Sierra Leone Set to Prosper with a $9.8 Million Regional Initiative Empowering Women-Owned Businesses

December 7, 2023

In Dakar, Senegal, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Henry Musa Kpaka, recently launched a groundbreaking $9.8 million regional project aimed at supporting women-owned businesses in the post-production segment of the rice value chain.

Sierra Leone is one of the four countries set to benefit from this initiative, with 210 businesses eligible for matching grants, comprehensive training, and market connections to significantly enhance their operations.

The project, titled "Empowering Women Businesses in the Rice Value Chains," aligns with President Bio's FeedSalone initiative, addressing key challenges and offering opportunities for rice value chain development, economic empowerment of women, and overall business growth.

Minister Kpaka expressed gratitude to the Islamic Development Bank group for designing and funding the project, as well as to the United Nations Development Program in Sierra Leone and the UNDP Africa for coordinating and implementing this impactful endeavor.

In a broader context, such initiatives play a pivotal role in fostering economic development and empowering women entrepreneurs, contributing to the overall progress of the nation.