By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, unanimously ratified a series of trade and partnership agreements aimed at strengthening industrial development, expanding employment opportunities and deepening regional integration within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Central among the agreements was a trade and investment partnership between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and JOLAKS Manufacturing Company Limited, a local manufacturing firm established in 2012 to produce vegetable oil.
Presenting the agreement before the House, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, described the deal as a significant milestone in Government’s drive to promote local production and reduce reliance on imports.
He informed Members of Parliament that JOLAKS Manufacturing Company Limited would diversify its production portfolio beyond vegetable oil to include soap and other related products. According to the Minister, the company has complied with all regulatory requirements governing industrial operations in Sierra Leone.
The Minister disclosed that the project represents an estimated investment of approximately US$45 million and is expected to create additional employment opportunities nationwide. He noted that over the years, JOLAKS has already generated more than 700 jobs, contributing meaningfully to youth employment and local value addition.
During the debate, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay underscored the importance of the agreement in expanding job creation. She revealed that JOLAKS operates at a production capacity of 3,000 metric tons per day, describing the ratification as timely and crucial to strengthening the national economy.
However, she stressed the need for strong parliamentary oversight to ensure that companies operating in the country adhere strictly to national laws and regulations. Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay particularly emphasized compliance with the 30 percent female representation policy, urging the company to prioritize gender inclusion in its recruitment processes.
She further encouraged JOLAKS to intensify its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within host communities noting that industrial expansion must go hand-in-hand with community development.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business II, referenced Section 40 of the 1991 Constitution, which vests the authority to ratify agreements exclusively in Parliament. He described Clause 4.2 of the agreement, making corporate social responsibility mandatory, as one of its most critical provisions.
He praised the administration of Julius Maada Bio for creating what he termed an enabling environment for business growth, adding that the agreement would significantly contribute to job creation and economic transformation.
Hon. Unpha Koroma of the Western Area raised issues relating to tariff protection benefits granted to the company. While acknowledging the employment potential of the investment, he called for enhanced staff training programs and improved employee welfare packages to ensure long-term sustainability.
He also expressed concern over what he described as sluggish engagement between the company and local community stakeholders, urging stronger collaboration with residents and Members of Parliament to ensure efficient service delivery and harmonious operations.
From the opposition bench, Hon. Abdul Kargbo emphasized the need for effective coordination between private companies and national stakeholders. He observed that JOLAKS’ expanded production of oil, soap and other goods would contribute significantly to national growth.
Though he called for strict monitoring to ensure full compliance with the agreement’s provisions, he commended clauses that prioritize youth employment and urged Parliament to approve the agreement in the broader national interest.
Concluding the debate, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, described the agreement as a major step toward providing meaningful opportunities for Sierra Leone’s youth.
He encouraged the Minister to ensure protection for infant industries and clarified that approximately US$30 million would be invested over several years as part of phased implementation. He reiterated that companies operating within communities must actively collaborate with local stakeholders in fulfilling their corporate social obligations.
In response to concerns raised by lawmakers, the Minister assured Parliament that environmental safeguards, labour standards and other matters of national interest would be closely monitored and addressed.
The House subsequently ratified the agreement unanimously.
In a related development, Parliament also approved a Long-Term Partnership Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Rainforest Builder (SL) Limited, dated 24 September 2025.
Furthermore, lawmakers ratified several ECOWAS Supplementary Acts aimed at harmonizing air transport regulations across Member States. These include common rules on ground handling services, slot allocation, air carrier liability, aviation security, passenger compensation, tariff application, competition practices and market access within the ECOWAS region.
The approvals mark a broader effort to align Sierra Leone’s aviation and trade frameworks with regional standards, facilitating smoother cross-border movement of goods and passengers while strengthening investor confidence.
The unanimous decisions signal Parliament’s commitment to fostering industrial expansion, job creation and regional economic integration as key pillars of national development.
