Freetown, 8 July 2025 – In a major development for Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, has confirmed that construction of the much-anticipated Black Johnson Fish Harbour Project is scheduled to begin in September 2025.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly government press briefing, Minister Dugba emphasized the project’s significance, describing it as a transformative step toward revitalizing the fishing industry and boosting economic opportunities for many Sierra Leoneans.
“This initiative is more than just infrastructure—it’s a lifeline for our fishing communities and a major driver of economic growth,” she noted. The project, she said, is a product of strong bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and China, facilitated by the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Minister revealed that the project is being financed through a \$55 million grant from the Chinese Government, which was ratified by the Sierra Leone Parliament in July 2021. Despite earlier delays and concerns over budget cuts, she assured the public that the funding remains intact thanks to ongoing engagement with the Chinese Embassy.
Minister Dugba also announced the launch of a new Export Certification Portal on 11 July 2025. Developed in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, the portal will enable local fishermen and women to export fish to China at zero tariffs. “This is a game-changer,” she said, “as it will expand market access and significantly increase our export revenues.”
Adding to the briefing, the Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei, outlined key components of the harbour’s infrastructure. The facility will include a modern seafront protected by a breakwater, a slipway for offloading, a synchro lift for vessel maintenance, cold storage units, and fish processing factories.
According to Sei, the harbour is projected to dramatically boost earnings from the fisheries sector.
“Just one aspect of this project alone could generate up to \$59 million annually, compared to the current \$10 million,” he stated.
The Black Johnson Fish Harbour Project stands as a cornerstone of the government’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous blue economy.
