Test Drive 2q:2014 | Page 9

THE CASE FOR A M A N U FAC T U R I N G BASED ECONOMY P assion is a fundamental ingredient in any investment decision, but it is even more crucial in a difficult, developing environment like Sierra Leone. My passion for Africa has deep and remote roots, when as a youngster I was dreaming of a world without poverty. As my life progressed, I was lucky enough to marry a woman from Sierra Leone and that brought me close to this marvellous country. My wife and I visited Freetown during Christmas 2003, first time back for her in 15 years, when the signs of a traumatized people were all but visible. As we were both coming from completing our Masters in Business Administration, we decided that the best help we could give to our beloved and struggling country was to try to start a manufacturing plant, ideally geared for export. The idea of Africa Felix Juice started exactly there. “Investors should remember that excitement and expenses are their enemies. And if they insist on trying to time their participation in equities, they should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful.” Warren Buffet Chairman, Bershire Hathaway