By Alimatu Jalloh
Niger – August 2025: In a strategic move to tackle Sierra Leone’s growing housing deficit, a high-level delegation from the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC), the Office of the Chief Minister, and the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) is currently in Niger to study a successful large-scale housing initiative developed by Banga Group.
The visit aligns with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2023–2028) and President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s ambitious goal to construct 20,000 affordable housing units across the country.
Leading the delegation, SALHOC General Manager Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi emphasized the President’s commitment to housing as a national priority. “His Excellency the President has made housing a key priority under his administration. That’s why we are here in Niger—to share experiences, review Banga Group’s ongoing housing projects, and explore how this model can be replicated back home,” he stated.
Mr. Sandi noted that the mission aims to transform the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Banga Group into a bankable and sustainable contract, with all key stakeholders actively involved.
The Sierra Leonean delegation includes: Mr. Emmanuel Tommy – Deputy General Manager, SALHOC; Mr. Rasheed Charles Ngiawee – Director of Housing; Mr. Eustace Samura – Chief Engineer, SALHOC; Mr. Lansana Sheriff – Director of Engineering, Sierra Leone Public Health Agency; Dr. Alhassan Mansaray – Director of Fiscal Risk Management, Ministry of Finance; Mr. Baimba Bockarie – Chief Risk Officer, SLCB; Mr. Alusine L. Sillah – Head of Corporate, SLCB; and Mr. Macmond Kallon – Director of Human Capital Development, Office of the Chief Minister.
During the visit, Mr. Macmond Kallon described the initiative as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s development agenda. “This project aims to deliver 5,000 modern and affordable houses, in line with the President’s vision. What we’ve seen here is viable, replicable, and something the government is fully committed to pursuing,” he said.
Banga Group Vice President Sow Taguiyoulaye dit Yero welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism about future collaboration. “We are confident that this model can be adapted to suit Sierra Leone’s context. The MoU we signed is a big step, and we look forward to strengthening it into a long-term partnership,” he remarked, highlighting housing as a cornerstone of socio-economic transformation.
Technical Engagements and Field Visits
The delegation participated in a comprehensive presentation on Banga Group’s housing projects in Mali and Niger, focusing on scalability, affordability, and integration with public infrastructure. Day Two of the mission includes technical field visits and strategic meetings with financial institutions and SALHOC’s Niger counterparts.
The team, which departed Freetown on Sunday, is expected to return on Wednesday after concluding discussions aimed at transitioning the MoU into an actionable housing development project.