By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown – Public concern is growing over the increasing number of government contracts reportedly awarded to foreign entities, particularly those linked to the Lebanese community, sparking debate about the exclusion of capable Sierra Leonean contractors.
Critics argue that this trend deprives local businesses of opportunities that could stimulate the economy, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable development. Many believe that awarding such contracts to foreign firms results in capital flight, with profits often deposited in overseas accounts, leaving minimal benefits for the local economy.
Agnes Williams, a Sierra Leonean student at the London School of Economics, voiced strong reservations about the practice. “Awarding major government contracts to foreign companies ultimately benefits foreign banks and economies,” she said. “Most of the revenue leaves the country, with only a fraction remaining in Sierra Leone to handle emergency spending.”
She cited the controversial Gateway contract as an example, alleging that the agreement lacks clear corporate social responsibility components or specified dividends for the state. “There is little transparency on what percentage the government actually benefits from,” she added.
Williams also drew parallels with the mineral sector, claiming that investors reap billions of dollars in profits while contributing minimally to national development. “There is an imbalance in obligations. The government gains very little compared to what these companies take away,” she said.
Concerns were also raised about government-sanctioned importation of rice and other essential commodities. Williams alleged that certain importers, with the backing of officials, manufacture non-existent trade barriers to maintain control of the market and prices.
She further questioned the awarding of a recent road construction contract to a Burkina Faso-based company, arguing that local firms possess the necessary machinery and expertise to handle such projects. “We have qualified contractors in Sierra Leone who are systematically sidelined,” she said.
On the issue of the national passport printing contract, Williams argued that the government should have retained full control of such a vital operation, particularly given its demand among citizens and foreign nationals. “There are ongoing speculations about secret financial arrangements between some government officials and foreign contractors,” she said. “This creates a system where qualified Sierra Leoneans are overlooked in favor of foreign interests.”
The growing discontent over contract awards has sparked calls for greater transparency, fairness, and support for local businesses in public procurement processes.
