President Julius Maada Bio presided over the grand opening of the SABCO Sardine and Allied Products factory in Jui, just outside of Freetown, which represents a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to boost the private sector and create job opportunities for young people. The factory is one of the first private-sector investments in an industry that has the potential to employ up to one million young people in the coming years.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Bio thanked the management and employees of SABCO Fishing Company for their dedication and hard work in bringing the factory to life. He emphasized the factory’s contribution to the government’s Feed Salone Initiative, which aims to boost the production of locally sourced protein and nutrient-dense foods like fish and livestock.
President Bio emphasized the government’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment and creating an environment that promotes business growth. He stated that Sierra Leone is endowed with abundant natural resources, including a thriving marine ecosystem along its coastline, which creates numerous opportunities for the private sector, particularly in the marine industry.
The President encouraged the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, as well as the management of SABCO Fishing Company, to investigate export opportunities in the region and beyond. He cited Morocco as a successful example of a country that used its marine resources to become the sub-region’s leading producer.
Abess Sabbagh, Chief Financial Officer of SABCO Fishing Company, discussed the company’s history from its humble beginnings as Sabbagh Supermarket in Bo City to its transformation into SABCO Fishing Company in 2013. He emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence and its role in the local community, citing the launch of the SABCO Sardines as evidence of its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Fisheries, as well as the Ministers of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Trade, and Industry, all attended the inauguration ceremony, hailing the factory’s establishment as a positive step toward increasing the country’s export base and reducing the trade deficit.
President Julius Maada Bio’s inauguration of the SABCO Fish Canning Factory demonstrates the government’s support for private sector growth and commitment to creating a favourable business environment for both domestic and foreign investors. The factory’s opening marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to harness its natural resources and use them to drive economic development and job growth.
