companies, and industries with interests in promoting
agribusiness private sector investment and
agro-industrialization in the agricultural sector.
partnerships, trade and investment in agriculture in
Sierra Leone.
VOICE OF THE AGRIBUSINESSES
Welcome to SLeCAD
The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) is a forum of agribusiness business operators, companies, and industries with interests in promoting agribusiness private sector investment and agro-industrialization in the agricultural sector.
As a private sector body, SLeCAD was established with the prime objective of promoting agribusiness private sector development, particularly is establishing platforms and facilitating interactions for agribusiness, partnerships, trade and investment in agriculture in Sierra Leone.
The Chamber represents the voice of the agribusinesses with total commitment to playing a leadership role towards propelling Sierra Leone’s economy to higher heights. As an independent agribusiness support organization, we serve as a link between established agribusinesses, the emerging sector, and government at the various levels while offering our members a myriad of business development support services.
As at now, the Chamber has and will continue to influence government policies and programmes, which will habituate to the good performance of the private sector while promoting the overall development of the Sierra Leone economy.
Our vision is sustainable Agribusiness in Sierra Leone through enhanced productivity and competitiveness at National, Regional and Global Markets.
Join With US
Join with us and become a proud member of SLeCAD. Download membership form, fill it out and come with the form in our office.
Please note the following;
- Deadline for the submission of all completed application forms is close of business on the 31st october 2023. No Application will be consider after this deadline.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.
Opportunity Salone Project is part of a large EU funded jobs and growth program implemented by several partners that aim to stimulate job creation by improving the investment climate through enhanced access to finance, improving rural transport infrastructure and upgrading human capital through gender and vocational training and education.
SLeCAD Calls on IMF to cancel SL’s Debt in Support of President Bio’s “Feed Salone” Program
Freetown, SIERRA LEONEClick here for more on this
Ahmed Nannoh, the Executive Secretary of the Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD), has made an impassioned Plea to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to consider restructuring and cancelling Sierra Leone’s debt to enable the government to fully fund the Feed Salone Project.
Nannoh conveyed his message to journalists at his Bathurst Street Office in Freetown on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023. President Bio, following his re-election, introduced the ambitious “Feed Salone” Program, aimed at combatting hunger within the country.
Highlighting the country’s debt to-GDP ratio, Nannoh stated that it stands at 90-92%. “Easing our debt burden will create room for increased government investment in the agriculture sector, ultimately ensuring the success of the Feed Salone Project,” he expressed.
Nannoh emphasized the paramount importance of achieving self-sufficiency in food production. “Our focus should be on agriculture to drive industrialization and elevate Sierra Leone to a position of strength, he added.
The Executive Secretary also called upon development partners to provide substantial funding for the “Feed Salone” Program to enhance food security, alleviate poverty, generate employment and wealth, and foster inclusive growth. “Feed Salone has the potential to be a game-changer in Sierra Leone,” he asserted.
Nannoh pointed out the significance of agriculture in job creation, stating, “No country in the world has successfully boosted job creation without prioritizing agriculture.’
He praised President Bio’s commitment to agriculture, noting that the President himself has a background in farming, having previously owned tropical Farm, a company engaged in the production and export of organic cocoa to Europe.
Furthermore, Nannoh highlighted the government’s allocation of 10% of the budget to agriculture, in line with the Maputo Declaration, a significant increase from the previous 2.6%.
Among other suggestions, the Executive Secretary recommended that the Sierra Leonean government impose taxes on rice and allocate the funds to support the agriculture sector, thereby promoting market access and enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector and farmers.
Nannoh also urges the Government to review issues related to advance payment guarantees and letters of credit, allowing the private sector to flourish without unnecessary constraints.
In addition, he proposed that the Ministry of Agriculture utilize the Agribusiness investment Policy, funded by the World Bank SCADeP, to promote the “Feed Salone” Program.
The Executive Secretary encourages mining companies to contribute to the Government’s effort to support “Feed Salone” by increasing their royalties from the current 3%.
Lastly, Nannoh called upon the government to conduct feasibility studies that would attract greater private sector, ultimately realizing the goals of the “Feed Salone” initiative. He also advocate for the establishment of agriculture insurance to mitigate risks in the sector and for the mapping and registration of Lands owned by Sierra Leoneans, which could be used as collateral for accessing Finance.
