By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
As he commissioned a canned Sardine Factory at Jui, outside Freetown, the first in West Africa, President Julius Maada Bio has said Sierra Leone needs to increase its marketing space.
The President said the factory established by local–based Fishing entity -SabCo on 12th March 2024, could see Sierra Leone overtake Morocco in the production of sardines.
The President said over the years, Sierra Leone has been importing canned sardines and believes the country has what it takes to generate revenue from manufacturing the product.
He noted that Sierra Leone consumes the highest number of fish per person in West Africa a year-22.6 kg compared to the 11.2kg on average for West Africa.
He called on the public to take ownership of the company while expressing his government’s commitment to support it.
Speaking about his Feed Salone Agenda, he said items like rice, fish, and palm oil, are expected to be produced in abundance.
Bio said investors place their resources in safe and peaceful countries and encouraged the public to engage in other businesses, rather than focusing on government contracts.
“Let us begin to engage in manufacturing so that we won’t be spending much on importing food and nonfood items,” he said, adding that having more companies will generate more jobs and provide revenue for the government.
In his statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Sabco, Mohamed Sabbagh said the idea to have a sardine factory in Sierra Leone is to boost the country’s economy and attract foreign exchange, through exporting of marine products.
He said they have already employed one hundred and ten workers at the processing plant. The Chief Executive Officer went on to say they are working on having a fish mill in the future.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (15/03/24)
