The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, debated and unanimously ratified agreements between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and JOLAKS Manufacturing Company Limited.
Presenting the trade agreements to Parliament, the Minister of Trade, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay described them as a significant step toward expanding business opportunities and strengthening economic development in Sierra Leone. He stated that JOLAKS Manufacturing Company Limited was established in 2012 to produce vegetable oil locally. He added that the company would diversify production and that all regulatory requirements for operating in the country had been duly met.
According to the Minister, the project represents an investment of about forty-five million United States dollars and is expected to create more employment opportunities across the country. He noted that over the past years, JOLAKS has created more than 700 jobs.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay highlighted the importance of the agreement, noting that it would further increase job opportunities in the country. She stated that JOLAKS operates at a capacity of 3,000 metric tons per day and described the agreement as timely in boosting the national economy. She stressed the need for strong parliamentary oversight of companies operating in the country and emphasized that companies and institutions must adhere to the 30 percent female representation requirement. Hon. Sesay concluded by encouraging JOLAKS to actively engage in corporate social responsibility within its host communities.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business II, began his contribution by referencing Section 40 of the 1991 Constitution, which, according to him, vests the authority to ratify agreements solely in Parliament. He described Clause 4.2 of the agreement, which makes corporate social responsibility mandatory, as one of its most important provisions. He underscored the agreement’s role in job creation and commended the government of President Julius Maada Bio for creating an enabling environment for business.
Hon. Unpha Koroma, representing the Western Area, spoke on tariff protection benefits to be enjoyed by the company. While acknowledging the job opportunities to be created, he emphasized the need for staff training and improved employee welfare. He expressed concern over what he described as JOLAKS’ sluggish engagement with community stakeholders and noted that the company should collaborate more effectively with residents and Members of Parliament for efficient service delivery.
Speaking from the opposition bench, Hon. Abdul Kargbo underscored the need for effective collaboration between companies and stakeholders, particularly Members of Parliament. He stated that JOLAKS would produce oil, soap, and other products, which would contribute to national growth. He added that further efforts were needed to ensure full compliance with the agreement but noted that its provisions on youth employment were commendable. He urged Parliament to approve the agreement, emphasizing its potential to create jobs for young people.
Concluding the debate on behalf of the government, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that the number of jobs to be created would provide meaningful opportunities for the youth of Sierra Leone. He encouraged the Minister to ensure the protection of infant industries and stated that about thirty million United States dollars would be invested over a number of years. He emphasized that companies operating within communities must collaborate with stakeholders, particularly Members of Parliament, in fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities. He added that Parliament continues to develop policies to protect both investors and the people of Sierra Leone.
Responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament, the Minister assured the House that efforts would be made to address issues relating to the environment, labour, and other areas of national interest.
In another development, Parliament approved the following agreements:
1.Long-Term Partnership Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Rainforest Builder (SL) Limited, dated 24 September 2025.
2.Supplementary Act A/SP.3/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on Liberalization of Market Access to Ground Handling Services in Airports of ECOWAS Member States.
3.Supplementary Act A/SA/SP.4/02/12 relating to the Common Rules determining Slot Allocation at Airports in ECOWAS Member States.
4.Supplementary Act A/SP.5/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on Air Carrier Liability in Case of Accident in ECOWAS Member States.
5.Supplementary Act A/SP.10/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on the Approval of Air Carriers of ECOWAS Member States.
6.Supplementary Act A/SP.6/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on Tariffs applicable to Passengers, Freight, and Mail for Air Transport within, from, and to ECOWAS Member States.
7.Supplementary Act A/SP.7/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on Compensation to Passengers in the Event of Denied Boarding, Cancellation, or Major Delay of Flights in ECOWAS Member States.
8.Supplementary Act A/SP.8/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on the Conditions of Access to the Air Transport Market in ECOWAS Member States.
9.Supplementary Act A/SP.9/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on Certain Categories of Agreements, Decisions, and Concerted Practices concerning Competition in Air Transport Services within ECOWAS Member States.
10.Supplementary Act A/SP.11/02/12 relating to the Common Rules on Aviation Security in ECOWAS Member States.
Parliamentary and Public Relations Department
