CAPPA - DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES
ABOUT
CAPPA was formed in 2016 by several commercial agricultural companies operating in various areas of the country producing, or in the process of producing, bio fuels and energy, palm oil, timber, rice, seed sorghum, natural forest reestablishment for carbon stock, growing and packaging pineapples and processing and manufacturing juice concentrates. CAPPA membership is open to all commercial agri-business and processing companies and aims to act as the principal coordinating body representing all commercial, agricultural producers and processing companies in Sierra Leone.
Objectives of CAPPA includes the proactive interaction with its members to ensure the interests of commercial agriculture continues to be dynamic, to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of the industry in Sierra Leone. CAPPA will stimulate greater awareness of modern farming practices through improved communication between the Association, farming and agricultural communities and the Government. It also aims to recognise and promote the highest professional standards, to improve efficiencies and competitiveness for the greater good of commercial agriculture and small holder farmers throughout Sierra Leone.
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From the Chairman,
As we approach Easter I would also like to wish our members Happy Ramadan Kareem.
The new Finance Act 2024 has been passed and signed off by the President and CAPPA played a vital role ensuring that the proposed increase in land lease was to an acceptable level and not that initially proposed. It took dedication and multiple meetings where CAPPA executives played a significant role to ensure land lease costs are within affordable limits and yet fair to the land owners. This is essential if indeed Sierra Leone is serious in attracting further agricultural investments. It is imperative that Government works with all players within the private sector including CAPPA to be inclusive to avoid operational and financial shocks that could jeopardize both current investors and make it unattractive to invest in Sierra Leone. I as the Chairman of CAPPA will endeavour to ensure our Association is represented when any new changes that may take place in 2025.
It is imperative that the agreements made with Government and put in place for both current investors investing and those to come, have all the incentives honoured so no unnecessary delays in the processes of importation are experienced. Many of our CAPPA members are still disgruntled by the extremely slow process of the duty free process, particularly container releases in the port with equipment for current investments going in, resulting in higher costs and unsatisfied investors.
The new Commissioner of the NRA has been extremely helpful since she took office and I have met with her on several occasions to discuss various issues. As Chairman my communication channels are always open to represent members to ensure the process runs smoothly and that issues are attended to.
We also call on Government to urgently review the PAYE for the low-level earners as the thresholds are far too low and it is the low-level earners such as plantation and forestry workers who are taking the brunt of the increased cost of living.
We look forward to engaging with Government in order to progress forward and I wish all members the best success for the remaining of 2024.
Lastly, I would like to welcome Rainforest Builder to the CAPPA Association and hope that we can provide guidance and advise on issues and work with members ensuring we all gain from the skills and knowledge across our members and their operations.
CHAIRMAN
