The Faith Healing Agricultural Project, led by Rev. Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu, has showcased its rice harvest from 600 acres of farmland and unveiled 1,000 bags of locally produced rice for sale as part of efforts to support the Government’s Feed Salone initiative, strengthen food security and empower rural women through agriculture.

The harvest launch and agricultural value chain showcase, held at the project’s farm on Friday, 23 October 2026, highlighted progress in rice cultivation, processing, packaging and marketing, with support from the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), a World Bank-funded initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The locally produced rice is available in 10kg, 25kg and 50kg bags, selling at NLe 200, NLe 500 and NLe 1,000 respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Rev. Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu explained that the initiative was established to increase agricultural production, create employment opportunities and improve rural livelihoods while contributing to the Government’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported rice.

He described the preparation of 1,000 bags for sale as an important achievement, demonstrating the project’s growing capacity to move beyond cultivation into processing, packaging and commercial distribution.

Rev. Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu said the project reflected his commitment to combining Christian ministry with practical community development, particularly through agriculture and women’s economic empowerment.

He disclosed that the initiative had expanded from supporting three villages to reaching 10 villages, benefiting approximately 600 women through agricultural activities, microfinance assistance and other livelihood programmes.

According to him, the support enables women to generate income, meet household expenses and finance their children’s education. He added that the provision of solar lighting had also improved living and learning conditions in beneficiary communities.

Rev. Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu further disclosed that the project had established another farming centre in Bonthe District, where approximately 300 acres of rice were being cultivated. He explained that the main facility would serve as a central processing centre for rice harvested from the project’s different farming locations.

Despite the progress, he identified high packaging costs, transportation expenses and limited financing as major challenges affecting operations. He explained that delays in obtaining packaging materials had disrupted processing and marketing activities.

He appealed to the Government, development partners and private investors for additional support to expand cultivation, strengthen processing capacity and improve market access.

The Paramount Chief of Makarie Chiefdom in Bombali District, Bai Makarie N’Kolo II, commended the initiative for promoting agricultural development and improving rural livelihoods.

Bai Makarie N’Kolo II emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for farmers and agricultural investors, warning that unresolved land disputes could disrupt farming activities and discourage investment.

He urged traditional authorities, Government institutions and agricultural stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in addressing land-related challenges and protecting agricultural investments.

Representing women from the 10 beneficiary villages, Zainab Rebecca Kamara expressed appreciation for the opportunities created through the project, particularly its support for women’s participation in agriculture and income-generating activities.

Zainab Rebecca Kamara called for continued assistance to sustain the programme and extend its benefits to more women and vulnerable households.

The Project Manager of the Food Systems Resilience Programme, Dr. Kapifri Lakoh, praised the project for expanding agricultural activities and encouraging community participation in domestic food production.

Dr. Kapifri Lakoh acknowledged the support provided through the FSRP matching grant arrangement, including essential farming inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, which had contributed to the project’s development.

He described the initiative as an example of how religious institutions could support national development by mobilizing communities to participate in agriculture.

Dr. Kapifri Lakoh encouraged the Management to expand production and strengthen collaboration with Government institutions and development partners, emphasizing that agricultural investments must deliver direct benefits to farming communities.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, also commended the Faith Healing Agricultural Project for its contribution to rice production, women’s empowerment and national food security.

Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka praised Rev. Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu for using his religious leadership to promote agriculture and practical community development.

He welcomed the cultivation of 600 acres of rice and the preparation of 1,000 bags for commercial sale, urging the project to increase production, improve processing facilities and strengthen market connections.

Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka emphasized that agricultural transformation must extend beyond cultivation to include processing, value addition, commercialization and sustainable employment creation.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Feed Salone initiative and encouraged religious leaders, traditional authorities and community stakeholders to mobilize greater participation in agriculture.

The Minister maintained that stronger partnerships among Government institutions, development organisations, private investors and farming communities would help increase domestic food production and advance Sierra Leone’s objective of achieving food self-sufficiency.

The harvest showcase demonstrated the potential of linking agricultural production with processing, branding and marketing to strengthen the availability of locally produced rice while creating sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65689

 

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, received a special birthday celebration from fellow aviation professionals during the 2026 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week in Astana, Kazakhstan, where she joined global aviation leaders to discuss emerging security challenges and measures to strengthen the safety and security of international civil aviation.

