By Saidu Jalloh, D.S Reporter
FREETOWN – Sierra Leone Brewery Limited has recorded its biggest local sorghum harvest to date, with farmers supplying 1,004 metric tonnes in 2026 — 204 tonnes above the company’s target.
The milestone was celebrated on Friday, 14 August 2026, at the SLBL Supply Chain Academy during an incentive distribution ceremony themed “Empowering Local Farmers, Building a Stronger Sierra Leone.” The event was held in partnership with Sierra Bottling Group.
A total of 12 sorghum farmers received NLe513,000 in incentives after meeting or surpassing their individual production goals.
Speaking at the ceremony, SLBL Managing Director Henry du Plessis praised the farmers for “overdelivering” and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to buy all sorghum produced locally.
“You kept your word. And you overdelivered,” du Plessis told the farmers. He also welcomed the growing number of women in sorghum production, calling it “a sign of progress” for agriculture in Sierra Leone.
Joseph Sesay, SLBL’s Sorghum Local Sourcing Lead, said locally grown sorghum is now a key input for beverages including Maltina, Star Beer and Mutzig. He explained that the company uses a flexible production recipe that allows it to increase sorghum content when local supply is strong.
Buoyed by the 2026 performance, SLBL has set a new sourcing target of between 1,350 and 1,400 metric tonnes for 2027.
Representing government, Bobson Margai, Director of Export at the National Investment Board, described the partnership as vital for local production. He urged farmers to register their businesses formally to access more investment opportunities.
Farmers at the event shared how sorghum farming is transforming livelihoods. Beneficiary Ya Wara Sesay said her yields and income have improved yearly and called for collective farming. Lamrana Bundu, a former trader, said she overcame early challenges and now relies on sorghum for her livelihood.
Paramount Chief Massa Yeli Tham III of Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali District, also announced he has gone into sorghum farming as an additional income source.
SLBL officials said the record supply demonstrates the potential of local content to strengthen industry, create jobs, and reduce import dependence.
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