AGL Strengthens Anti-Corruption Drive with Suppliers
By Mackie M. Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Friday, 17th July 2026: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Sierra Leone commemorated Africa Anti-Corruption Day at the New Brookfields Hotel, New England, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices under the theme: “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Across Africa.”
The event brought together senior management, representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), suppliers, shipping agencies, clearing and forwarding agents, transport operators, and other key stakeholders within the port and logistics sector to strengthen collaboration in promoting integrity across the supply chain.
Delivering the keynote address, Samuel Marah of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) underscored the strategic importance of integrity in procurement and supply chain management, describing procurement as one of the sectors most vulnerable to corruption due to the discretion often exercised in decision making.
He noted that while legal and policy frameworks exist, ethical conduct must go beyond mere compliance.
“We should not see integrity in the supply chain merely as a compliance requirement. Instead, we should view it as a fundamental business principle and a valuable business asset,” he said.
Marah emphasized that the integrity of supply chains directly influences business sustainability, profitability, efficient resource management, and overall organizational success. He urged all stakeholders including suppliers, AGL management, shipping companies, transport operators, clearing and forwarding agents, and other service providers to embrace integrity as a shared responsibility.
He stressed that the forum was intended to encourage honest dialogue rather than assign blame, calling on participants to engage constructively in strengthening ethical standards throughout the logistics sector.
Speaking during the event, Nontali Sia Kamara, Esq., Legal and Compliance Manager of AGL Sierra Leone, highlighted the company’s robust compliance framework, explaining that AGL’s Code of Conduct serves as one of its most valuable corporate assets.
She explained that the company’s compliance culture extends to every level of the organization, from operational staff to senior executives, while also applying to third party partners and suppliers.
Kamara noted that as a global company headquartered in France, AGL adheres to the stringent French Sapin II Anti-Corruption Law in addition to Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Act and its own internal Code of Conduct.
She disclosed that AGL regularly conducts compliance training, awareness campaigns, and operates a whistleblowing mechanism through which allegations of misconduct can be reported and investigated.
“Our objective is to eliminate corruption from our systems,” she stated. “That is why we are engaging suppliers and all third parties to ensure they understand that AGL maintains zero tolerance for corruption and expects the highest standards of integrity.”
Also addressing participants, Maroun Abi-Aad, General Manager of Freetown Terminal, described the annual observance of Africa Anti-Corruption Day as an important opportunity for AGL to reinforce ethical business practices across its African operations.
He announced the introduction of a dedicated Supplier Code of Conduct, designed to strengthen transparency and accountability throughout the company’s procurement and supply chain processes.
According to him, ethical business practices are not solely the responsibility of AGL but also depend on the commitment of suppliers and business partners.
“The purpose of today’s engagement is to ensure that we are fully aligned with our suppliers on the principles of integrity, transparency, and ethical business conduct,” he said.
Responding to questions on the implementation of the Supplier Code of Conduct, Abi-Aad expressed satisfaction with the cooperation received from suppliers, noting that they have complied with documentation requirements and business procedures established by the company.
He added that adherence to the Code of Conduct remains one of the fundamental conditions for doing business with Freetown Terminal and AGL.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that the engagement would deepen suppliers’ understanding of the company’s compliance expectations and encourage open communication whenever clarification is required.
Beyond the keynote presentations, participants engaged in a series of technical presentations focusing on corporate compliance, ethical procurement, supply chain integrity, anti-corruption best practices, and the responsibilities of suppliers in maintaining transparent business relationships.
The programme reached its climax with a practical interactive session, during which participants discussed real life compliance scenarios, exchanged experiences, and explored practical measures for strengthening integrity within supply chain operations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sylvia G. Jarrett, who expressed appreciation to the Anti-Corruption Commission, AGL management, suppliers, stakeholders, facilitators, and participants for their commitment to promoting integrity and supporting the company’s vision of building a transparent, accountable, and corruption free business environment across Africa. She encouraged all stakeholders to translate the day’s discussions into concrete actions that will sustain ethical business practices throughout the logistics sector.