By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, October 8, 2025: Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially received the year-two report on the implementation of the Feed Salone initiative from the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka. The presentation took place during a meeting with members of the Presidential Council on Feed Salone at the State House in Freetown.
Progress and Achievements
Opening the session, Dr. Kpaka, who also serves as Secretary to the Presidential Council, briefed the President on key milestones achieved in the second year of the initiative. He noted that Feed Salone continues to advance its five core objectives, with notable improvements in agricultural productivity, youth empowerment, and food security.
Among the achievements highlighted:
- Increased exports of cocoa, cashew, and coffee, boosting foreign exchange earnings
- Training and certification of 175 young tractor drivers, leading to five new machinery service providers in Kono, Bombali, Moyamba, and Kambia
- Deployment of 30 combined harvesters and 10 Sakata rice mills
- Construction of 5,000 hectares of irrigation infrastructure in Tormabum and Gbondapi
- Establishment of a state-of-the-art seed laboratory in Mile 91 by the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA), in collaboration with SLARI
Boosting Institutional Feeding and Private Investment
Dr. Kpaka also reported that the World Food Programme (WFP), through government support, procured 2,044 metric tons of rice from 12,000 farmers across seven districts. Additionally, a $10 million agricultural credit facility has been launched via the Bank of Sierra Leone to encourage private-sector investment in agriculture.
He emphasized that the initiative has led to a steady reduction in rice importation, falling rice prices, and improved national food security.
Presidential Commitment
In his remarks, President Bio commended the council for their dedication and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation. “We have laid a solid foundation. Even though we are not yet there, this is a movement,” he said. “There is no turning back in our journey to Feed Salone.”
He stressed the importance of value chain development and pledged continued support for indigenous private-sector players through the credit facility. “We will meet them halfway,” the President assured.
Speaking on behalf of local investors, Mr. Denis Jusu, CEO of Jam Jay Farming Company Limited, praised the government’s support and expressed optimism that rice importation could drop by 75 percent within two years. He affirmed that the private sector is now taking the lead in making Feed Salone a reality.
The meeting concluded with commendations for Dr. Kpaka’s leadership and meaningful contributions from council members. The Year-Two Report will be officially launched by President Bio during World Food Day celebrations in Kambia on October 31, 2025.