SLeCAD Successfully Accomplished Good Agricultural Practices (Gap) Training For 600 Cashew Farmers In Bombali And Portloko, Karene and Kambia Districts in S/Leone
The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness development (SLeCAD) with funding support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) SheTrades West Africa Project build the capacity in Gender Inclusive Outreach and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training for 600 Cashew Farmers, SMEs and Traders. The objective of the training is to build the skills and improve the knowledge of 600 women and youths Cashew value chains farmer, SMEs and Traders in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The training will further identify gender-based constraints, how to address them, raise awareness about these constraints whilst employing best agricultural practices for improved cashew production, harvesting, and post-harvest handling that will facilitate trade and export. This will improve on the income of women and youth farmers, SMEs and traders, ensure increased investment, create jobs and wealth and enhance economic growth.Click here for more on this During the lunching of the event in Bombali districts, in March 2023, National Coordinator for the SheTrades West Africa Project in Sierra Leone Madam Khadija Barrie stated that, the aim of the project is to improve the position of Gender (Women) in different Agricultural value chains across four West Africa Countries. The project which stated in 2019 and ends 2023 will ensure that the skills and knowledge of women are improved in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in cashew farm management, processing, packaging that will enhance jobs and wealth creation goals, improve incomes and ensure inclusive growth. Madam Khadija further stated that, SLeCAD is been the critical partner of ITC SheTrade West Africa to boost the Agricultural sector in Sierra Leone and ensure inclusive opportunities for women and youths. She inform participants that SLeCAD has a vast knowledge and network working along the agricultural value chains throughout Sierra Leone. And she also informed participants that ITC and SLeCAD have developed profile stories of outstanding female agri-entrepreneurs in the cashew sector designed to inspire other women to use existing opportunities in their communities to establish successful and sustainable agribusinesses. In a virtual interview with the Executive Secretary of SLeCAD, Ahmed Nanoh, thanked ITC SheTrades West Africa for the support offered to SLeCAD and S/Leone in ensuring the capacity building of the women and youth cashew farmers in Sierra Leone. Mr. Nanoh stated that the training will improve the skills of the 600 women and youths in agronomy and cashew orchards management; post-harvest management and quality of cashew products; processing and value addition to cashew and -its by-products; market mechanism, nut and kernel market analysis; business relationships between stakeholders; value chain development; economics of cashew farming and processing, self-financing advice; price analysis and price formation; design and production of teaching/training materials as ToTs. Above all he confirmed that the training will creating awareness to the wider community to recognize women’s economic potential and value for the well-being of households and the community as a whole he asserted. The training will help to transform the women and youths into good private sector operators, create jobs and wealth, reduce poverty, expand government tax base, improve foreign exchange and enhance overall economic growth. Representing SLeCAD at the workshop as facilitator Saidu issa Kamara express thanks and Appreciations to the International Trade Centre SheTrades West Africa for their support in capacitating the chamber. The impact this training will bring to the chamber membership cannot be overemphasize as the training methodology and approach is quite special and practical saidu ascends. He also admonished participants to value this opportunity as this training will help them on; And many other important areas within their farming activities. He concluded that, if farmers make good implementation of the knowledge they will be acquiring on this all important training they will surly see a huge increase on their production.
The Chamber of Agriculture (SLeCAD) and International Trade Centre (ITC), West Africa Competitive Programme (WACOMP) Trained 30 Agribusiness Companies, SMEs and Cooperatives to improve on the business environment & trade Through Advocacy
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In order to chat the way forward in enhancing production and productivity through the private sector the Executive Secretary, Sierra Leone Chamber of Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD), Ahmed Nanoh, has requested that the Minister of Agriculture facilitate a meeting between the Chamber and President Bio.
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Business Development, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship SKILLS TRAINING for 250 OUTGROWER FARMERS & Agribusiness SMEs funded by EU/BAFS, managed by NAO, supervised by MOA and implemented by SLeCAD and BFC
With support from the European Union under the Boosting Agriculture and Food Security (EU/BAFS) Project, SLeCAD in collaboration with the Bennimix Food Company (BFC) conducted business development and marketing training in Kono, Bombali, Portloko, Bo and Kenema for 250 out grower Farmers and SMEs organized from 20 June to 19th July 2022 .
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SLeCAD-Press-Brieffings_July_2022-1 (1)
Click the link Above to Read the Press briefing statement of the Executive Secretary Of SLeCAD Mr. Ahmed Nanoh.
