ILO Launches Three-Day ‘Opportunity Salone’ Knowledge-Sharing Event in Freetown
By Musa Kamara [Intern Reporter, Epic Radio]
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the European Union, has launched a three-day “Opportunity Salone” Knowledge-Sharing Event, held from 3 to 5 December 2025 at the Radisson Blu in Freetown. The gathering brings together government leaders, development partners and entrepreneurs to advance innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth in Sierra Leone. The forum, themed “From Vision to Impact,” features high-level statements, enterprise showcases, business clinics and a runway pitch competition aimed at empowering SMEs and strengthening value chains across key sectors.
Speaking at the opening, ILO Chief Technical Adviser Tonderai Manoto said the event marks the culmination of four years of intensive work across several districts, supporting entrepreneurs to innovate within the cassava, vegetable and palm-oil value chains. The project, he noted, seeks to create jobs and boost incomes, while also improving feeder roads in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) to help farmers transport their produce more efficiently.
Manoto highlighted several challenges encountered during the project’s implementation. These included limited access to markets for small businesses, difficulties in securing finance to grow and scale their operations, and high levels of informality, with many enterprises not registered with the NRA or NASSIT. He noted that the participation of these institutions in the event is intended to help micro-businesses formalize and strengthen their businesses.
Despite these challenges, Manoto said local producers stand to benefit significantly. The event offers a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, meet potential investors and explore new markets. He added that under the initiative, some of the most promising enterprises will be supported to access ECOWAS regional markets and begin exporting in 2026, working closely with the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Chief Minister Dr. David Monina Sengeh described the event as “transformative and impactful,” noting that targeted investment in people, enterprises and communities is a core part of the government’s national development plan. The plan envisions Sierra Leone becoming a green, inclusive and middle-income country by 2039. Dr. Sengeh said Opportunity Salone reflects this vision through its focus on infrastructure, agriculture, skills training, economic growth, climate protection and expanding opportunities for women, persons with disabilities and youth.
According to the Chief Minister, more than 3,500 farmers and SME operators have benefited directly from capacity-building support and value-chain interventions in cassava, vegetables, poultry and palm oil, implemented jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture. Over 70 SMEs have received business development services, while more than 40 kilometres of feeder roads have been rehabilitated, reducing travel time and easing the transport of goods.
The event concluded on 5 December with an awards ceremony honouring outstanding SMEs that excelled in innovation, product quality and business growth through the Opportunity Salone programme. The awards celebrated the achievements of entrepreneurs whose work is driving economic transformation across Sierra Leone, bringing the three-day knowledge-sharing forum to an inspiring close.
