in his own right, continuing that Leonus’s early success predated the era of social media and streaming platforms, yet he managed to go viral and win the hearts of Sierra Leoneans.

He said that after several awards, presidential recognitions, big collaborations, branding with different companies like Spratley Charity Foundation UK/SL, High-Definition Vision, (HDV), United Nations Children Emergency Sierra, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Africell, DOFA, Caritas etc.

The Manager spoke of how Leonus has remained humbled and dedicated to both his formal and music education. He also praised his wife for her support and care.

“Leonus’s contributions to society include using his music to raise awareness on various issues, such as violence against children and youth during times of crisis, such as the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks and elections,” he revealed.

In recognition of his success, Leonus has gained a substantial following, even though his official Facebook page was hacked. The Manager announced the creation of a new page and website, which he unveiled as Leonus Di Genius.

On his part, Leonus Di Genius, making his statement, expressed gratitude to his family and fans, recognizing their unwavering support and the connection he shares with his followers.

In his heartfelt speech, he thanked his parents for their encouragement and emphasized how they have inspired him, underlining the importance of staying focused on education and music despite being a star. He acknowledged his parents as his greatest source of inspiration.

Leonus stressed that he wanted to be an inspiration to his peers and to protect the future generation from the challenges of modern society. He aspires to use his platform and music to promote wise media use, emphasizing the importance of a balanced education.

The young artist announced his annual December concert, which has run for seven consecutive years. Previous themes have tackled various issues, such as non-violence, health promotion, and education. This year’s theme: “Any How E B, We Shall Overcome,” signifies hope for Sierra Leone and its people.

Leonus Di Genius assured his supporters that the show on December 25th at the Freetown Amusement Park would be a memorable, impactful experience. He encouraged families to attend, emphasizing the power of achieving dreams together. The artist and his team are working tirelessly to create a fun-filled and impactful event.

He invited everyone to the concert, and during the press conference, the official poster for the Christmas show was unveiled.

As Leonus Di Genius commemorated his ten years in music, he left the audience with the inspiring slogan, “Any How E Be, We Shall Overcome.” It was a clear call to action and unity, leaving a sense of hope for the future.

Other stakeholders present at the ceremony include the Founder and CEO of Dorwontony Organization for the Aged, Dorren Barrie, the Chief Executive Officer of Caritas, Rev. Father Peter Konteh, Representative from Africell Sierra Leone, Abdulai Jalloh also made a statement congratulating Leonus Di Genius on his ten-year journey in the music industry.

They assured him of their continuous support towards his music career going forward.

The event concluded with the announcement of Leonus Di Genius’s upcoming annual event in December, which will celebrate children’s rights in Sierra Leone and mark his ten years in the music industry.

Leonus’s Manager and wife, on stage, then led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” and cutting of cake as Leonus turned twelve years old on October 23, 2023.

SLAJ Denounces Violent Attack on Hope FM 93.3 in Makeni

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Despite the fact that it is uncommon, in the wake of the repeal of the Libel and Seditious Law, for journalists and media outlets to come under violent attacks, however, there have been isolated cases when such have occurred.

In the afternoon hours of Monday, 23rd October 2023, the office and staff of Hope Radio FM 93.3 in Makeni came under attack by a group of thugs allegedly sent by one Alie Benson Conteh, the landlord of the premises housing the radio on 4 Field Road Makeni City, Northern Sierra Leone.

The thugs forcefully entered the radio building, vandalized the equipment and physically manhandled several staff. The Proprietor of the Radio, Stanley Bangura Jr, who arrived at the scene after alerting the Police, was also assaulted by a man identified as ‘Babah Bio’.

With the intervention of the Police in Makeni some arrests were made and an investigation into the matter is ongoing while the radio staff are responding to treatment at the Makeni Regional Hospital.

It was understood that the radio station has a legal tenancy agreement to expire on the 31st of December 2023.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has vehemently condemned the attack. President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, and a cross-section of his Executive visited the Mena Police Station in Makeni on their way from Bumbuna to inquire about the matter. The North-East Regional Commander, AIG Aiah Edward Samadia informed the SLAJ delegation that the owners of the premises and their lawyer came to the police station on Sunday, 22nd October 2023 requesting the police to forcefully evict the radio, but he advised them to follow due process.

