The visiting AGRA Chairperson to Sierra Leone, ex-Ethiopian Premier, H. E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe told news conference on Friday February 7th, 2025 at Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown that he is optimistic about the success of President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone Initiative because according to him, the country has the potential and capacity but needs coordination, commitment and strong leadership. “This initiative has been achieved in other countries and can be achieved here in Sierra Leone because it has the ingredients,” he stressed.

The ex-Ethiopian Prime Minister mentioned four pillars he said needed for the transformation including strong leadership; vision, correct policy and strategy and capacity; coordination and partnership.

The technical expert added that the success of the initiative is not about the size of the farms but quality of the products.

What the AGRA Chair said fascinated him most during his weeklong visit is young people’s engagement, who he said, needed to be given digital platform (training) on how to use certain equipment including tractors which he insisted should be scaled up. He also expressed delight over the private sector involvement particularly the support farmers which importance towards the success of Feed Salone, he said cannot be overstressed. “Sierra Leone has the capacity and ingredient but needs to be upgraded,” H.E Haleimariam Boshe added and assured every reasonable support toward the achievement and sustainability of the initiative at all times.

Meanwhile, he also cautioned that like elsewhere, the programme may struggle before finally taking off the ground, given other implications.

Earlier, the host Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Henry Musa Kpaka who doubles as the focal point for Feed Salone Initiative on behalf of the President and government, expressed his sincere appreciation not only for H.E Hailemariam’s visit but importantly the knowledge and experience they gained and the support he assured to make the initiative a success. The minister also maintained that Salone has all it takes to achieve Feed Salone programme but called for needed collaboration.

The Trade Minister, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay thanked the AGRA chair for the visit, noting that his presence served as motivation to achieve their aim. He also insisted that road to success in not easy but assured his ministry and government’s commitment to do more.