Sierra Leone Showcases Agricultural Potential at First Agri-Food Investment Summit

Freetown, 28 October 2025 – Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has urged both local and international investors to take advantage of new opportunities in the country’s agriculture sector. Speaking at the maiden Agri-Food Investment Summit held at the New Brookfields Hotel, the President assured participants of tax incentives, transparent investment laws, and regulatory reforms designed to build a modern and self-sufficient food economy.

The summit brought together over 25 international investors and 40 local companies. President Bio described agriculture as the “heartbeat of Sierra Leone’s economy,” highlighting that the nation has 5.4 million hectares of arable land, of which less than 20 percent is currently cultivated. He emphasized Sierra Leone’s strategic position to serve more than 400 million consumers across West Africa, stressing that consistent leadership and clear policies set the country apart in its pursuit of food sovereignty.

Reaffirming his commitment to investors, the President noted that every seed planted represents a promise of prosperity for farmers. He underscored that the Feed Salone initiative is more than a programme—it is a movement to restore dignity and ensure Sierra Leoneans can feed themselves and thrive. Key investment opportunities were outlined in rice, cassava, poultry, livestock, cocoa, and coffee.

Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, described agriculture as central to macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth, noting that reforms under Feed Salone position the economy for robust expansion. From the private sector, Mohamed Sow, Finance Director of PC Holdings Group, shared that the company has invested US$150 million in agricultural ventures over the past seven years, producing onions, maize, palm oil derivatives, and seasoning cubes. He credited the government’s support for their confidence to expand further.

The summit concluded with renewed commitments from government, investors, and private sector partners to transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape through investment, innovation, and collaboration.