SLeCAD JOIN SCALING UP NUTRITION (SUN) OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT IN LUNCHING THE NUTRITION ACTION MAPPING EXERCISE.
The nutrition mapping Exercise is organized by SUN Secretariat office of the vice president to collect accurate Data which will help to guard SUN effort to end Malnutrition.
As SUN is playing a coordinating role representing the Government of Sierra Leone under the office of the vice president, this effort will help determine the nutrition status of the country in order to initiate interventions that will salvage the problem of Malnutrition within Sierra Leone.
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SCALING UP NUTRITION OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT CONDUCTED A DAY WORKSHOP TO VALIDATE THE FOOD SYSTEM REGIONAL DIALOGUE SYNTHESIS REPORT.
Among eminent stakeholders representing the private sector as team lead for the food system dialogue was the executive secretary of SLeCAD Mr. Ahmed Nanoh. Mr. Nanoh being a technical committee member for the food system, the regional curator for the northwest region and team lead for key private sector express profound gratitude for being part of the validation exercise as it is an important event haven gone through the process in the northwest region. He ascend that multitude of private sector were involve in the entire process and make significant input in the development of the food system document. He further by extending thanks to the Government especially the convenor Hon. Minister of state Office of the Vice president who display unique leadership skills in putting together all relivant stakeholders to reach were we are today.
As private sector, they have play fundamental role through engaging the government and all key stakeholders in getting the food system right. As private sector they are contributing to national development through the government agenda Mr. Nanoh asserted.
After making significant input in to this document as private sector, we are here today to make a thorough review on some of the input made and validate them to become a national blue print on the food system document.
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SLeCAD Completed Ten Days Business Plan Documentary Training for 96 SME’s For SCADeP.
The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Business Development (SLeCAD) as a partner to the world Bank funded SCADeP project, with supervision by the Ministry of Agriculture and forestry together with the Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) completed ten days of business plan documentary training for 96 SMEs that fall within the SCADeP supported Value chains (Rice, Oil palm, Cocoa, poultry and Onions), there were five batches in three regional stations, Pot Loko one batch, Makeni two batches and Bo two batches respectively. The purpose of this training is to put all shortlisted SMEs on a level playing ground for a healthy and bias-free competition since the business plan will be used to get the final list, this statement was made by the Grant manager of SCADeP PCU Alimamy Kargbo, at every opening session for each batch. For each batch at each station, the grant manager presented the overview of the Small holder Commercialization and Agribusiness Development Project
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He also presented the overview of the Agribusiness Service Match Grant (ASMG) and the road map for the second call as of date. He continues to say that the shortlisting is done by the grant technical committee of SCADeP, this committee is composing of public and private institutions working together in implementing the SCADeP project. He also cautions the shortlisted SMEs that nobody has the right to take money from you as a way of benefiting from the SCADeP project not even myself, the process will be free and fear, even if I don’t like you will not stop you to be part of the beneficiaries only if you present the right business plan.
The sole aim of the training is the support in building the
capacity of the shortlist SMEs for healthy competition in the final round of
shortlisting, The objective of the training is:
- To improve on the knowledge base on business operations
cycle for 96 SMEs - To improve on the Budget and financial
management for 96 shortlisted SMEs - To improve on the Knowledge on four stages in
business plan - To improve on the knowledge on how to ask for
loan or grant from financial institution
SLeCAD IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SCALING UP NUTRIRTION OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT SIERRA LEONE UNDERTAKE A FOOD SYSTEM DIALOGUE IN THE NORTHWEST REGION.
Mr. Ahmed Nanoh the executive secretary of The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) and also doubles as the regional curator for the North West region champion this all important event.
After giving an overview of the said event, Mr. Ahmed Nanoh took his time to Mentor all participant through some motivational statements and Advice participants to do Justice to this document as it is a national call and not a political thing. He further elaborate on the benefit this document will bring to the entire world if given the utmost attention it requires.
