Freetown – Government has approved over US$73.8 million in development financing to support affordable housing, farming, food security and jobs for Sierra Leoneans.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, during the Government Weekly Press Conference at Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday.
Money for Housing and Agriculture
1. US$10 million loan from Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
Government will use this to buy more shares in Shelter Afrique Development Bank. The goal is to help Sierra Leone get more money for affordable housing and city development. The Finance Minister will take the agreement to Parliament for approval.
2. US$23.8 million from African Development Fund
This is for Phase 1 of the *Rice Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Project*. It will support climate-smart rice farming, build processing centers, and help farmers earn more. The project will also set up an agro-industrial hub and Agricultural Transformation Centres, with special focus on women and youths.
“Feed Salone remains a priority. This project will boost rice production, create jobs and improve food security,” Minister Bah said.
3. US$40 million grant from World Bank’s IDA
This is for the Sustainable Agriculture Value Chain Intensification for Growth Project. It will help farmers use climate-smart methods, add value to crops, access markets, and get digital services and loans. About *100,000 farmers will benefit directly, including 40,000 women and 30,000 young people. Government says it will also attract private investors into farming.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
Land ReformCabinet approved the Land Adjudication Bill and Land Title Registration Regulations. This is a big step to change how land is managed in Sierra Leone.
When passed, all land records will be in one National Land Register — both formal and customary land. People will be able to check online if the person selling land to them is the real owner.
“This will protect citizens, including those in the diaspora, from land fraud,” Hon. Bah said. The Lands Minister will present it to Parliament, and government hopes it becomes law before year-end.
Pensions and Social Security
Cabinet approved a new National Social Security and Pensions Authority Act, 2026 to replace the 2001 NASSIT law.
The new law will cover self-employed people, small businesses and those working online. It will also make NASSIT more transparent and protect people’s contributions.
“The labour market has changed in 25 years. The law must change too,” the Minister explained.
Tourism
Sierra Leone will now seek a seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council for 2027–2031. If we win, it will give the country a bigger voice in global tourism and help create jobs and bring in foreign money. The Tourism Minister will set up a committee to lead the campaign.
Mining
Cabinet also approved giving some mineral assets to the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation to manage. This is to increase government’s role in mining. Parliament will still have to approve before it happens.
Minister Bah said all these decisions are part of government’s plan to create more jobs, improve services, and make life better for ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