The celebration, captured in a video from the event, showed Madam Musayeroh Barrie receiving bouquets of flowers and birthday wishes from colleagues and other participants during a gathering held alongside the international aviation security conference. The gesture reflected the goodwill and professional relationships shared among aviation officials attending the high-level event.

The recognition came as Madam Musayeroh Barrie participated in discussions involving aviation regulators, Government representatives, security specialists and industry stakeholders from different countries, with particular attention to strengthening international cooperation in addressing existing and emerging threats to civil aviation.

Held from 20 to 22 October 2026 at the Independence Palace in Astana, ICAO Security Week was organized under the theme, “Secure Skies in a Complex World: Advancing Security in Aviation for All.” The gathering provided an international platform for examining aviation security challenges, cybersecurity threats, technological developments and the importance of coordinated responses to risks affecting the global aviation industry.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie was among the panelists who participated in a session titled: “25 Years On: The Global State of Aviation Security,” which examined developments in aviation security over the past quarter-century and explored measures required to address emerging threats.

The discussions focused on the need for aviation authorities and industry stakeholders to adopt more proactive approaches to security by identifying potential threats before they develop into serious incidents. Participants also examined intelligence-informed risk assessments, strategic planning, information sharing and closer cooperation among Governments, regulatory institutions and aviation operators.

The session highlighted the importance of strengthening national aviation security systems while maintaining effective international coordination, particularly as technological advancements and changing global security conditions continue to create new challenges for the aviation sector.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s participation provided Sierra Leone with an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on aviation security and engage with counterparts on approaches to improving regulatory oversight, strengthening institutional capacity and protecting civil aviation operations.

As Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Madam Musayeroh Barrie heads the national institution responsible for regulating civil aviation activities and overseeing compliance with applicable aviation standards and requirements in Sierra Leone.

Her involvement in the international gathering reflected Sierra Leone’s continued engagement with the global aviation community and the importance of maintaining cooperation with international institutions responsible for promoting aviation safety, security and regulatory development.

Beyond the technical discussions, the birthday celebration provided a memorable personal moment for Madam Musayeroh Barrie, as colleagues and fellow aviation professionals extended their goodwill and appreciation during the international gathering.

The presentation of flowers and birthday wishes added a celebratory atmosphere to the conference proceedings, demonstrating the professional relationships and personal connections that develop through international cooperation in the aviation industry.

ICAO Security Week 2026 also provided opportunities for participating countries to strengthen partnerships, exchange experiences and examine practical measures for improving aviation security systems. The conference formed part of broader international engagements ahead of the Third High-Level Conference on Aviation Security, scheduled for 2027.

For Sierra Leone, the participation of Madam Musayeroh Barrie offered an opportunity to strengthen professional engagement with international aviation authorities, exchange knowledge on emerging security priorities and contribute to discussions influencing the future direction of global civil aviation security.

Her recognition during the conference also marked a moment of national pride, as the Sierra Leonean aviation regulator received birthday wishes from international colleagues while representing the country at one of the aviation industry's important security gatherings. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65684

 

Twelve women have graduated from a tailoring and reusable sanitary pad production training programme organized by Lanyi Foundation and funded by Tzu Chi Foundation, with start-up kits provided to help them establish small businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The graduation and handover ceremony was held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Bo Women’s Training Centre, Coronation Field, Bo District, marking the completion of a year-long training programme designed to equip women with practical skills for economic independence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sabina Thompson, Tzu Chi Foundation Representative and keynote speaker, congratulated the graduates for their commitment throughout the training and said the initiative reflected the importance of turning compassion into practical support for vulnerable people.

Quoting the Foundation’s founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, she said: “No act of love, however small, is ever wasted.”

Sabina Thompson said the project was intended to help women develop sustainable livelihoods, support their families and create opportunities for others in their communities. She encouraged the graduates not to allow limited resources to prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.

“Your certificate is not your destination. It is a stepping stone to greatness,” she told the graduates, adding that the project's success would ultimately be measured by the businesses they establish, the income they generate and the positive changes they bring to their families and communities.

