April 29, 2026: – The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has intensified efforts to attract international investment, holding strategic talks with a delegation of potential investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The high-level meeting, chaired by Director General Yankuba Askia Bio at SLPHA headquarters, brought together senior leadership including the Company Secretary and key Directors. Discussions focused on unlocking opportunities in Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, leveraging the strong bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and the UAE.
Strategic Vision
Director General Bio reaffirmed SLPHA’s commitment to modernizing and expanding port infrastructure to meet growing economic demands. He outlined plans to partner with Emirati stakeholders in developing new port facilities at Solima, Moyamba, and Kent—projects expected to boost Sierra Leone’s trade capacity and position the country as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa.
Beyond port expansion, talks also explored revitalizing and extending railway networks to improve cargo movement from inland production zones to coastal export points. This integration, Bio noted, is critical to reducing logistical bottlenecks and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Investor Interest
The Emirati delegation expressed strong interest in Sierra Leone’s strategic geographic location and untapped potential in maritime and logistics. Both sides emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and technical engagements to refine proposals and establish mutually beneficial investment frameworks.
This engagement marks a pivotal step in SLPHA’s pursuit of transformative partnerships aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing trade facilitation, and reinforcing Sierra Leone’s position within the global maritime economy.