06/11/2025
Makeni, Thursday 6th November 2025
By Idrissa Jerry Kargbo
Makeni Shines with Colour, Creativity, and Commerce as MADAM–SL Trade and Skills Fair 2025 Celebrates Local Innovation and Enterprise
As the morning sun spread across the busy streets of Makeni, the city came alive with colour, music, and movement.
Traders, students, and business owners lined the roads in a grand street parade marking the official opening of the MASAM–SL Trade and Skills Fair 2025. Long before 9 a.m., more than 30 exhibitors had already set up their stands at the Makeni Shopping Plaza—each representing a dream, an idea, or a small victory born of hard work and survival.
From tailors displaying freshly sewn designs to young innovators setting up tech corners, and even agriculturists showcasing their products, the atmosphere was filled with hope and determination. “This is our moment to show what we do best,” said a local entrepreneur proudly arranging handmade craft items. By mid-morning, organisers expected over a hundred stalls—ranging from community-based ventures to mid-level institutions and empowerment colleges—to be fully operational.
This year’s edition will be graced by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Haja Fatmata Kamara, who is expected to deliver the keynote address. Her presence underscores the growing recognition of grassroots enterprises as key drivers of Sierra Leone’s economic growth and employment creation.
For many participants we spoke with, this event is not just about buying and selling—it’s about learning, connecting, and being seen. It is about giving a voice to small businesses that continue to thrive despite challenges. As the fair unfolds, Makeni once again proves that the spirit of enterprise is alive and well in the Northern Region of Sierra Leone, where passion meets opportunity and skills are turning into success stories.