He further Lament on the Background to UN interest in Food system. And remind participant that, the United Nation recognizes food as a very critical element of life and it underpins our culture, our economy and our relationship with the natural world. It is in connection with the above mentioned the United Nation Secretary General calls on all world Leaders to take part in a summit that will help establish the future direction for food systems and accelerate collective action on the following premises;click here for more Mr. Ahmed Nanoh stated it clearly that, the United Nation recognize that everyone inputs is meaningful and will play significant role in the development of any policy. It is with such believed the United Nation Secretary General calls on world leaders to follow the bottom to top Approach in developing the food system. Mr. Ahmed Nanoh further makes a comprehensive explanation on the following areas: 1. What a sustainable food system is? And outline the following as a bid in answering the aforementioned question: –It is profitable throughout (economic sustainability); –It has broad-based benefits for society (social sustainability); and -It has a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment (environmental sustainability). 1. A break down on the structure of the Food System National Dialogue. 2. Expected outcome of the National Dialogue. 3. Status of the Food system Dialogue in the Country. In his concluding submission Mr. Ahmed Nanoh emphasize on the critical role this document will play in drawing the attention of the United Nation in supporting our beloved country and appeal to participants to put all their best by making meaningful contribution towards the development of this document.
SLeCAD IN COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (ITC) COMPLETED TWO DAY’S TRADE-RELATED ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC PRIVATE DIALOGUE: INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES FOR IMPROVING AGRI-SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS IN SIERRA LEONE
BACKGROUND OF THE TRAINING
Continuous dialogue and exchange of perspectives between Government and private sector and other stakeholders, are crucial to creating a supportive business environment at home and leveraging on trade openness in regional and global markets.
As the Government of Sierra Leone is striving to further improve the business environment for trade competitiveness, the role of business advocacy and policy dialogue with the Government cannot be overestimated; to identify areas and solutions for improvement through new domestic reforms, and or better implementation of existing policies.
As such, the private sector can play an important role in advocating for the mainstreaming of regional and multilateral trade agreements into national policies. This can contribute to the development of all sectors and value chains as well as priority sectors such as the cocoa, palm oil and cassava agri-value chains under the WACOMP Sierra Leone Program.
This 2-days training entitled ‘Trade-related advocacy and public private dialogue: insights and perspectives for improving agri-sector competitiveness in Sierra Leone’ is organised for public and private sector representatives will be the start of a series of advocacy and public private dialogue activities under the WACOMP Sierra Leone Programme.
OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
This training for selected TSI’s and their member’s active in the agri-sector, has the following objectives:
- To provide an introduction to the principles and key functions of trade-related advocacy and policy dialogue
- To share practical examples on how trade-related advocacy and policy dialogue can contribute to creating a conducive business environment at home and better trade competitiveness abroad.
- Introduce key linkages between domestic business environment and international trade agreements (FTA)’s, pan-African (ACFTA) and international trade agreements (EU, WTO).
- Exchange and discuss how improved trade related advocacy and dialogue can support trade competitiveness of Sierra Leone’s businesses in the agri-value chains, as result of improved domestic business environment and taking advantage of (trade) agreements, at home and abroad.
SLeCAD ENDED A DAY WORKSHOP ON THEIR STRATEGIC PLAN VALIDATION FOR 2021 TO 2025
The Sierra Leone Chamber For Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) A Leading Private Sector Agribusiness Institution Has Ended A Validation Process Of Their Strategic Plan At Radisson Blue Hotel.
NOTABLE ISSUES
(1) Partnership collaboration
(2) Membership Capacity building
(3) To prioritize production amongst the different activity plans
(4) Gender mainstreaming in different programs and events
It can be recalled that the Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development is an institution created by Agribusiness Private sector players with support fromContinue The International Trade Canter ITC had been a fruitful partnership in getting this document which will carry the guiding principles of the chamber for the next 5 years. Their technical expertise shown in putting this work together had put a smile on the faces of membership of the chamber. The focus of the strategic plan is to get the road map of the institution for the next five years (2021 –2025) and programs and activities the chamber will concentrate on in preferential other, this will picture out the activities, indicators for a measurable outcome.
SLeCAD and SCADeP Empower Farmers on Marketing, Standards and Quality Trainings in Bo and Kenema
The Smallholder Commercialisation Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP) as World Bank funded project managed and supervised by MAF has funded under the partnership support funds The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD), and the Standards Bureau, to conduct specialised trainings in Marketing, Packaging, and Branding for agribusinesses, SMEs and farmers in the Southern and Eastern region of S/Leone.
The two days training which was organised in Bo city at the Agricultural Compound started on Thursday, March 25th 2021 and ended on the 26th March 2021 with the theme ‘Strengthening of Agribusiness SMEs Capacity in Marketing and Standards.’
