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The Produce Monitoring Board (PMB), under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Raymond Bob Katta, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships aimed at revitalising and expanding Sierra Leone’s coffee sector.
The assurance was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Leo Universal Plantation, led by Chief Executive Officer Stephen Ayodele Makinwa and Country Manager Gabriel George.
Leo Universal Plantation, regarded as one of the largest coffee producers in the country, operates in Tonkia Chiefdom, Kenema District. The company manages about 690 acres of coffee and cocoa plantations and has announced plans to diversify into cashew production. It currently cultivates Robusta coffee and has also established demonstration farms for the rare indigenous Highland Coffee of Sierra Leone, scientifically known as Stenophylla.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Makinwa expressed appreciation for PMB’s technical support over the past year, noting that the collaboration has contributed significantly to the company’s operational growth. He called for increased investment in irrigation systems, processing facilities, value addition, and research to boost productivity and promote Sierra Leone’s unique coffee varieties.
In response, Mr. Katta commended Leo Universal Plantation for its contribution to job creation, rural development, and poverty reduction. He described Stenophylla coffee as a national heritage crop with strong economic potential and assured the company of PMB’s continued technical and institutional support.
He also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, quality improvement, and value addition, while stressing compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to enhance access to international markets. He disclosed that PMB has already geolocated more than 150 farms to improve traceability and sustainability in the sector.
PMB Director Didan Sankoh emphasized the need for intensified research on Stenophylla coffee and stronger collaboration with institutions such as the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), the Ministry of Agriculture, and Welthungerhilfe.
Assistant Director for Field Operations and Monitoring & Evaluation, Osman Kargbo, underscored the importance of effective farm management practices in improving productivity across the sector.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment between PMB and Leo Universal Plantation to promote innovation, sustainability, investment, and economic growth within Sierra Leone’s coffee industry.
