By Millicent Obries-Mansaray
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, has officially launched the CFAO Mobility New complex Facility and showroom at their head office, Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
Minister of Trade Mr. Alpha Sesay said CFAO as an established automotive industry is to provide Toyota genuine parts and distributors, and that the government will make sure they continue to provide the enabling environment for business to thrive, because the only way to transform a country is to make sure that they can transact foreign investment and to also transform the nation into an entrepreneur.
Mr. Sesay continues that the landscape is changing, because nowadays Sierra Leoneans don’t want to work, they all want to be entrepreneurs. He said Toyota has fully become an icon of the automotive industry globally, with a significant presence in Sierra Leone, adding that in every three or four vehicles in Sierra Leone is a Toyota because of its convenience on our African roads.
Toyota’s presence in Sierra Leone will put an end to quack mechanics, as they have all suffered at the hands of quack mechanics, as they have all failed in procuring fake Toyota spare parts, the minister said.
He continues that they expect lots of internship programs from CFAO to support government initiatives, and they also expect very good delivery and efficient services from CFAO mobility, as the Ministry of Trade and Government desires to support the ventures that create, reproduce sell used electric vehicles.
He added that this is an opportunity for the government to see how they can make Sierra Leone an attractive destination for car selling and production of vehicles, and they are ready to provide the enabling environment where taxpayers are required to support them in achieving their goals.
He ended that Sierra Leone will also benefit from this facility by job creation, and they, as the government, are looking forward to the opportunity for the youths of the country.
During his welcome address, Mr. Calvin Hans Kawa, the marketing Manager of CFAO Mobility, said they look forward to serving the Sierra Leone automotive market better, strengthening the Toyota brand presence, and being the lead for grand innovations in the automotive industry.
Mr. Kawa thanked their loyal customers and staff for their continued trust in their brand. He also thanked the sales and service team, who are the face of the company, and expressed confidence that they will make this facility a benchmark of quality and service in Sierra Leone.
During the official opening, Paulo Fernandes, the CEO of CFAO Mobility Western Africa, said the inauguration of their new CFAO mobility facility in Sierra Leone.
The moment is more than a celebration of a new building it is the beginning of a new chapter for CFAO mobility Sierra Leone. These modern, purpose-built installations reflect our commitment to delivering an enhanced customer experience, with improved service quality, greater efficiency, and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction he noted.
He maintains that “Today, we reaffirm our position as the exclusive distributor of Toyota vehicles in Sierra Leone, a responsibility we carry with honor and dedication. Toyota is a brand synonymous with reliability, innovation, and excellence values that we at CFAO mobility strive to embody every day”.
But beyond this local achievement, today’s inauguration is also a testament to the broader mission of CFAO Group across the African continent, he added.
He revealed that, for over 170 years, CFAO has been deeply rooted in Africa, working hand in hand with communities, governments, and partners to drive sustainable development and economic growth, stressing that their guiding principle, “With Africa, For Africa,” is not just a slogan, it is a commitment. A commitment to invest in infrastructure, empower local talent, and build long-term partnerships that contribute to the prosperity of the continent. This new facility is a tangible expression of that promise.
He thanked their partners, and the local authorities whose support and collaboration have made this project possible, adding that their dedication and belief in our shared vision have brought us to this proud moment.
As we look ahead, let us continue to innovate, to serve, and to grow together. “Let CFAO mobility Sierra Leone be a benchmark of excellence, a trusted partner and employer, and a driving force in shaping the future of mobility in this country” he added.
In his statement, the Managing Director of CFAO mobility Sierra Leone, Mr. Geoffroy De Marcellus, said the official launch of their new showroom and workshop facility is of immense pride and excitement, and he officially announces the grand opening of their brand-new vehicle showroom and state-of-the-art workshop facility here in Sierra Leone.
He continued that CFAO mobility Sierra Leone is part of the CFAO Group, a key player in Africa that imports, produces, and distributes products and services in four areas: mobility, infrastructure and renewable energy, healthcare, and consumer goods. CFAO’s mission is to make a meaningful contribution to the development of Africa, as the launch of the new facility clearly demonstrates CFAO’s vision, which is to offer safer and cleaner mobility solutions in the African continent.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to serving the Sierra Leonean people with the highest standards of automotive excellence. More than just a showroom, this facility represents our long-term investment in the country’s growing economy, our confidence in the local market, and our desire to create sustainable opportunities for Sierra Leoneans he noted.
He said that the venture is not just about vehicles it’s about building relationships, empowering local talent, and contributing meaningfully to national development. We are committed to creating jobs, transferring skills, and raising the bar for customer experience in the automotive sector.
He revealed that, new showroom has been designed not just as a space to display vehicles, but as a destination where customers can explore our latest models in comfort, engage with our knowledgeable team, and experience our brand in a dynamic, modern environment complementing our advanced workshop facility, equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and technology, and staffed by highly trained technicians dedicated to ensuring every vehicle receives the highest standard of care.
He ended by thanking his employees, partners, and stakeholders whose hard work and support made this vision a reality. “We are excited about the opportunities this new chapter brings and look forward to welcoming you to experience it firsthand”.
During her votes of thanks, Madam Fatmata Kiptieu, a loyal customer, said she is a proud owner of a Toyota car from the CFAO Mobility. She thanked CFAO Mobility for its efficient and quality service in Sierra Leone. She assures and encourages more customers that CFAO mobility is the best in Toyota spare parts, Toyota cars, and affordable maintenance, and it is a delivery satisfaction.
She is more comfortable with Toyota vehicles because moving to the provinces is like moving around town without feeling any bumps, stressing that they are easy and convenient cars, especially as a farmer, she rides in a Toyota without feeling any bumps.
The program was climaxed with Government officials, and other dignitaries rounding up with a cocktail.