By Desmond Tunde Coker
Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 2, 2025: The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) have officially signed the implementation agreement for Phase Two of the Opportunity Salone Project, further strengthening their commitment to sustainable development in Sierra Leone. The signing ceremony took place in Freetown.
Expanding Economic Opportunities
Phase Two of the project, valued at approximately $49,000, will continue to target four districts: Bo, Kenema, Port Loko, and Bombali. The Opportunity Salone Programme focuses on job creation and quality improvement, particularly benefiting women and youth. It facilitates infrastructure enhancement, feeder road maintenance, and long-term job creation within agricultural value chains.
Speaking at the event, ILO Country Director Dr. Vanessa Phala emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating:
“This signing marks another major achievement. This project is for the people of Sierra Leone, not just the ILO. It aligns with the government’s priorities and focuses on empowering young people, particularly through the Youth Commission.”
Dr. Phala highlighted the role of local enterprises, particularly within the agricultural sector, and the importance of collaborative efforts with key institutions, including the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the National Youth Commission, and the Local Content Agency.
She also noted the successes of Phase One, particularly showcased at the recent National Labour Conference, where participating enterprises demonstrated their growth and product innovation.
Strengthening Local Businesses
Fodeba Daboh, Director General of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, formally confirmed the approval of Phase Two and recalled the successful implementation of Phase One, which benefited businesses across Bo, Bombali, Port Loko, and Kenema.
“In Phase Two, we will target 21 women- and youth-led local content enterprises within the cassava and palm kernel value chains,” Daboh announced, expressing optimism about the data collected and the transformative potential of the project.
Daboh reiterated that the initiative aligns with the agency’s strategic priorities, particularly value chain development, stating:
“Made in Sierra Leone is a national objective. This project supports local entrepreneurs in enhancing their skills, improving quality, and ensuring their products can compete both locally and internationally.”
Sharing an anecdote from the National Labour Conference, he recounted how the Vice President was surprised to learn that a cake he enjoyed had been made from cassava flour—a testament to ongoing innovation in local industries.
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Ahmed Atata Mansaray Esq., National Youth Commissioner, voiced his support for the initiative, pledging the commission’s continued commitment to youth empowerment and skills development through such impactful partnerships.
The ILO and its key partners, including the European Union, remain dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and decent work in Sierra Leone, reinforcing President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for national development.