SLLCA Signs Local Content Agreements with Nant Power, Shankerdas
Sia Lucy Kannah The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) has signed Local Content Plan Implementation Agreements with CESA SL Generation Ltd, trading as Nant Power, and G. Shankerdas & Sons (SL) Limited, as part of efforts to strengthen local participation in business and investment activities.
During the signing, the Agency’s Director General, Fodeba Daboh, emphasised the need for companies to translate their local content commitments into measurable outcomes, particularly in workforce localisation, skills development, technology transfer, succession planning and local procurement.
Representing Nant Power, the company’s General Manager, Abu Kamara, reaffirmed its commitment to developing Sierra Leonean expertise and transferring technical knowledge. He disclosed that the company has approximately 670 employees, 20 per cent of whom are women, while more than 40 personnel are involved in training local employees.
He also expressed the company’s ambition to build sufficient local capacity to enable Sierra Leoneans to operate the Nant Power plant upon completion of construction. Its Executive Director, Karim Nasser, also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening local skills and creating opportunities in the energy sector.
Meanwhile, G. Shankerdas & Sons’ Administration Manager, Arjay Kumar, welcomed the partnership and pledged the company’s commitment to meeting its local content obligations.
Mr Kumar highlighted operational challenges, including unstable electricity supply, shortages of skilled technical personnel and gaps in computer literacy needed to operate automated machinery. He also outlined the company’s women’s programme, which seeks to promote inclusion and professional development.
The agreements are expected to strengthen private-sector accountability, expand opportunities for Sierra Leonean workers and businesses, and promote skills development and technology transfer.
Through the agreements, the SLLCA seeks to ensure that investments by companies operating in Sierra Leone translate into greater local employment, business participation and long-term economic benefits.