Georgetta Nicholas, Project Manager at Lanyi Foundation, said all 12 beneficiaries were women who had received training in tailoring, including fabric cutting and reusable sanitary pad production.

She explained that the training was designed to equip the women with practical skills to establish small businesses and become economically independent.

The Project Manager said the project had also supported the production and distribution of reusable sanitary pads, alongside menstrual health education, in communities beyond Bo District, including Kenema and Kambia. The pads were distributed to schools, hospitals, particularly maternity wards, community members and care centres.

She said the initiative sought to improve menstrual health awareness while creating income-generating opportunities for women.

The provision of start-up kits, she added, was an important step towards helping the graduates put their newly acquired skills into practice. Under the arrangement, each beneficiary would contribute 10 per cent of the value of the items provided.

Georgetta Nicholas thanked Tzu Chi Foundation for supporting the initiative and urged the graduates to use their skills to improve their lives, support their families and contribute to their communities.

Eliza Sillah, Program Manager at Caritas Freetown, who delivered a statement on behalf of the organization’s Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, said the graduation demonstrated what women could achieve when given the necessary skills, support and opportunities.

She described vocational training as more than learning a trade, noting that it could build confidence and help beneficiaries take practical steps towards greater independence.

Eliza Sillah commended the partnership between Caritas Freetown, Lanyi Foundation and Tzu Chi, expressing hope that the collaboration would continue to create opportunities for more women and girls.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ernest D. M. Lavalie, Regional Deputy Director of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education for the Southern Region, said the strong participation of women in the programme supported efforts to promote gender empowerment and youth capacity building.

He said vocational training could help beneficiaries secure employment, establish businesses and train others, thereby creating additional employment opportunities.

Dr. Ernest D. M. Lavalie urged the graduates to maintain high standards in their businesses, stressing the importance of honesty, respect for customers, quality products and timely service.

“Customers are not scarce; however, it is your character or your attitude that has limited you from growing,” he said, encouraging the women to build good relationships with their customers.

Kadiatu Fillie, Manager of the Growth Centre in Bo, also encouraged the graduates to remain diligent and committed to their craft. Drawing from her own experience of combining formal education with vocational training, she said acquiring practical skills had helped her establish a shop and support herself financially.

Addressing graduates with disabilities, Kadiatu Fillie said: “Your ability is stronger than your disability.”

For one of the graduates, Sudie Kombay, the training represents an opportunity to move towards greater independence after previously relying on begging to meet her needs.

Sudie Kombay said she was excited when she learnt about the training because she wanted to become relevant in society.

“This training has added value to me,” she said, pledging to apply the skills she had acquired in her community. She thanked Tzu Chi and Lanyi Foundation for providing the opportunity, expressing confidence that the graduates would become productive through their new skills. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65678

 

The Bravely T20 Cricket Premier League has commenced in Freetown on Saturday with a US$400,000 sponsorship package from Parwani Group of Companies to support Sierra Leone’s men’s and women’s domestic cricket competitions over the next five years.

The sponsorship, announced during the opening ceremony at Kingtom Oval, Kingtom Police Field, will support the development of domestic cricket and provide a pathway for players to represent Sierra Leone at different levels.

Francis Trevor Samura, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cricket Sierra Leone, said the sponsorship is the largest package the Association has received for its domestic competitions since its establishment nearly 84 years ago.

He said the men’s league is holding its 17th edition, while the women’s competition is in its 16th edition. Nine teams are participating in the men’s league and eight in the women’s league, bringing the total number of participating teams to 17.

Francis Trevor Samura said the sponsorship would strengthen the domestic competition and help identify talented players for national representation.

He added that the tournament would introduce awards for outstanding performances, including player-of-the-match trophies after games and accolades for the best wicketkeeper, fielder, bowler, batter and overall player of the tournament.

According to Francis Trevor Samura, Sierra Leonean cricket has won 52 gold, silver and bronze trophies over the past eight years. He said the Association is also working with schools to popularize the sport and encourage more young people to participate.

Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, welcomed the sponsorship, thanking Parwani Group of Companies for investing in the development of cricket and supporting athletes in Sierra Leone.

