By Foday Moriba Conteh
A recent investigation has revealed that claims circulating in media suggesting Pavi Fort AL-Associates Group Ltd received a payment exceeding $60 million from the Government of Sierra Leone are entirely false and misleading. Multiple credible sources within both government and private sector institutions have corroborated findings that such a transaction never took place.
Contrary to rumors that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have suspended projects in Sierra Leone due to this alleged payment, financial oversight documentation confirms that such a disbursement would have been impossible given the government’s current financial constraints and competing national priorities. There is no credible evidence supporting allegations of payments for so-called “invisible roads,” and these claims appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish Pavi Fort’s reputation.
Pavi Fort, a Sierra Leonean-owned engineering firm, operates on a structured performance-based financing model, undertaking project implementation through pre-financing. The company secures guarantees from commercial banks, with government reimbursements occurring only after verified performance milestones. Unlike contractors who rely solely on upfront public financing, Pavi Fort’s approach distinguishes it from its peers and has been independently verified through financial oversight mechanisms.
The company is currently engaged in infrastructure projects across five West African countries, with a portfolio valued at over $500 million. In Sierra Leone, Pavi Fort has successfully delivered key projects, including the Lumley Transport Transit Terminal, township road upgrades, and the 38.1-kilometer Tikonko-Kpetema-Mattru Jong road project. The firm is also spearheading the 261-kilometer Kabala-Mongor-Krobola-Kono Road Project, monitored by the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets, among other major infrastructure developments.
Beyond Sierra Leone, Pavi Fort is executing a $50 million urban road project in The Gambia, funded by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In São Tomé and Príncipe, the company is undertaking three transformative projects worth $100 million, including a highway, a hospital, and an investment zone. Pavi Fort also operates the Bawa Quarry in Guinea and is actively expanding its footprint in Liberia.
Despite Pavi Fort’s proven track record, the company has faced unwarranted public criticism, largely stemming from frustrations surrounding stalled national development projects. Sources indicate that much of the stagnation results from IMF-imposed restrictions on public spending, which have delayed key national projects and caused economic strain.
According to officials from the Ministry of Finance, no official record exists of a $60 million payment to Pavi Fort. Government transactions undergo stringent oversight involving multiple regulatory bodies. Authorities advise that concerns over such financial matters should be directed to the Audit Service Sierra Leone, Parliament, or the Anti-Corruption Commission rather than relying on unverified speculation.
Given these findings, Pavi Fort remains committed to infrastructure development and regional partnerships. Its success highlights the potential of African firms in delivering transformative projects despite challenging environments. The company’s performance should be assessed based on tangible outcomes rather than unfounded accusations.