By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has recognized the outstanding contributions of local farmers to the country’s agricultural sector during its 2025 Local Sourcing Awards ceremony, held on Friday 12th September, 2025 at the company’s headquarters in Wellington, Freetown.

Top-performing sorghum farmers were celebrated for their role in supporting SLBL’s local sourcing initiative. The awards included a tricycle (Keke), three motorbikes and cash prizes aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, SLBL’s Acting Corporate Affairs Manager, Unisa Conteh, reaffirmed the company decade’s commitment to integrating local resources, particularly sorghum, into its production processes. He explained that the initiative not only strengthens Sierra Leone’s agricultural base but also aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s FEED Salone initiative and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 on zero hunger.

Unisa Conteh outlined the brewery’s support to farmers, which includes free seed distribution, agronomist consultations, flexible prepayment options and three-day turnaround payments for sorghum delivery. He also highlighted incentive schemes and ongoing research into locally grown materials such as barley.

“This program creates jobs, empowers youth, reduces foreign exchange demand and builds resilience in Sierra Leone’s economy,” he said, while thanking the Government for its continued support of local sourcing initiatives.

Representing the awardees, Lamrana Bundu who won first place and received a Keke alongside a cash prize expressed gratitude to SLBL for recognizing the efforts of farmers.

“This award reflects not only my dedication but also the hard work of countless sorghum farmers across Sierra Leone. The support we’ve received has strengthened our farming practices and livelihoods and this prize will help me expand my work to support other farmers as well,” Lamrana Bundu said.

She pledged to continue contributing towards the 2026 production targets, describing the partnership with SLBL as “invaluable” for building a more self-reliant Sierra Leone.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the prizes, reaffirming SLBL’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening agricultural sustainability as part shared vision for national development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slbl-rewards-sorghum-farmers-with-keke-and-motorbikes-at-2025-local-sourcing-awards/