Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, unanimously ratified a major trade agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and JOLAKS Manufacturing Company Limited, in a move lawmakers say will boost industrial growth, job creation, and economic expansion.
Presenting the agreement to Parliament, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, described the deal as a strategic step toward strengthening local manufacturing and expanding business opportunities. He explained that JOLAKS Manufacturing Company Limited, established in 2012 to produce vegetable oil locally, is set to diversify its production capacity under the new agreement. The Minister assured Members of Parliament that the company has fulfilled all regulatory requirements to operate in Sierra Leone.
According to the Minister, the project represents an estimated investment of 45 million United States dollars and is expected to significantly increase employment nationwide. He disclosed that JOLAKS has already created over 700 jobs and that the expansion would generate additional opportunities, particularly for young people.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay emphasized the importance of the agreement in stimulating economic activity. She noted that JOLAKS operates at a production capacity of 3,000 metric tons per day and described the agreement as timely for national development. She called for strong parliamentary oversight of companies operating in Sierra Leone and stressed the importance of complying with the 30 percent female representation requirement. She further encouraged the company to strengthen its corporate social responsibility initiatives within host communities.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business II, referenced Section 40 of the 1991 Constitution, which vests the authority to ratify agreements in Parliament. He described the clause mandating corporate social responsibility as one of the most critical provisions in the agreement. He commended the government of President Julius Maada Bio for creating what he called an enabling environment for private sector growth.
Hon. Unpha Koroma of the Western Area acknowledged the tariff protections embedded in the agreement but called for enhanced staff training and improved employee welfare. He raised concerns about what he described as limited engagement between JOLAKS and community stakeholders and urged stronger collaboration with residents and Members of Parliament.
From the opposition bench, Hon. Abdul Kargbo underscored the need for effective stakeholder collaboration and full compliance with the agreement’s provisions. He noted that the company’s expansion into oil, soap, and related products would contribute to national economic growth and youth employment. He urged the House to approve the agreement, citing its job creation potential.
Concluding the debate on behalf of the government, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, described the agreement as significant for youth empowerment and industrial development. He stated that approximately 30 million United States dollars would be invested over a period of years and emphasized the need to protect infant industries. He added that Parliament remains committed to enacting policies that protect both investors and citizens.
Responding to issues raised during the debate, the Minister of Trade assured Parliament that concerns relating to environmental protection, labour standards, and community engagement would be addressed.
In a related development, Parliament also approved several key agreements, including a Long-Term Partnership Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Rainforest Builder (SL) Limited dated 24 September 2025. Lawmakers further ratified multiple ECOWAS Supplementary Acts aimed at harmonizing aviation standards across member states. These include agreements on market access liberalization for ground handling services, slot allocation at airports, air carrier liability in case of accidents, approval of ECOWAS air carriers, tariff regulations for passengers and freight, passenger compensation frameworks, aviation security standards, and competition rules within the regional air transport market.
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