The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is providing $40 million to support a livestock project under Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone initiative.

The Fund is aimed at boosting domestic poultry production and reducing the importation of chicken and eggs.

The Ministry of Finance has been working with development partners like the IsDB to secure funding for priority projects, with Deputy Minister Kadiatu Allie thanking the bank for its support and pledging technical assistance for the project.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka called the livestock project a flagship initiative of the Feed Salone Programme, highlighting the extensive preparations, including feasibility studies and consultations.

He also mentioned the potential for OPEC’s involvement to bring the total funding to $100 million.

IsDB’s Operation Team Leader, Sabiu Auwal, outlined key components of the project, such as empowering women and youth in livestock farming, improving animal health, building market infrastructure, and establishing medium-sized enterprises.

The project will be presented to the IsDB board in October for approval.

Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie praised the business-oriented approach, which focuses on medium-sized enterprises generating revenue to ensure loan repayment and project sustainability.

The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector, aligning with the government’s goals of food security and economic growth through the Feed Salone Programme.