By Marion (Rion) Bangura
The Sierra Leone Association of Hotels (SLAH) has announced a major partnership aimed at transforming service delivery across the country’s hospitality sector.
Speaking on Thursday 26th February 2026 at the Country Lodge Hotel, Hill Station, SLAH President John Shallop disclosed that the association has concluded eight months of negotiations with AGiR Abcd, a France-based organization with over 2,000 consultants in its global membership.
According to Shallop, the lengthy discussions culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for AGiR Abcd to deliver nationwide training programs for hotel staff in Sierra Leone.
He explained that the training will cover key operational areas including front office management, back office administration, online reservation systems, digital marketing, kitchen management, restaurant services, and bar operations. With online bookings and digital platforms becoming increasingly central to global hospitality, Shallop noted that equipping staff with modern tools is no longer optional but essential.
“One of the biggest issues confronting our industry is the quality of service delivery in certain hotels,” he acknowledged. “But this is not about blame. It is about joining hands and strengthening one another.”
He emphasized that the agreement with AGiR Abcd is open-ended, allowing the collaboration to continue for as many years as necessary. The objective, he said, is to professionalize hotel operations, build staff capacity, and significantly reduce negative customer feedback — particularly among registered members of the association.
Shallop reiterated that SLAH membership remains open to all hotels, stressing that the association’s focus is unity and mutual support rather than financial gain. He revealed that plans are underway to introduce an online registration system to establish a comprehensive database of hotels nationwide, improving coordination and collaboration within the sector.
He further highlighted that AGiR Abcd’s expertise extends beyond hotels but that the current focus will prioritize hospitality support. Many of the organization’s consultants, he said, are seasoned professionals aged 60 and above, who have served as general managers, executive chefs, and senior restaurant managers in reputable international hotels. Sierra Leone is not the first beneficiary of their expertise; other countries have reportedly recorded significant improvements following similar interventions.
During negotiations, SLAH encouraged AGiR Abcd to dispatch a representative to Sierra Leone to conduct an independent assessment of the industry. The representative toured hotels across Freetown and the provinces — both large and small establishments — to evaluate challenges firsthand. Although numerous gaps were identified, Shallop said they were not insurmountable.
One major issue discovered was a significant disconnect between hotel management and staff. To address this, both parties agreed to introduce a one-month General Managers Program (GMP). The program will equip managers with leadership skills, management tools, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to streamline operations and improve staff relations. It will also address staff welfare, performance management, and strategies for maximizing productivity without burnout.
Upon completion, participating general managers are expected to cascade the training to their respective staff.
Shallop noted that since the formation of SLAH, negative feedback has already declined considerably, and tourist arrivals are gradually increasing. He described Sierra Leone as a naturally attractive destination and called on citizens and the government to continue supporting efforts to strengthen hospitality standards.
“With collective effort,” he concluded, “the challenges we face today can be resolved, and our industry can thrive.”
