By: Aminata Turay
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has called on Sierra Leoneans to take pride in homegrown products and invest in the nation’s manufacturing potential, emphasizing that the country is witnessing “the rebirth of its national industry.” Speaking at the closing of the Manufacturers Roundtable and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition 2025 on Thursday at the Bintumani Conference Hall, the Vice President praised local entrepreneurs and producers for their resilience, innovation, and contributions to national development. He urged all citizens to embrace the spirit of “Produce Salone, Buy Salone” as a pathway toward economic self-reliance and national pride.
In his address, Vice President Jalloh highlighted how the exhibition showcased the faces and stories behind Sierra Leone’s growing industries—from small producers who started with limited means to young innovators now exporting goods across Africa and as far as Barbados. “We are witnessing the rebirth of our national industry,” he stated. “From adversity to innovation, Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs are proving that local talent can compete on the global stage.” He reflected on the country’s previous dependence on imports, especially food items, which had exposed it to global shocks like COVID-19. He stressed that the future lies in homegrown production and value addition.
The Vice President also outlined several government measures to boost industrial growth, including the establishment of the National Investment Board (NIB) under his office to ease investment hurdles and encourage both local and foreign investors. He noted that macroeconomic stability has improved, with the exchange rate now steady, inflation reduced to 5.36 percent, and interest rates cut to 17 percent moves he said were designed to “give our entrepreneurs the breathing space they deserve.” He further emphasized the government’s focus on empowering women and youth through access to finance, training, and digital markets, adding that “industrialization must be inclusive if it is to be sustainable.”
In closing, the Vice President called on Sierra Leoneans to take personal ownership of the country’s economic transformation by supporting homegrown products. “Together, we will transform Sierra Leone into a nation that not only consumes but produces a nation that exports innovation, skill, and pride,” he said, drawing applause from participants.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Madam Fatmata Kamara, commended Vice President Jalloh for his active engagement and support for local manufacturers, noting that his presence “showed a government that listens and believes in the power of collaboration.” She highlighted that the exhibition showcased the strength and creativity of Sierra Leone’s small and medium-sized enterprises, adding, “What we have witnessed over these two days is the heartbeat of our nation’s industrial transformation.”
The Deputy Minister also lauded the vision of President Julius Maada Bio and the leadership of Trade Minister Alpha Ibrahim Sesay for laying the foundation for a resilient industrial ecosystem. She pledged that her ministry would continue to strengthen partnerships between the government, the private sector, and development partners to ensure that “Made in Sierra Leone” becomes a mark of quality and national pride in every local store and international market.
As the event concluded, the testimonies of local entrepreneurs brought its message to life stories of perseverance, innovation, and national pride. From young cosmetic producers turning passion into export-ready brands to oil refiners and flour millers expanding their factories against all odds, these entrepreneurs’ voices echoed the resilience and creativity that define Sierra Leone’s manufacturing spirit. Many shared stories of sleepless nights, financial struggles, and humble beginnings, yet their journeys proved that with the right support, Sierra Leonean businesses can compete globally. Their success stories, amplified by the government’s renewed commitment to industrial growth, underscored one unifying theme: the future of Sierra Leone’s economy lies not in what it imports, but in what its people create.
