Idrissa Conteh Engineer at Imam Moiwa Oil Palm Plantation

Breaking Barriers: Inclusion and Opportunity at Imam Moiwa Oil Palm Plantation

Despite progress in awareness and advocacy, employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone remain extremely limited. Most survive through informal or subsistence work, while access to formal, stable jobs is rare. Barriers such as limited accessibility, lack of adapted tools, and lingering social stigma mean that talent and potential often go unseen. This exclusion represents not just a loss for individuals, but for the country’s economy as a whole.

Yet when opportunities are created, the impact is transformative — for individuals, families, and entire communities. Programmes like Opportunity Salone, which funds small entrepreneurs and cooperatives with a special focus on inclusion, are helping to change this picture. By supporting enterprises that open their doors to persons of all abilities, they are showing how inclusion can translate into stronger businesses and shared prosperity.

At Imam Moiwa Oil Palm Plantation, this vision is already a reality. Here, the story of Idrissa Conteh, an engineer living with a partial disability, stands as proof that when inclusion is more than just a word, it has the power to change lives and strengthen communities.

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Meet Idrissa Conteh

Before joining the company, Idrissa’s journey was filled with challenges. He once worked as a commercial bike rider until a tragic accident led to the amputation of one of his legs.

Like many persons with disabilities in rural Sierra Leone, Idrissa had once struggled to find consistent work. Struggling to make ends meet, at one point he survived by begging for daily sustenance.

It was there that Augustine Moiwa, the owner of the plantation, met him. Recognizing his determination, Augustine offered him some financial support to start a small tire and motorbike repair service. Over time, seeing Idrissa’s dedication and skill in fixing machines, Augustine decided to bring him into the plantation as a machine operator, where he has been working as part of the team since 2021. His recruitment not only transformed his own livelihood but also demonstrated how inclusive hiring can strengthen both a business and its community.

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Turning Challenges into Strength

Despite living with a partial disability, Idrissa has proven that determination and skill open doors. His role — operating machinery that extracts and refines palm oil — is physically demanding and technically complex. Yet, he is known on-site for his precision, reliability, and commitment. His colleagues describe him as a source of inspiration, showing that ability matters far more than limitation. Through his work, Idrissa has been able to support himself and his family with pride and dignity.

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Inclusive Growth in Action

Idrissa’s story goes beyond personal achievement it reflects community progress. By creating opportunities for inclusion and meaningful work, Imam Moiwa Oil Palm Plantation continues to empower people of all abilities, showing that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger, more inclusive future. This kind of inclusion has ripple effects. When employers create an enabling environment for workers like Idrissa, they not only enhance productivity but also promote dignity, social cohesion, and a deeper sense of belonging within the workforce.

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“With my job, I can support myself and my family now, ” Idriss Conteh (Engineer at Imam Moiwa Oil Palm Plantation)"

Why It’s Important

Idrissa’s journey is a reminder that with opportunity, resilience, and community support, challenges can be turned into triumphs. When persons with disabilities are provided equal opportunities, the result is stronger families, more resilient businesses, and healthier communities. The plantation’s success stories remind us that sustainable growth depends on ensuring that no one is left behind.