The main objective of the training was to build the marketing, product development, packaging, labelling, branding and standards development capacities of SCADeP and SLeCAD supported agribusinesses, SMEs and Out growers in Sierra Leone to be able to have a competitive edge in the market place and run profitable and successful businesses create jobs and wealth, expand government tax base and ensure economic growth.
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Giving an overview of SLeCAD, Executive Secretary of SLeCAD, Ahmed Aki Nanoh, explained that the aforementioned project has been executed in Sierra Leone under the Ministry of Agriculture with support from USAID, World Bank, and EPP/GiZ since 2008.
He mentioned that the purpose of SLeCAD is to work with the Ministry of Agriculture, other MDS and partners to prepare farmers and agribusiness SMEs to develop private sector mindset, be industrialised and become investment ready through trainings that will make them to follow standards and inculcate good marketing practices so that their agricultural products will thrive in the local and international markets.
According to him, the activities of SLeCAD will help form a formidable private sector that will make the work of the ministry visible, and, by extension, positively impact on the economy of the country, by saving the 250 million United States Dollars spent on annual importation of rice alone, adding that if 50 million Dollars is given to each region, the country will be saved not only be poverty free but will be fee from food insecurity.
The Executive Secretary said SLeCAD is working with the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Trade Centre (ITC), the UN country Office and International Finance Cooperation (IFC), to develop a strategic plan used by the Chamber that will take Sierra Leone Agribusinesses and SMEs product internationally and help bridge the gap of food insecurity and poverty.
He noted that the role of the Ministry of Agriculture is to support with policies and technical know-how, that will be transferred to the private sector which will in turn help create jobs, reduce poverty and to make life better for all.
He said that agribusiness industrialisation is key for the economic transformation of Sierra Leone and that cannot be achieved without Agribusinesses and SMEs complying with entrepreneur’s skills, standards, packaging, branding, and labelling. He emphasised that SMEs and farmers making the effort to acquire skills and knowledge of entrepreneurships, marketing and standards will attract financial services providers to finance their businesses.
In his statement, SCADeP representative southern region, and Team Lead for Value Chain Promotion Officers, Francis Sam Gbeinga, thanked SLeCAD for organizing such all-important program, noting that SCADeP is a sister project under MAF and partnering with SLeCAD, that seeks to promote agricultural productivity through linkages in selected value chains and improved access to markets, finance to ensure the development of inclusive smallholder farmer in targeted project areas of Sierra Leone.
He noted that if local farmers engage in large scale commercial farming and quality productivity it will help augment agricultural growth required to reduce extreme levels of poverty among smallholder farmers and promote nationwide economic growth.
He encouraged the agribusiness’, SMEs and farmers to engage in the production of high standard quality products will increase their market potential and ensure better price offers for their products.
Manager for Standards Department of the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, Abdul Aziz Kamara, encouraged the Agribusiness Farmers to adhere to standards, adding that branding, packaging, and labelling are all requirements of standards.
He described standards as a norm and a way of life and admonished farmers to make sure they take their product to Standards Bureau to conduct measurement, fix expiring date, lab test and more. He said failing to follow those processes will amount to a crime and product of such cannot be put to market for sales or exported.
Mr. Aiah J. Thorlie, Director of Agricultural Extension in the Ministry of Agriculture, told the farmers that the only avenue left for government to supporting farmers is through the private sector, noting that by the next farming season, the private sector will be providing seedlings, fertilizers and machines for agribusiness farmers. He spoke about the Government new policy shift which is a good policy for private sector and will aid the transformation the agricultural sector and ensure improved industrialisation and enhance economic growth for the country.
He commended SLeCAD for organizing such a useful training, adding that the aforementioned is a body that is responsible for information flow, giving technical advice, and capacitating producers and processors of farm products, making it the body that will be directly interfacing with the farmers.
At the end of the training, agribusiness farmers expressed gratitude to SLeCAD and its partners for the wonderful capacity building training and promise to strictly put in practice what they have learnt within the two days
SLeCAD And SCADEP Educate Farmers on marketing, Standards and Quality Trainings in South East
IOM Sierra Leone Diaspora Agribusiness Conference Day 1 Presentation by SLeCAD and Expert
As a private sector body, SLeCAD was established with the prime objective of promoting agribusiness private sector development, particularly is establishing platforms and facilitating interactions for agribusiness, partnerships, trade and investment in agriculture in Sierra Leone.