The project is being carried out in partnership with Pee Cee Holding Ltd. (PCH), one of the country’s leading business groups.
The funds will be directed to Pee Cee Agriculture (PCA), PCH’s agricultural arm, to set up a 500-hectare farm that will be fully irrigated and mechanized.
Once operational, the facility is expected to produce over 40,000 tons of onions each year, along with other crops such as maize and potatoes.
This initiative is seen as a significant step forward for Sierra Leone’s food production.
It aims to reduce the country’s reliance on onion imports and improve access to affordable, locally grown food. It will also provide jobs and training, with a focus on supporting rural women.
According to Mahesh Nandwani, CEO of PCH, the project shows that high-quality food production on a large scale is possible in Sierra Leone.
“With IFC’s backing, we are creating a model that strengthens food security, creates employment, and promotes sustainable farming,” he said.
In addition to funding, IFC has worked closely with PCA over the past four years to refine the farm’s design and operations.
This included providing technical guidance to improve efficiency and environmental performance.
Pilot projects conducted with IFC’s support saw onion yields increase significantly—up to ten times more than the national average.
Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, highlighted the broader impact of the project:
“Developing sustainable agriculture is key to economic stability and food independence. This project sets a benchmark for commercial farming, not just in Sierra Leone but in the wider region.”
PCH, originally known as Pee Cee & Sons, has a strong presence in Sierra Leone’s consumer goods market.
It plans to use its distribution network to bring the farm’s produce directly to local markets. The company’s other subsidiaries, including Milla Group and Jolaks Manufacturing, have already shown success in manufacturing and innovation.
This new agricultural venture reflects PCH’s commitment to sustainable growth and aligns with IFC’s aim to promote inclusive private sector development across Africa.
The PCA farm is expected to become a model for future agri-business projects in West Africa, helping to build a stronger and more resilient food system.
