SLLCA Signs Local Implementation Agreement With Sierra Mineral Holdings
The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency has on Wednesday 8th October, 2025, signed a Local Content Plan Implementation Agreement with Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited at the Agency’s Conference Hall in Freetown.
Speaking at the event, Director General of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA), Fodeba Daboh, said the signing marks an important milestone in implementing the Sierra Leone Local Content Act of 2016 within the mining sector. He explained that the agreement formalizes Sierra Mineral Holdings’ commitment to adopt inclusive, sustainable, and legally compliant local content practices across its operations, including workforce development, procurement, technology transfer, and economic contributions.
Daboh stated that the agreement provides a clear framework for planning, implementing, and monitoring the company’s local content obligations, in line with national priorities such as job creation, skills development, and enterprise growth. He emphasized that it also promotes transparency and accountability, adding, “His Excellency the President Julius Maada Bio said we must insist on the implementation of our local content laws in Sierra Leone, and this is what the Agency and Sierra Mineral Holdings are here to complement.”
He described the agreement as “a demonstration of mutual accountability and a shared vision, ensuring that foreign direct investment results in tangible, lasting benefits for the people and the economy of Sierra Leone.” Daboh said the signing signifies that Sierra Mineral has agreed to fully comply with the Agency’s Act, especially in areas of employment, training, human resource development, and succession planning. He noted that he wants to see more Sierra Leoneans in managerial positions and assured that the Agency will provide technical support to ensure the full implementation of the agreement.
General Manager of Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited, Aleksei Panov, thanked the Agency for its collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing the agreement. He said the company prioritizes Sierra Leonean suppliers, transparency, and sustainable economic growth, noting that 95 percent of its workforce are Sierra Leoneans and 70 percent are from mining affected communities.
“We will ensure transparent procurement through tender processes, supplier development, capacity building, vendor mentoring, and technology and skills transfer,” Panov said. He added that the company will collaborate with local banks to support supplier financing and liquidity and will continue monitoring and reviewing its impact on local participation.
Director of Human Resources, Zhanna Volosevich, said the company has consistently worked in line with local content principles, with several internal promotions guided by a structured succession plan. “Local content is one of the most important institutions in the country because it prioritizes Sierra Leoneans,” she said, commending the Director General and his team for ensuring that indigenous citizens not only gain employment but also benefit from mining contracts. She also praised the Agency’s guidance in helping the company meet all requirements for the Certificate of Authorization.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Notice of Approval for Sierra Mineral Holdings’ 2025–2027 Local Content Plan and the official issuance of the Certificate of Authorization.
While presenting the Certificate of Authorization, Daboh reminded attendees that Section 40(1) of the Local Content Agency Act requires all foreign companies operating in Sierra Leone to submit a Local Content Plan to the Agency. He said the certificate is only issued to companies whose plans have been approved in line with this legal requirement and that it contains a securitized feature, a QR Code unique to each company.
The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) was established by the Local Content Agency Act, 2016 (Act No. 3 of 2016) to oversee and enforce local content obligations across key sectors, including mining, petroleum, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. The Act mandates the Agency to review local content plans, issue authorizations, monitor compliance, and publish performance reports. It also provides for the development of an online portal and a national scorecard system to track company performance and ensure transparency in implementation. The law requires all foreign companies to submit detailed plans outlining how they will employ, train, and partner with Sierra Leoneans before beginning operations.
Since his appointment, Director General Fodeba Daboh has been credited with strengthening institutional systems, improving staffing, and expanding the Agency’s presence across the country. He introduced operational reforms, secured financial stability, and spearheaded the registration of over 300 Sierra Leonean-owned businesses. Under his leadership, the Agency has received several national and continental awards, including recognition as the “Most Outstanding Local Content Agency Across Africa” in 2024. Daboh continues to position local content as a key driver of national development and inclusive economic growth.
