AGL Marks Africa Anti-Corruption Day with Integrity and Compliance Workshop

By Sahr Ibrahim Komba  

232news –

Africa Global Logistics (AGL) has reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, transparency and ethical business practices by hosting a Supplier Compliance Workshop to mark Africa Anti-Corruption Day under the theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa.”

The workshop, held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, brought together suppliers, business partners and anti-corruption stakeholders to strengthen compliance standards and promote ethical procurement practices.

Speaking at the event, Maroun Abi Aad, General Manager and Executive Leader of Freetown Terminal Limited, a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics, said the company observes Africa Anti-Corruption Day annually because integrity is a core principle that guides all its operations.

He stressed that AGL maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and urged suppliers to comply fully with the company’s requirements by accurately completing all compliance documentation.

“Our suppliers must follow the correct procedures because compliance is a mandatory requirement,” he said. “We operate in accordance with both the French anti-corruption framework and Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Act to ensure international best practices.”

AGL’s Legal Compliance Manager, Nuntali Kamara, said ethics and compliance remain central to the company’s daily operations and long-term sustainability.

She noted that the private sector has a critical role to play in combating corruption, adding that this is one of the reasons Africa Anti-Corruption Day is widely observed across the continent.

According to Kamara, AGL has established robust compliance systems, including regular risk assessments, third-party due diligence for suppliers and a confidential speaking-up mechanism to detect and prevent corruption.

“Ethics and compliance are a collective asset and a guarantee of the Group’s sustainability,” she said.

She explained that AGL’s Code of Conduct is founded on integrity and transparency and requires suppliers to maintain similar standards by adopting clear anti-corruption policies and demonstrating ethical business practices.

Kamara further disclosed that AGL’s independent auditors from France regularly assess the company’s compliance systems and critically examine issues relating to transparency and accountability.

She emphasized that AGL does not tolerate corruption in any form, including attempts to improperly influence business decisions.

“You do not have to be directly involved in a corrupt act to bear responsibility if you influence the process,” she cautioned.

She also reminded suppliers that facilitating payments to expedite services are strictly prohibited and that cash gifts are never permitted. Any gift offered must not exceed €60 in value and must be officially declared by the recipient in line with the company’s compliance policy.

Representing the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Samuel Marrah Esq. commended AGL for demonstrating strong leadership in promoting integrity within the private sector.

He observed that Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption laws apply to both public and private institutions and described supply chain management as one of the most critical areas in preventing corruption.

Marrah noted that Freetown Terminal Limited operates a complex business environment where integrity must remain a fundamental business principle.

He encouraged suppliers to conduct business ethically, ensure fairness throughout procurement processes and avoid any conduct capable of influencing decision-making within AGL.

“Integrity is demonstrated through behaviour,” he said. “Ethics is about consistently making the right decisions.”

He urged suppliers to deliver goods and services that meet the required standards while avoiding false representations and other corrupt practices.

According to Marrah, procurement integrity requires effective controls before, during and after the tender process, including contract management and payment verification.

He identified bid rigging as one of the most significant entry points for corruption within procurement systems and called for increased vigilance by both companies and suppliers.

During the workshop, participants were also introduced to AGL’s Suppliers Code of Conduct, which outlines the ethical standards expected of suppliers, subcontractors, intermediaries, customs brokers, business partners and all third parties providing services to the company.

The Code is aligned with the AGL Group’s Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility Charter, Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct, Diversity and Inclusion Charter and Responsible Purchasing Charter, all of which are publicly available through the company’s official website.

The workshop formed part of AGL’s broader efforts to strengthen ethical business practices, enhance supplier compliance and foster a culture of accountability throughout its operations in Sierra Leone and across Africa.