By George M.O. Wiliams
Freetown, May 26, 2026: The Sierra Leone Chamber of Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) has held a high‑level dialogue with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFS) to strengthen collaboration between government and private sector players in advancing the country’s Feed Salone agenda.
The meeting, hosted at SLeCAD’s Beach Road office, brought together agribusiness owners, farmers, investors, and ministry officials to explore practical ways of boosting agricultural productivity, food security, and investment.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture II, Sahr Hemore, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to deepening partnerships with private sector stakeholders. He stressed that government sees the private sector as critical to transforming agriculture from subsistence farming into a commercially viable industry capable of driving national economic growth.
Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer, Aiah J. Thorlie, highlighted reforms designed to attract private investment, support agribusiness development, and create a level playing field. He noted that private institutions are increasingly supplying machinery, improved seedlings, fertilizers, and other inputs for government‑supported farming projects.
SLeCAD Executive Director, Ahmed Nanoh, said the forum was established to empower private sector actors and provide a platform for sharing ideas, identifying challenges, and accessing support. He emphasized the need for stronger investment in mechanized farming, access to finance, improved storage facilities, and market opportunities for local farmers.
Nanoh called for sustained collaboration between government, development partners, and the business community to achieve long‑term food security and agricultural self‑sufficiency.
Participants discussed persistent obstacles, including limited financing for small and medium‑scale farmers, inadequate infrastructure, climate‑related risks, and difficulties in accessing affordable inputs.
This version frames the engagement as a strategic partnership story, balancing government assurances with private sector demands, while spotlighting the broader challenges facing Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation.