May 13, 2025
A groundbreaking partnership between the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) and Global Impact Innovators (GII) promises to reshape the economic landscape for Sierra Leone’s most underserved entrepreneurs. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding today marks the launch of the “Strengthening Sierra Leonean Enterprises for Local Content Opportunities” pilot program—an initiative that could transform how rural communities, women, and youth engage with the nation’s growing economy.
This pioneering collaboration combines SLLCA’s deep community connections with GII’s cutting-edge training methodologies to create a blueprint for inclusive economic development. The program will run through July 25, 2025, targeting 30 carefully selected entrepreneurs who represent the future of Sierra Leone’s business ecosystem.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
The numbers tell a powerful story: 80% of participants will be women or youth aged 16-21, while 60% will come from rural areas traditionally excluded from mainstream economic opportunities. This deliberate focus on geographic and demographic equity sets the program apart from conventional business development initiatives.
“Today’s MoU signing represents more than a partnership—it’s a commitment to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean, regardless of location or background, can participate in our nation’s economic growth,” said SLLCA Director General Fodeba Daboh during the launch meeting with GII CEO Charlie Kebbi.
Beyond Traditional Training
Participants will undergo intensive training in business modeling, digital literacy, and product development. But the program’s innovation lies in its approach to sustainability. After the formal training period ends on July 25, entrepreneurs will transition to a comprehensive remote support system, maintaining connections through WhatsApp coaching, virtual clinics, and an active alumni network.
This hybrid model addresses a critical challenge in rural development: how to provide ongoing support when physical distance creates barriers. By leveraging digital platforms, the program ensures that entrepreneurs in the most remote areas maintain access to mentorship and peer networks.
Measurable Impact, Lasting Change
The program sets ambitious yet achievable goals:
- 10 viable business concepts ready for implementation
- 5 market-ready “Made in Sierra Leone” products
- Significant improvement in participants’ digital literacy skills
- Creation of a sustainable entrepreneur network
Success will be measured through systematic follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months post-program, creating a feedback loop that informs future initiatives and ensures long-term impact.
A Model for Africa
As Sierra Leone continues to develop its local content policies, this partnership offers a replicable model for other African nations seeking to balance economic growth with inclusive development. By prioritizing women, youth, and rural communities, SLLCA and GII are proving that sustainable economic transformation begins at the grassroots level.
The recruitment phase, which begins immediately, will leverage SLLCA’s extensive local networks to identify entrepreneurs with the drive and vision to transform their communities. As Sierra Leone charts its path toward economic self-sufficiency, programs like this demonstrate that the country’s greatest resource lies in its people—particularly those who have been historically overlooked.
This partnership represents more than a pilot program; it’s a blueprint for inclusive prosperity in Sierra Leone and beyond.
For more information about the program or application process, contact the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency.
