Dr. Henry Kpaka to Champion Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment in Agriculture at SLDIC 2025

Dr. Henry Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for Sierra Leone, will give the sector-in-focus keynote address at the upcoming Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference at the Silver Spring Civic Centre, Maryland. 

Dr. Henry Kpaka serves as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for Sierra Leone where he leads Feed Salone, the government’s flagship initiative to transform agriculture, boost local food production, and generate sustainable jobs nationwide. 

Appointed in 2023, Dr. Kpaka brings a wealth of experience in agricultural development and policy reform. Before joining the Cabinet, he served as Chief Technical Advisor in the Office of the President through the Tony Blair Institute, where he focused on economic strategy and agricultural transformation. 

His career spans notable roles with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), World Bank, and the International Corporation (IFC), with focus on delivering impact across Africa and Asia. 

Dr. Kpaka holds a PhD in Political Economy from the London School of Economics, where he received the Firoz Lalji Africa Thesis Award, as well as Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. He also studied at Whitman College and the United World College. 

What is “Feed Salone?”

The idea for Feed Salone was built on years of planning and a clear national strategy. In 2018, the Government of Sierra Leone developed the National Agricultural Transformation Programme (NAT 2023) and introduced a private-sector-led strategy known as The Agriculture Policy Shift. This laid the foundation for agriculture to become a top priority, and eventually one of the Big 5 Game Changers in the SLPP Manifesto. 

Feed Salone reflects the government’s strong commitment to transforming agriculture and achieving food sovereignty. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity to drive inclusive economic growth, improve access to safe and nutritious local food, reduce the country’s dependence on food imports, and create jobs across the value chain. It also aims to increase export earnings and build a resilient food system that can withstand future shocks. 

This year, under H.E. President @Julius_MaadaBio’s #FeedSalone flagship, we launched a bold initiative to scale up #InlandValleySwamps (IVS) rice production to boost yields, reduce deforestation, and strengthen climate resilience.

With over 690,000ha of IVS potential,… pic.twitter.com/DoGHsxuBNW

— Henry Musa Kpaka (@hmkpaka) July 10, 2025

The strategy is championed by President Julius Maada Bio, guided by a Presidential Council, and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Agriculture already plays a major role in Sierra Leone’s economy. It contributes over 57% to the country’s GDP, is the main source of livelihood for about 70% of households in Sierra Leone, and women make up to 70% of the agricultural labour force in the country. 

Over the past decades, agriculture in Sierra Leone has grown at a modest rate of 3-5% annually. But Feed Salone sets a more ambitious target; to grow the agriculture sector by 10% annually over the next 5 years. 

With this strategy, the government hopes to turn agriculture into a real driver of national development, one that feeds the nation, empowers citizens, and grows the economy. 

Min. Henry Kpaka holding some pumpkins

About the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference

The Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) is back bigger, bolder, and even more impactful. On Friday, August 8th, 2025, over 300 influential leaders across various fields will converge at the Silver Spring Civic Centre in Maryland. 

Now in its third year, SLDIC is the premier platform for Sierra Leonean and American professionals, investors, and changemakers to align on one goal: driving inclusive and sustainable growth in Sierra Leone. 

This year’s theme, “Preparing Diaspora Investors for Success Amidst Political and Economic Flux,” will focus on equipping participants with practical tools, investment-ready insights, and clear pathways to navigate complex markets and turn opportunities into impact. 

How You Can Be a Part of the Movement!

Registration is officially open for the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference. Whether you are attending in person or tuning in virtually, there is a ticket option tailored for you. 

• VIP Executive Business Leaders- $225
• Early Bird General Admission- $85
• Livestream Pass- $35

To Bring your business to the conference here are the options: 

Showcase your small business – $1,200

This allows you to attend as a vendor and a small-and-medium-sized business showcase to sell or market your goods and services. Position your business as a key player in Sierra Leone’s development. This premium package includes:

• One dedicated vendor space.
• Two VIP Business Leaders Conference tickets
• Two invitations to the VIP Networking cocktail
• A VIP conference tag for elevated access
• A half-page feature in the official conference programme
• One promotional article published on SwitSalone
• One social media spotlight post
• One-minute video ad spot to be aired during the conference (Must be submitted in advance)
• And more

Book a Vending Booth – $350

This ticket is ideal for solo vendors or small brands ready to make an impression. This includes: 

• A vendor table at the conference showcase
• One VIP Networking Cocktail
• One bonus general admission ticket
• A feature in our “Sierra Leone Business Leaders Directory” within the conference programme
• And more

All these tickets are available now at www.MakeSierraLeoneFamous.com.

Spaces are limited! Secure your spot at the 2025 SLDIC today.