- Alfred Fornah
SIERRA LEONE DIASPORA, JAPAN TALK AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT!
Yesterday’s Agribusiness Investment Forum brought together a unique group of diaspora investors, entrepreneurs, Japanese private companies and key stakeholders connecting and problem-solving to enhance development prospects for agribusiness contributing to inclusive growth in Sierra Leone.
The event at Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone mission in collaboration with the Office of Diaspora Affairs sponosred by the Japanese Government saw remarks and presentations, hearing from Minister of Agriculture, Joseph Ndanema, Minister of Trade, Nabila Tunis, Foday Yumkella, Minister for Political and public Affairs and Minister of Planning and Economic Development, UN Resident Coordinator Sunil Saigal, Ahmed Nanoh Chamber of Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) and enjoyed workshops with technical experts from Sierra Leone Import Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).
The Minister of Agriculture, Joseph Ndanema said:
“We import 200 million tonnes of rice, this is unacceptable and this is our challenge to improve our people’s nutrition and food security”
The day also saw panel discussions with the UKs Department for International Development, World Vision and the African Development Bank offering valuable insights into the entry points for agribusiness development in Sierra Leone, with an informative question and answer session broadcast live on social media
Amadu Massally IOM Diaspora Coordinator said:
“Sierra Leone diaspora are an integral part of Sierra Leone's economic recovery. Engaging this community is critical to our national development.”
Later in the evening, at the 232 Entertainment Complex, five Sierra Leone agribusinesses got an amazing opportunity to pitch their projects and enterprises to assembled investors.
