By Kelfala Kargbo
Freetown, 21st September 2026 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced plans to establish an Agriculture‑only Development Bank, a bold initiative aimed at transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector and advancing the government’s Feed Salone agenda.
The proposal was unveiled during the national budget hearings at the Ministry of Finance ahead of the 2027 financial year. Chief Agriculture Officer Professor Abdulai Jalloh explained that the bank is expected to provide access to finance for at least 100,000 farmers and other actors across the agricultural value chain.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka emphasized that the bank will not serve every farmer directly, but will strategically target key players within the value chain to maximize impact. “That is what countries are doing — establish a bank, sustain the momentum, and help people in the value chain with finance. This will encourage more participation and strengthen the sector,” he said.
The Agriculture‑only Development Bank is positioned as a cornerstone of the Feed Salone program for 2027, reflecting the government’s commitment to food security, rural development, and economic resilience. If approved, the initiative could mark a turning point in how Sierra Leone finances and supports its agricultural transformation.
