By Alhassan jalloh
The U.S. Governmentin partnership with Pangea Global Ventures announced a new, joint $3 million investment in Sierra Leone’s agricultural private sector. This new project undertaken in support of the Government of Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone initiative will match qualified Sierra Leonean small and medium agricultural enterprises with international impact investors, unlockingthe affordable financing necessary for these businesses to expand, generate employment, and increase profitability. As part of this “Catalyzing Investment for Small Businesses” (CISB) initiative, USAID and Pangea Global Ventures will work closely with selected agricultural firms to ensure that their business ventures are adequately prepared to take on such international investment.
This two-year partnership will serve as a blueprint to showcase the favorable investment climate in Sierra Leone and demonstrate that Sierra Leonean agricultural companies are attractive for international impact investment opportunities.Through exposing international impact investors to the Sierra Leonean marketplace, USAID and Pangea Global Ventures hope to lower the cost of capital for Sierra Leonean firms and establish sources of critically needed venture capital for the country’s private sector.
U.S. Ambassador Bryan David Hunt reiterated his country’s commitment to Sierra Leone in collaboration with the private sector and government saying “The U.S. Government will continue to emphasize the need for a more attractive investment climate that will transition the economy toward one envisioned in the country’s recently launched “Feed Salone” strategy. The people of the United States are committed to standing with the people of Sierra Leone, and we will work with you as closely as possible in pursuit of prosperity.”
This activity is part of the ongoing U.S. government commitment to advance democracy, health, and prosperity in line with the aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people.
