𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has, on Thursday, 10/07/2025, debated and ratified Sixty Million Dollars Kissy Industry and Trade Agreement. The Agreement aimed at advancing the country’s socio-economic growth.

The agreement, which was presented to Parliament on Thursday, July 3, 2025, includes:

1. An Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Kissy Industry Limited, dated January 2025.

During the presentation, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, provided background information about Kissy Industry Limited, highlighting the company’s significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. He urged Parliament to ratify the agreement to enable the company to expand its operations, particularly in oil palm production, job creation, and development.

Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade, acknowledged the positive impact of Kissy Industry Limited and emphasized the importance of implementing the terms of the agreement. She expressed concern over certain employment provisions from the initial agreement that had not yet been fulfilled. She urged the company to honour its commitments.

Opposition Whip in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, representing Kambia District, commended the company’s role in enhancing agricultural productivity and also welcomed the ratification. He encouraged Kissy Industry Limited to increase its efforts, recognizing its contribution to the country’s GDP. “This is the kind of initiative we need to grow our economy,” he said. He continued by calling on the government to grant the company additional time to achieve its objectives.

Hon. Charles Abdulai from Bo District described the agreement as non-controversial and emphasized the need for its expansion. He outlined the range of products currently produced by Kissy Industry Limited, underscoring the company’s potential.

In closing the debate, Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo affirmed the opposition’s support for the beneficial agreement before Parliament. The Opposition Leader discussed both the advantages and disadvantages of the agreement. He noted the potential for significant youth employment, increased revenues, and foreign exchange earnings. However, he also raised concerns about environmental pollution associated with oil production and recommended that measures be implemented to safeguard the environment.

The Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie expressed gratitude to colleague Members of Parliament for their contributions during the debate. He encouraged the Parliamentary Committte on Trade and Industry to enhance due diligence in that regard. He called for protection of locally producing companies and raised questions regarding the company’s Corporate Social responsibility.

Kissy Industry is owned by a Sierra Leonean businessman named Jamal Shallop. The company is the first indigenous company in Sierra Leone to produce vegetable oil from locally grown palm oil. It’s a private sector initiative aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and creating jobs