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The leadership of the National Investment Board (NIB) has renewed calls for increased investment in mineral value addition and beneficiation, describing it as a key driver of industrial growth, job creation, and long-term economic transformation in Sierra Leone.
The appeal was made during a high-level panel session at the ongoing Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026 and the 11th African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Council of Ministers Meeting, held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
Leading the delegation, NIB Executive Director, Dr Edward Hinga Sandy, underscored the country’s expanding investment opportunities in mineral processing and downstream industries. Speaking during a strategic discussion on mineral beneficiation and industrial development, Dr Sandy noted that Sierra Leone has the natural resources, enabling policy environment, and market potential required to attract credible investors.
He highlighted key areas of opportunity, including steel production, rutile processing, and broader mineral-based manufacturing, stressing that increased local processing would significantly enhance the value derived from the country’s mineral wealth.
Drawing parallels with the agricultural sector, Dr Sandy pointed to successes in palm oil processing as evidence that value addition can drive economic gains, adding that similar models can be effectively replicated within the mining industry to boost industrialisation.
He further noted ongoing improvements in energy supply and infrastructure as critical enablers for attracting and sustaining investments in mineral processing and manufacturing.
The session was moderated by NIB Deputy Executive Director, Ms Fatima Mahawa Sandi, who steered discussions on key challenges and opportunities within the sector. These included energy constraints, the promotion of local content, regional trade integration, access to blended finance, and the need for stronger institutional coordination to support industrial expansion.
Panel contributions also came from representatives across government and industry, including Emmanuel Konjoh of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Sudheer Godabole of Odhav Multi Industries SL, Lima Suffian-Kargbo of Sierra Rutile Limited, and Jerry Ahadjie of the African Development Bank. Discussions centred on strategies to build a competitive, resilient, and sustainable mineral value chain in Sierra Leone.
The session forms part of a broader series of engagements under the theme: “Our Mineral Resources: Responsible Mining, Value Multiplication and Shared Prosperity.”
