Aurora Foundation is proud to be a business incubation partner for the ILO’s Opportunity Salone Programme, a transformative initiative funded by the European Union that supports Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Sierra Leone. As part of this programme, we have been working closely with eight innovative SMEs, guiding them through business development, mentorship, and capacity building.
On April 15 and 16, these eight businesses will participate in a Pitch Event and Exhibition in Makeni. This event will be an opportunity for them to present the progress they have made through the programme to fellow entrepreneurs, potential investors, and key stakeholders.
One of the participating SMEs is Imman Moiwa Oil Palm Plantation, led by CEO Augustine Moiwa Sheriff. Based in Bomboma, Kenema, the business is focused on the production and distribution of palm oil and has grown to serve markets across Sierra Leone. A month ago, the company became the third official beneficiary of the Opportunity Salone Programme and celebrated a hand-over ceremony for the new equipment it received.
To enhance operations and improve distribution, Augustine received an extensive set of tools and machinery, including two nutcracker machines, a filter presser, an expeller, an oil pumping machine, a motorbike, two wheelbarrows, two tarpaulins, an inbuilt metal tank, five fairly used metal drums, a scale, a processing machine, a bailing machine, a welding machine, five additional metal drums, and five plastic drums. This equipment is already making a difference, helping to streamline the production process and strengthen the business’s supply chain.
We are excited to see Augustine take the stage in Makeni and share his journey and vision with a wider audience. His progress is a testament to the impact of the Opportunity Salone Programme and the resilience and potential of Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs. We look forward to celebrating his achievements and those of the other SMEs at the upcoming event.
