LocationsEWASME Enterprise Pitch Fair opens in Magburuka
June 9, 2025
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (4th from right) & Madam Tanzila Watta Sankoh, Team Lead from UNDP with a cross-section of participants at the EWASME Enterprise Pitch Fair in Magbruka.
The Empowering West African Women Small and Medium Enterprises (EWASME) Rice Value Chain Project marked a major milestone with the official opening of its Enterprise Pitch Fair in Magburaka, Tonkolili District. The event was formally launched by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, who emphasized the crucial role of women in driving agricultural transformation and national development.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kpaka underscored the government’s unwavering support for women in agribusiness, particularly in the rice value chain, which remains a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s food security strategy.
“We believe that if we give women what they need, they would feed Salone. They would start from feeding their home, communities, and the entire nation,” said Minister Kpaka.
The Empowering West African Women Small and Medium Enterprises (EWASME) Rice Value Chain Project marked a major milestone with the official opening of its Enterprise Pitch Fair in Magburaka, Tonkolili District. The event was formally launched by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, who emphasized the crucial role of women in driving agricultural transformation and national development.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kpaka underscored the government’s unwavering support for women in agribusiness, particularly in the rice value chain, which remains a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s food security strategy.
“We believe that if we give women what they need, they would feed Salone. They would start from feeding their home, communities, and the entire nation,” said Minister Kpaka.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security speaking at the EWASME Enterprise Pitch Fair in Magburaka
He further encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity and scale their agribusinesses if selected for support.
The EWASME Enterprise Pitch Fair is a seven-day platform where 182 shortlisted women-led MSMEs and VSEs from Torma Bum (Bonthe) and Tonkolili Districts are presenting their business ideas and innovations. This critical step will help identify high-potential agribusinesses that are ready to grow with targeted support from the project.
The EWASME Rice Value Chain Project aims to strengthen the post-production capacity of at least 1,000 women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and very small enterprises (VSEs) engaged in rice processing, packaging, and distribution. The initiative seeks to promote inclusive growth, women’s economic empowerment, and food security.
Speaking at the event, Madam Tanzila Watta Sankoh, Team Lead - People Centred Sustainable Development and Resilience Building Cluster, highlighted the transformative potential of empowering women in agriculture. She said,
“Investing in women agripreneurs is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, improve food systems, and drive inclusive development. Through EWASME, we are proud to support women-led enterprises that are not only feeding their communities but also shaping a more resilient but contribution to national development”.
Madam Sankoh also encouraged prospective grantees to use the resources responsibly, stressing the importance of accountability and impact.
“When we receive support, we must demonstrate that it is used wisely and for the intended purpose. Results matter, and through our actions, we must show the value of investing in women,” she said.
Madam Tanzila Watta Sankoh, Team Lead - People Centred Sustainable Development and Resilience Building Cluster
The EWASME Project is designed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), funded by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), and co-financed and implemented by UNDP across Guinea, Niger, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
As the pitch fair progresses, the selection committee will identify businesses with strong potential for impact and scalability, paving the way for access to grants, training, and market linkages that can accelerate growth and sustainability.
As a prelude to the pitch fair, participating rice producers showcased samples of their products, giving attendees a glimpse into the quality and potential of their agribusinesses.
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