Post a comment Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has recorded its highest-ever sorghum supply after local farmers delivered 1,004 metric tonnes in 2026, surpassing the company’s target of 800 metric tonnes.
The achievement has prompted SLBL to raise its local sourcing target to between 1,350 and 1,400 metric tonnes for 2027 as the company seeks to strengthen its partnership with local farmers and increase the use of locally produced agricultural inputs.
SLBL, in collaboration with Sierra Bottling Group (SBG), recognised the farmers’ contribution on Friday, 14 August 2026, during an incentive distribution ceremony held at the SLBL Supply Chain Academy under the theme, “Empowering Local Farmers, Building a Stronger Sierra Leone.”
A total of 12 sorghum farmers received a combined NLe513,000 incentive package after reaching or exceeding their individual production targets and making significant contributions to SLBL’s sorghum supply during the year.
Speaking at the ceremony, SLBL Managing Director Henry du Plessis commended the farmers for exceeding expectations and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with local producers.
Du Plessis recalled his earlier commitment to farmers that SLBL would purchase whatever quantity they produced, noting that they had not only fulfilled the commitment but also exceeded the company’s expectations.
“You kept your word. And you overdelivered,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing participation of women in sorghum farming, saying, “I am happy to see the women stepping up.” He described their involvement as a sign of progress and expressed optimism about the future of agriculture in Sierra Leone.
According to Joseph Sesay, Sorghum Local Sourcing Lead at SLBL, the locally supplied sorghum plays an important role in the company’s production operations.
He explained that sorghum is used as an ingredient in the production of beverages including Maltina, Star Beer and Mutzig, adding that the availability of sufficient local supplies can directly influence the company’s production capacity.
“The farmers are very integral to our work,” Sesay said.
He noted that SLBL sometimes uses a flexible production recipe that enables the company to increase the quantity of sorghum used when adequate local supplies are available.
With farmers delivering 1,004 metric tonnes against the 800-tonne target in 2026, Sesay said the company is now looking to build on the achievement by targeting between 1,350 and 1,400 metric tonnes in 2027.
Representing the Government, Director of Export at the National Investment Board (NIB), Bobson Margai, described the initiative as an important recognition of the role farmers play in supporting local production.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between SLBL, SBG and the NIB and encouraged farmers to formally register their businesses to improve their access to investment opportunities.
The ceremony also showcased the growing economic opportunities created through sorghum farming, particularly for women.
Beneficiary Ya Wara Sesay said sorghum farming had become increasingly rewarding as her annual yield improved. She encouraged farmers to work collectively to achieve greater results.
Lamrana Bundu, who previously worked as a trader, said she initially faced challenges when she entered sorghum farming but overcame them through determination. She said she has no regrets about venturing into the sector, which she described as an important contributor to her livelihood.
Paramount Chief Massa Yeli Tham III of Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali District, also disclosed that he had recently ventured into sorghum farming as an additional source of income.
He said the experience had already begun contributing to his progress and pledged to encourage other traditional leaders in the district to invest in sorghum farming.
With its 2027 target of up to 1,400 metric tonnes, SLBL is now looking to deepen its engagement with local farmers, expand domestic sorghum sourcing and build on what the company described as its strongest sorghum production year to date.
Source: Calabash Newspaper
