By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
His Excellency Julius Maada Bio officially unveiled the expansion of Sierra Leone Flour Mill Limited, marking a major step toward boosting local value addition and strengthening food security on May 30, 2026.
The company had earlier inaugurated its state-of-the-art milling facility on April 30, 2026. Owned by businessman Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe, the upgraded plant is expected to significantly increase domestic flour production, reduce reliance on imported grain and finished flour products, and improve supply across Sierra Leone and neighboring countries.
Once a dormant facility, the mill’s revival represents a major milestone in restoring the country’s industrial capacity. The expanded plant will supply fresh, high-quality flour for baking, meeting both local demand and regional needs.
The project has been widely described as a watershed moment in Sierra Leone’s industrial transformation agenda, supporting efforts to diversify the economy and boost productivity in agro-processing. The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to encourage investment and drive sustainable economic growth.
According to management, the mill’s capacity has increased from 200 to 600 metric tonnes tripling its output. This expansion is expected to help stabilize supply and potentially reduce flour prices for bakeries and consumers nationwide. The upgraded systems installed at the facility enable this significant increase in production.
The modern plant builds on the legacy of the original Freetown Flour Mill, established in 1968 by Seaboard West Africa Limited. For decades, the facility supplied flour to bakeries across the country before eventually ceasing operations. Its revival not only restores local production capacity but also positions Sierra Leone as a more competitive supplier within the region, particularly for markets in Liberia and Guinea.
President Bio described the expansion as a transformative development for the nation. He noted that the once-dormant plant now serves as a hub for agro-processing, contributing to increased local value addition and national economic growth.
The threefold increase in capacity underpins expectations of improved supply stability and more affordable flour products. By strengthening domestic production, the facility reduces dependence on imports while enhancing food security.
The government also emphasized its ongoing commitment to fostering strong public-private partnerships, with the expansion of Sierra Leone Flour Mill Limited serving as a clear example of how such collaborations can drive meaningful development.
With the facility officially opened on April 30, 2026, and unveiled by President Bio on May 30, 2026, the company is now well-positioned to supply fresh, high-quality flour to both local and regional markets while advancing Sierra Leone’s broader industrialization goals.