By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Presidential Initiative on Climate Change Renewable Energy and Food Security in Sierra Leone has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bühler Group to strengthen food security, agro processing and value addition in the country.
The agreement was signed by Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella and Mr Edmond Arene, marking the beginning of a partnership aimed at supporting national agricultural priorities. The collaboration is expected to play a key role in improving food systems and enhancing local production capacity.
Officials say the partnership aligns with the government’s Feed Salone Strategy, a flagship initiative focused on achieving food self sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports. It also supports broader global efforts to end hunger by improving food processing techniques, minimizing post harvest losses and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Under the agreement, both parties are expected to explore opportunities in agro industrial development, including the introduction of modern processing technologies and capacity building initiatives for local farmers and producers. The focus will be on strengthening value chains to ensure that agricultural products are processed efficiently and reach markets in better condition.
Minister of Agriculture, Henry Musa Kpaka, welcomed the development, describing it as a timely intervention that will support ongoing efforts to transform the agricultural sector. He noted that partnerships of this nature are critical to unlocking the country’s potential in food production and agro processing.
The Bühler Group, known for its expertise in food processing and technology solutions, reaffirmed its long term commitment to investing in Sierra Leone’s agro industrial growth. Representatives of the company emphasized their interest in supporting innovation, improving efficiency and contributing to sustainable development in the country’s food sector.
Stakeholders believe the collaboration will help create jobs, boost local industries and improve the quality of food products available on the market. By focusing on value addition, the initiative is also expected to increase the competitiveness of Sierra Leonean products both locally and internationally.
The agreement comes at a time when many countries are seeking to strengthen their food systems in response to global challenges such as climate change and supply chain disruptions. For Sierra Leone, the partnership represents a strategic step toward building a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural economy.
As implementation begins, both parties have expressed optimism that the initiative will deliver tangible results and contribute meaningfully to national development goals.