“An attack on a radio station and its journalists is an attack on democracy. It is amazing how Sierra Leoneans have developed a culture of taking the law into their own hands. This lawlessness must stop, and we urge the Police to ensure the alleged culprits are brought to book,” said Nasralla.

ARISE IIP Agreements Mark a Turning Point in President Bio’s Leadership

In the lead-up to the June 2023 Elections, a group of prominent International and African banking experts travelled to Sierra Leone via their private jets, affirming their unwavering endorsement of what has been hailed as a transformative milestone for the nation. The occasion marked their steadfast backing of two pivotal agreements inked earlier in the year between President Julius Maada Bio’s SLPP-led administration and the esteemed international investment entity, ARISE IIP.

During the groundbreaking ceremony of the Special Economic Zone at Koya Chiefdom, Northern Sierra Leone, it was considered that the gathering, was a celebration of the two momentous pacts signed: the first, in January 2023, to independently oversee Sierra Leone’s Pepel Ports and Railway assets; and the second, in March 2023, to establish, operate, and manage a dedicated manufacturing and export zone in Koya Chiefdom, the closest provincial chiefdom to Freetown. It must be noted that Koya’s strategic location along waterways leading to the Atlantic Ocean and its deep-water quays position it as a prime hub for trade and commerce.

These two agreements were hailed as so impervious to potential challenges that the aforementioned eminent bankers and financiers from around the world converged in Sierra Leone, affirming the solidity of President Maada Bio’s vision.

It would be recalled that during the inauguration of the Special Investment Zone, attended by President Bio and a group of investors, it was emphasized that for Sierra Leone to realize the full potential envisaged in those agreements, the management of Pepel Port and Railway had to seamlessly integrate with the Koya Zone.

Indisputably, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio places immense importance on upholding watertight agreements, leaving no room for concern over unfounded speculations suggesting any intention to compromise his reputation by violating or retracting from these meticulously crafted accords for the Port and Railway management.

President Bio’s recent participation at a Rebranding Africa Conference in Brussels, where he received accolades, underscores his dedication to elevating women and empowering the youth. In light of this, it is imperative for African leaders to preserve their credibility by honoring their signed agreements as a pivotal step in rebranding Africa.
It is highly unlikely to witness if President Bio, who has garnered recognition in Brussels, will return home and inadvertently tarnish his reputation by disregarding these robust agreements.

There is the firm belief that such a self-destructive move on his part will obviously not materialize.

NP-SL Stands Tall As A Shining Indigenous Petroleum Marketing Company

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a shining example of a successful indigenous company, one that has not only endured the test of time but also surmounted numerous obstacles that might have spelled the downfall of lesser entities.

Such long-term success can be attributed to the company’s capable shareholders and managerial team, who consistently deliver innovative ideas and initiatives, propelling NP to ever-greater heights.

A key secret to NP’s success lies in its unwavering commitment to its cherished customers across the nation as the company’s exceptional attention to customer needs and its unwavering dedication to satisfaction underpin its achievements.
Management of NP-SL Ltd places a premium on customer care, valuing customer feedback as well as promptly addressing concerns.

As Governments rely on revenue to finance development projects, NP stands out as one of the largest contributors to the national treasury with the consistent and voluntary payment of its taxes on time, even in the face of teething challenges.

The company has also garnered wide acclaim for providing safe and affordable NP Gas cookers, offering a hygienic and clean alternative to traditional cooking methods.

In terms of the Local Content Policy, since its establishment, NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has become an invaluable force in the realm of job creation and poverty reduction employing 100% Sierra Leonean workers, promoting the policy’s objectives by nurturing local talent through training programs.

NP ensures the availability of its petroleum products at affordable prices for individuals and entities. A flexible chit-based system allows customers to secure fuel and settle payments later, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that endears the petroleum marketing company to all.

The Petroleum Directorate, the regulatory body overseeing petroleum companies in Sierra Leone, has recently commended NP for its efficient service delivery within its operational domains.

Recognizing the importance of expansion and revenue generation for national development, NP-SL has expanded its reach by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia, all of which have flourished to the satisfaction of Governments and customers alike.

The company is thriving in every country it is operating and its potential for further expansion is evident.

As a formidable petroleum marketing company, NP-SL Ltd continues to stand as a prominent and growing entity, both nationally and internationally, solidifying its position in the business landscape with each passing day.