The Sierra Leone Local Agency (SLLCA) in collaboration with stakeholders has recently held a consultative Forum at its Agency’s conference hall in Freetown.
The Forum which was held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 was well attended by key industrial stakeholders, government and regulatory agencies, and other professional associations, among others.
The Managing Director of SLLCA, Fodeba Daboh said that section 66 of the SLLCA Act 2016 clearly states that the Agency shall set up Sierra Leone Local Content Consultative Forum as a platform for consultation, discussion, information sharing and collaboration in sectors covered by the Act with respect to: upcoming projects in the identified sectors, information on available local capabilities, and other policy proposals that may be of relevance to Sierra Leonean content development.
Explaining the Membership composition of the forum, DG Daboh said that the Consultative Forum membership comprised key industry stakeholders, government and regulatory agencies, Chamber of Commerce, professional associations and representatives from across sectors in the country, and any other professional services nominated by the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency as indicated in the Act, pointing out that the Forum shall consist of not more than thirty-one (31) members at a time.
He added that the roles and responsibilities of membership include: discuss and respond to critical Local Content issues within respective sectors; maintaining at all times the focus of the forum on the agreed scope; and maximize opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, networking and information sharing on Sierra Leonean Content Development. He stated that the essence of the forum is to provide advice, and recommendations to the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency on critical issues as a strategy for economic development.
DG Daboh entreated stakeholders to propose any other matter that the agency and/or membership deem necessary to investigate or address, whilst admonishing them to respect confidentiality.
He stated that the forum meets once every three months (quarterly); and is chaired on rotational basis by the head of the host institution.
DG Daboh emphasized that first consideration should be given to indigene Sierra Leoneans and how they will be fully capacitated with relevant skills and qualifications to enable them to compete in the job market.
The representatives from the various institutions applauded the Director General for working tremendously to deliver on his mandates.
By Stephen V. Lansana