By: Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, hosted young innovators from Kono District, along with their District Chairman, Sahr Augustine Sheku, at the MoPED Conference Hall in Freetown. The engagement, themed “Tapping on the Untapped Opportunities: Transforming Kono District into the Silicon Valley or Jungle of Sierra Leone,” showcased the innovative ideas of young entrepreneurs aimed at fostering development in Kono and contributing to the global market.
Key stakeholders, including the Minister and Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, ministry directors, the Kono District Chairman, and other relevant authorities, attended the meeting.
In her opening remarks, Minister Barlay commended the people of Kono for their innovative approaches in advancing and complementing the National Development Plan (NDP). She emphasised the importance of aligning district and chiefdom-level initiatives with national objectives, underscoring Kono’s commitment to creating investment opportunities as a critical factor in the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan. She described the district’s efforts as transformative and vital for economic growth.
The district’s innovative consultant highlighted that Kono is implementing strategies to foster self-sufficiency and development. He stressed the proactive measures to complement the government’s development agenda, noting that the project adopts an inclusive approach involving the District Development Council Committee, NGOs, district councils, and chiefdom stakeholders. He reiterated the need for collaboration with MoPED to ensure the project’s prominence and future sustainability.
Kono District Chairman Sahr Augustine Sheku reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance, aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for national development, particularly within the Big Five Game Changers initiative. He outlined Kono’s proactive measures to sustain development strategies that would position the district as a model for other regions. He emphasised the importance of agriculture and technological advancement as key drivers for economic transformation in both the district and Sierra Leone.
Mr. Sheku also reflected on three prestigious awards won by Kono innovators, which he noted as clear indicators of the district’s human capital potential. He stressed the project’s importance for Kono farmers and its potential for replication in other districts.
Aiah Gborie, Chief Operations Officer and Co-founder of Auto Smart Irrigation Company Sierra Leone, outlined the objectives of the AgriTech Farm Project, which seeks to minimise the high cost of importing agricultural goods into Kono District. He emphasised that millions of Leones are spent annually on food imports and urged citizens to take ownership of the TechFarm initiative.
During his presentation, Mr. Gborie explained how TechFarm aims to enhance agricultural productivity and create significant opportunities for Kono and beyond. He noted that by establishing a local agrarian market, mining companies operating in the district could procure their supplies locally instead of relying on imports.
Osman Yaah, CEO and Co-founder of Auto Smart Irrigation Company Sierra Leone, provided a historical perspective on the project, tracing its roots back to 2008. He emphasised that the initiative gained presidential recognition and presented their roadmap, focusing on innovation, financing, and technical support.
Officials from MoPED’s Directorate engaged the young innovators on strategic investment planning, emphasising the need for collective commitment, consultation with chiefdom stakeholders, government engagement, climate and environmental considerations, alignment with the National Development Plan and Big Five Game Changers, operational policies, and long-term sustainability strategies.
Deputy Development Secretary 1, Usman C. Conteh, lauded the initiative and the promising nature of the project, expressing optimism about its future success.
In closing, Minister Barlay reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to supporting young innovators, emphasising MoPED’s willingness to provide technical guidance and facilitate access to further development opportunities. She encouraged the young entrepreneurs to remain steadfast in pursuing innovation and sustainable growth.
