By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector by creating an enabling environment for investors through tax incentives, transparent investment laws and regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring food self-sufficiency and economic growth.
Speaking at the country’s first-ever Agri-Food Investment Summit held on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, President Bio described agriculture as “the heartbeat of Sierra Leone’s economy.” The high-level forum attracted over 25 international investors and 40 local companies, signaling growing confidence in the nation’s agricultural potential under the Feed Salone initiative.
“Sierra Leone has 5.4 million hectares of arable land and less than 20 percent has been cultivated. We are strategically positioned to feed over 400 million consumers in West Africa,” President Bio stated. “In our fight for food sovereignty, political leadership and policy consistency set Sierra Leone apart.”
He stressed that every seed planted represents “a promise to the farmer that his work is his future,” adding that Feed Salone is not merely a programme but a national movement to restore pride and dignity through agriculture. The President encouraged investors to move beyond dialogue and translate commitments into practical projects that create jobs, boost exports and strengthen food systems.
Highlighting investment opportunities in rice, cassava, poultry, livestock, cocoa and coffee, President Bio said his administration is determined to ensure that investors find Sierra Leone a profitable and secure destination for agribusiness.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, praised President Bio’s leadership in positioning agriculture at the center of the country’s economic agenda. He revealed that foreign direct investment commitments have already surpassed US$2 billion, while interest rates have dropped significantly from 40% to 15%, making the business climate more attractive to investors.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, explained that the summit provides a platform for connecting global investors with local farmers to enhance productivity, access to finance and market competitiveness. “We are making it easier to access land, do business and make profit. Sierra Leone is a country that means business now more than ever,” he declared.
Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, described agriculture as a major pillar for macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth. “With Feed Salone and ongoing macroeconomic reforms, our economy is well-positioned for sustained growth and food security,” he noted.
Private sector representatives also underscored their confidence in the Government’s policy direction. Mohamed Sow, Finance Director of PC Holdings Group, revealed that his company has invested over US$150 million in Sierra Leone’s agriculture over the past seven years, producing onions, maize, palm oil derivatives and seasoning cubes. He commended President Bio’s administration for fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages long-term investment.
The summit ended with renewed commitments from both Government and private sector players to drive innovation, technology adoption and large-scale investment in Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector; marking a major step forward in the nation’s quest for food sovereignty and sustainable development.
