By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Freetown, Sierra Leone—Pee Cee Agriculture Limited, a subsidiary of Pee Cee & Sons, is spearheading a significant shift in Sierra Leone’s food sector, fostering food security and economic growth through innovative agricultural practices. Known for its over 50-year legacy in distributing quality food products across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, Pee Cee & Sons has transitioned from being a leading importer to a champion of local agricultural production.
One of Pee Cee Agriculture’s landmark achievements is the successful cultivation of onions in Sierra Leone. Offering locally grown onions at NLe 280 per bag—substantially lower than the NLe 450 price of imported onions—the initiative showcases the economic and social benefits of reducing dependency on imports. This effort strengthens Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector while making quality produce accessible to the population.
Minister of Agriculture, Henry Musa Kpaka, highlighted this development in a recent post, reflecting on the scarcity and high costs of onions two years ago. “Almost two years ago, there was a shortage of onions in Sierra Leone. If you could find one, it could cost you an arm and a leg,” he stated, attributing the turnaround to deliberate investments in local production. He commended Pee Cee Agriculture and the government’s role in supporting smallholder farmers and private sector players.
President Julius Maada Bio has also praised Pee Cee Agriculture’s contributions, particularly their 400-hectare onion farm in Lokomasama Chiefdom, Port Loko District. During a visit to the farm, President Bio actively participated in harvesting activities, underscoring the significance of reducing Sierra Leone’s multimillion-dollar dependency on imported onions. “Pee Cee & Sons has been one of the largest and most committed partners in the private sector, always aligning with government policies. Their investment has saved Sierra Leone up to $30 million that would have otherwise been spent on imports,” President Bio remarked.
The President urged other companies to emulate Pee Cee Agriculture’s approach and called on Paramount Chiefs and landowners to facilitate agricultural investments that would enhance food security and create job opportunities.
Pee Cee Agriculture’s work aligns with broader national initiatives to bolster the agricultural sector. Key benefits of increasing local production include:
- Food Security & Reduced Import Dependence: Initiatives like “Feed Salone” are boosting local staple crop production and reducing reliance on imports.
- Job Creation & Economic Growth: Expanding agricultural ventures creates employment opportunities, builds skills, and strengthens partnerships with smallholder farmers.
- Export Potential: Focusing on high-value crops and adding value to local products can expand Sierra Leone’s export portfolio and boost revenues.
- Community Empowerment: Increased productivity supports farmers’ incomes, promotes sustainable practices, and builds a stronger local economy.
Beyond onions, Pee Cee Agriculture has diversified into producing edible oil and soap, while supporting 900 smallholder farmers with resources and training. Subsidiaries under the parent company, Pee Cee Holding Ltd (PCH), including Jolaks Manufacturing Limited and Milla Group, have also contributed significantly to strengthening Sierra Leone’s local production capabilities.
The company’s efforts underscore the transformative potential of public-private collaboration in agriculture. With government support and citizen engagement, Sierra Leone is on a trajectory toward food self-sufficiency. Pee Cee Agriculture has demonstrated that investment in local production is not just an economic necessity but a patriotic endeavor that fosters sustainability and national pride.