By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a resounding testament to Sierra Leone’s growing industrial momentum, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has praised the country’s leading manufacturers ,Pee Cee & Sons, AP Business Venture, Shankerdas, MR Distilleries and KADAT, for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s economic transformation. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the first-ever National Manufacturers’ Roundtable and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition held from October 29–30, 2025, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the manufacturing base and advancing the Made in Sierra Leone brand as a central pillar of national development.
The Vice President described the exhibition as “a true celebration of Sierra Leone’s manufacturing potential,” commending the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Manufacturers Association for their visionary leadership in organizing such a historic forum. He noted that the initiative perfectly aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s agenda to shift Sierra Leone from an import-dependent economy to one grounded in innovation, local production, and value addition.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the importance of homegrown entrepreneurship in building a self-reliant economy, stressing that for too long Sierra Leone has relied heavily on imports. “Between 2018 and 2023, nearly 23 percent of our imports were food-related, far above the Sub-Saharan African average of 15 percent,” he revealed. “This dependency must end if we are to build a resilient and competitive economy.” He noted that global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic have further exposed the vulnerabilities of overdependence on external markets, making it imperative for the nation to unleash its domestic productive capacity.
The Vice President expressed pride in the success stories of companies such as Pee Cee & Sons, AP Business Venture, Shankadas, MR Distilleries, and KADAT, which he said exemplify the spirit of industrial resilience and innovation. According to him, these companies have demonstrated that Sierra Leone can produce at international standards, creating jobs and wealth while inspiring confidence in the national manufacturing sector. “It is gratifying to see that ‘Made in Sierra Leone’ products are now reaching regional and even global markets from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to Senegal and Barbados. This marks the beginning of our industrial revolution,” he stated with conviction.
Highlighting ongoing Government efforts to boost industrial competitiveness, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh cited the establishment of the National Investment Board under his office as a key vehicle for removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and creating a favorable environment for both domestic and foreign investors. He pointed to fiscal incentives such as tax exemptions and duty waivers for emerging industries, as well as infrastructure investments in energy, roads and digital connectivity; all designed to lower production costs and improve market access. “We believe investment begins at home, and Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs deserve equal access to opportunities,” he emphasized.
On the macroeconomic front, the Vice President highlighted major gains under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, noting that the exchange rate has stabilized, interest rates have fallen from 42 to 17 percent, and inflation has dropped to 5.36 percent. These achievements, he explained, provide a foundation for predictable industrial growth and business confidence. He further underscored the inclusivity of the country’s industrial policy, which places women and youth at the center of national economic renewal through access to training and financing.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s remarks reflected deep appreciation for the perseverance of local producers and their role in shaping a new narrative for Sierra Leone; one that celebrates enterprise, skill and patriotism. He pledged the Government’s full support in implementing the ten-point action plan developed at the roundtable, aimed at strengthening local supply chains, improving access to finance, and expanding export capacity.
Concluding his powerful address, the Vice President urged citizens to embrace the spirit of “Produce Salone, Buy Salone,” asserting that national prosperity rests on collective commitment to support local products and industries. “Together, we will transform Sierra Leone into a nation that not only consumes but produces; a nation that exports innovation, skill, and pride,” he declared to rousing applause.
Through his remarks, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh once again reaffirmed that Sierra Leone’s future lies in the hands of its own industrious people and that the Government remains steadfast in building an inclusive, sustainable and self-sufficient economy where local manufacturers such as Pee Cee & Sons, AP Business Venture, Shankerdas, MR Distilleries and KADAT stand as pillars of national progress.
