Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 12, 2025 – Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, made an unannounced visit to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) on Wednesday, praising the agency for its significant contributions to national development and public sector transformation.
In a statement following the visit, the Chief Minister highlighted several major achievements at the port, noting a 158% increase in container traffic between 2023 and 2024 — a figure he described as not only a testament to strong leadership but also to the growth of Sierra Leone’s economy.
Export activity has also surged, with a 37% rise in export containers carrying goods such as processed timber, oil, coffee, cocoa, and minerals.
Sengeh emphasized that this improvement reflects steady foreign exchange inflows and the strengthening of the Leone.
Out of 135,000 containers processed annually, only a small number have been found with illicit items, all of which were intercepted — a sign of heightened security at the country’s ports.
SLPHA’s management has also achieved notable progress in gender representation, with women holding 36% of leadership roles. Combined with the youngest leadership team in its history and a well-trained, certified workforce, the Chief Minister said the port authority exemplifies a reformed and forward-moving public sector.
Financial contributions have been equally impressive. Over the past two years, SLPHA and the National Commission for Privatisation (NCP) have paid approximately $11 million in concession fees to the Government of Sierra Leone, showcasing what Sengeh called “value for money and strong investor partnerships.”
Despite challenges, including extended demurrage periods and auction backlogs, the Freetown port continues to perform well, currently maintaining 60% port occupancy and being recognized as one of the top-performing ports in West Africa. On the day of the visit, all eight berths were fully occupied, with additional ships waiting to dock.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister noted that government-led digital transformation initiatives — including plans for a single-window system — will further streamline operations and improve service delivery.
“This is what I mean when I say, ‘Together, we are delivering,’” Sengeh said. “It’s not just about numbers or intentions — it’s about real results. Director-General Yankuba Bio and his team are truly delivering.”
