By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified a landmark financing agreement between the European Commission and the Government of Sierra Leone, aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture and strengthening food security nationwide.
The motion, presented by Minister of Finance Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, garnered overwhelming support from Members of Parliament following a robust and productive debate on the House floor.
The agreement forms part of the broader African, Caribbean, and Pacific–European Union (ACP-EU) Partnership framework. It is designed to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and create employment opportunities—particularly for women and youth across the country’s six ecological zones.
“This agreement represents a crucial step toward economic diversification, food self-sufficiency, and expanding our export capacity,” said Minister Bangura. He emphasized that the funding will support key agricultural value chains, including cassava, rice, and infant food. “It is not just a funding arrangement; it is a partnership rooted in transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.”
The minister also acknowledged previous setbacks in project implementation, citing poor coordination and corruption as key challenges. He assured Parliament that new safeguards will ensure effective oversight and successful execution.
While generally supportive, opposition MPs raised important concerns. Hon. Abdul Kargbo warned against overreliance on external funding, referencing past failed initiatives, such as a Chinese-backed agricultural project, which he claimed collapsed due to mismanagement and theft. “We must not always wait for donors,” he said. “We need institutional discipline and accountability.”
He also highlighted land acquisition disputes in his constituency, where landowners were not properly compensated. “That should not be the case under this new project,” he cautioned.
Majority Leader Hon. Mathew Nyuma underscored the broader significance of the agreement. “This is not just about cassava and infant food it’s about sustainable development,” he said. “We have the institutions to make this work, and we must hold them accountable.”
The initiative will be implemented under the Feed Salone program, the government’s flagship agricultural transformation agenda. It will involve collaboration with local actors, including farmer cooperatives, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations.
During the session, MPs called for regular briefings on program implementation, including progress updates, impact assessments, and disbursement schedules. They also requested clarity on the selection of local implementation partners and strategies for community engagement.
The House unanimously ratified the agreement, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of agricultural modernization and improved rural livelihoods.
The Speaker of Parliament commended members for their thoughtful contributions and called for ongoing vigilance to ensure the program delivers on its promises.