By Aruna Dumbuya
The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank), Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering support for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector at the commissioning of the Eastern Farmers Poultry Feed Mill Plant on March 12, 2025.
The event at Samuel Town, Matindi Benguema- Waterloo, marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance food security and promote self-sufficiency in livestock farming.
Accompanied by key members of his team, Dr. Gilpin highlighted RCBank’s commitment to empowering farmers and aligning with the government’s Feed Salone initiative. He emphasized the bank’s dedication to fostering agricultural development, financial inclusion, and rural economic growth across Sierra Leone.
The initiative received widespread commendation from the CEO of the Eastern Farmers Poultry Association and the Ministry of Agriculture, who lauded RCBank’s continuous efforts in supporting local communities and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Minister of Agriculture Prince Henry Kpaka praised EFAGE’s initiative, emphasizing that Sierra Leone must reduce its reliance on food imports. “We have no business importing poultry products when we have the capacity to produce them locally. Currently, the government spends between $15 and $20 million annually on poultry imports,” Minister Kpaka remarked, adding that the feed mill aligns with the Feed Salone initiative, which aims to achieve food security through local production. He further urged the private sector to take the lead in such efforts.
Speaking at the event, EFAGE Chairman Sahr Jusu emphasized the urgent need for strategic investments in the poultry sector, noting that by 2024, it had become evident that the industry required a reliable supply of high-quality feed to ensure sustainable growth.
“We recognized the critical need for targeted investment in feed formulation to enhance productivity,” Jusu stated. To address this gap, EFAGE partnered with Trouw Nutrition, a subsidiary of Nutreco in the Netherlands, which boasts 125 years of expertise in animal nutrition and concentrate formulation.
The newly constructed Eastern Farmers Poultry Feed Mill is set to revolutionize poultry farming in Sierra Leone. By enabling farmers to produce and sell high-quality animal feed locally, the plant will significantly reduce reliance on costly imports and create a more sustainable and resilient supply chain.
This initiative is expected to-
Enhance food security by ensuring a steady supply of affordable poultry feed
Generate employment opportunities across various sectors, from production to distribution
Boost the livestock industry, making poultry farming more profitable for local farmers.
As part of its broader strategy to uplift farming communities, RCBank launched its Agency Banking initiative in December 2023—a groundbreaking move aimed at expanding financial access to rural and underserved areas.
By providing cost-effective, accessible banking solutions through a network of banking agents, RCBank is bridging the financial gap and empowering farmers to manage their finances more efficiently.
With the establishment of the new feed mill, young farmers across Sierra Leone will now have the opportunity to produce high-quality animal feed using 100 percent locally sourced ingredients.
By continuously investing and supporting agricultural initiatives, financial inclusion, and rural development, RCBank remains a catalyst for economic transformation in Sierra Leone.
RCBank – The Bank of Choice!
