In a cutting-edge development for Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector, the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, officially unveiled the Aminata and Sons Sierra Leone Limited.
The move signals a significant milestone in the industry, as the Liberian-based conglomerate expands its operations into Sierra Leone.
Aminata Group of Companies, established in Monrovia in 1984, specializes in the importation, distribution, and sale of petroleum products. It is one of the largest Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Liberia. The company commenced its operations in Sierra Leone with the importation of its first diesel consignment on March 15, 2024.
Representing President Julius Maada Bio, Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Sengeh lauded Aminata Group for their entry into Sierra Leone’s petroleum market. He emphasized the importance of this development in alleviating the country’s perennial fuel shortages and bolstering government revenue.
Dr. Sengeh highlighted the progress made in the petroleum sector since 2018, noting that the number of OMCs has doubled from three to six, alongside the construction of two additional jetties. He attributed these advancements to the government’s open-door policies and investor-friendly environment.
“The commissioning of Aminata’s facilities aligns with the government’s focus on Technology and Infrastructure Development, one of our Big Five Game Changers. Sierra Leone is a fair and suitable environment for investment, and I assure all stakeholders of the government’s unwavering support,” the Chief Minister stated.
PRA Executive Chairman Brima Baluwa Koroma reflected on the challenges the sector faced before the government’s reforms, including weak infrastructure, frequent supply disruptions, and declining investor interest. He commended Aminata Group for their investment in Sierra Leone, including refurbishing diesel storage tanks with a capacity of 8,000 metric tons at Cline Town and 5,000 metric tons at Kissy Terminal.
Chairman Koroma noted that those storage facilities, when operating at full capacity, could hold approximately 10 million liters of diesel—about 40% of Sierra Leone’s monthly needs for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“Petroleum importation has grown significantly, increasing by 52% from 345,000 metric tons in 2018 to 525,000 metric tons in 2023. Similarly, annual sales and distribution jumped by 28%, reaching 524 million liters in 2023. We are proud of these achievements and remain committed to achieving the national storage target of 500,000 metric tons,” Koroma remarked.
He also praised the PRA’s efforts, including the establishment of 14 District Monitoring Officers (DMOs) and four regional offices nationwide, ensuring effective oversight of the sector.
The unveiling of Aminata and Sons Sierra Leone Limited represents a critical step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector. It not only addresses storage and distribution challenges but also reinforces the government’s vision of achieving energy security and driving economic growth.Media and Public Relations Department, Petroleum Regulatory Agency
