By Abdul Deen
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on Thursday commissioned a new flour milling facility in Cline Town, Freetown, highlighting the investment as a boost to local production and private sector growth.
The plant, operated by Sierra Leone Flour Mill and owned by businessman Amadu Juldeh Sowe, is expected to expand domestic flour output, improve food security and reduce reliance on imports.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bio said the project aligns with the government’s industrialisation agenda and efforts to add value to local raw materials.
“This is not merely the commissioning of infrastructure or the unveiling of a private investment. It is the continuation of a national story of resilience, renewal and economic sovereignty,” he said.
The president said the development revives a sector that once played a key role in the economy, referring to the original Freetown flour mill established in 1968, which supplied bakeries nationwide.
He said expanding local production capacity would help cut import dependence and strengthen Sierra Leone’s competitiveness in regional agro-processing.
Company officials said the facility has increased production capacity from 200 metric tonnes to 600 metric tonnes, which could help stabilise flour supply and prices locally, while also serving markets in neighbouring Liberia and Guinea.
Sowe, the company’s chief executive, credited government policies and support for enabling the investment and said his transition from baker to industrialist reflects opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone Abdu Muwonge said the project demonstrated growing collaboration between the government, development partners and the private sector.
He added that the investment aligns with the country’s “Feed Salone” strategy aimed at strengthening food systems and agricultural value chains.
The commissioning marks a step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to promote industrial development, create jobs and improve self-sufficiency in food production.