She said Cricket Sierra Leone had continued to engage young people and represent the country in competitions, sometimes without financial support.

Augusta James-Teima assured the sponsor that the Ministry of Sport would work to ensure that the assistance provided translate into meaningful benefits for the sport and its athletes.

Chief Executive Officer of Parwani Group of Companies, Kishore Kumar Parwani, said the sponsorship is intended to increase the popularity of cricket in Sierra Leone.

“I know cricket is not that popular in the country, but we want to make it,” Kishore Kumar Parwani said.

He also announced plans to sponsor football next year while wishing the teams participating in the cricket league success.

Former Sierra Leone international footballer, Kei Kamara, who serves as the group’s Brand Ambassador, said he was honoured to support cricket after representing the country in football for 15 years before retiring.

Kei Kamara said his love for Sierra Leone extends beyond football and that he wants to contribute to the growth of other sports in the country.

He encouraged the participating players to use the league to showcase their talents, promote peace and create lasting memories. He also expressed interest in learning to play cricket.

The opening ceremony featured the first match between Midwest Male Cricket Club and Sierra Leone Police Male Cricket Club.

The five-year sponsorship is expected to support the continued development of both the men’s and women’s competitions as Cricket Sierra Leone seeks to expand participation, improve the sport and identify players capable of representing the country internationally. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65672

 

ROCKCEM (SL) Ltd is strengthening its contribution to Sierra Leone’s construction industry through major investments in modern cement processing equipment, transportation facilities and distribution infrastructure, including a new warehouse at Sumbuya in Songo, Western Rural District, scheduled to commence operations in November 2026.

The expansion forms part of the company’s efforts to improve the availability and accessibility of its flagship RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement, while addressing logistical challenges affecting contractors, wholesalers, retailers, property developers and individual builders across the country.

One of the major developments is the establishment of the new Songo warehouse, strategically located to serve customers travelling from provincial communities and other emerging construction markets. The facility is expected to provide an alternative distribution point for customers who previously depended on travelling to Freetown to purchase or collect cement.

The warehouse is also expected to reduce transportation expenses, improve stock availability and facilitate faster deliveries to businesses and construction sites outside the capital.

Transportation costs remain a significant concern for cement dealers and construction companies, particularly those operating in provincial areas. Rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, long travelling distances and toll-gate payments often increase operational costs, with consequences for the final prices of construction materials.

By establishing a distribution facility at Songo, ROCKCEM intends to bring its products closer to customers, reduce unnecessary travelling distances and improve the efficiency of cement distribution.

For customers using the Masiaka corridor, the location could also help reduce toll-gate expenses by eliminating the need to pass through certain additional toll points, depending on their destinations and preferred routes.

The company believes the development will provide considerable relief to distributors and customers who regularly transport cement from Freetown to other parts of Sierra Leone.

Alongside the warehouse investment, ROCKCEM has expanded its transportation operations with a fleet of approximately 50 vehicles dedicated to cement distribution and related logistical activities nationwide.

The vehicles are expected to improve delivery coordination, facilitate timely transportation of cement to commercial outlets and construction sites, and minimise supply disruptions that could delay building projects.

The expanded transportation capacity is particularly important for contractors handling major construction projects, where the timely availability of cement remains essential to meeting project schedules and controlling operational expenses.

Through its growing distribution network, ROCKCEM is seeking to establish a more efficient supply system capable of responding to the requirements of large-scale contractors, wholesale distributors, retailers and individual customers.

Another significant component of the company's investment programme is the introduction of a modern cement grinding mill designed to achieve a projected processing and packaging capacity exceeding 60,000 bags of cement daily, with each bag weighing 50 kilograms.

At that projected capacity, the facility would be capable of processing and packaging more than 3,000 metric tonnes of cement per day, representing a substantial addition to the company's industrial operations.

The investment is expected to strengthen domestic cement processing capacity, improve operational efficiency and support a more consistent supply of construction materials to the local market.

With infrastructure development, residential construction and commercial building activities continuing across Sierra Leone, reliable cement availability remains an important consideration for construction businesses and property developers.

ROCKCEM's investment in modern processing equipment is therefore intended to strengthen its ability to meet market demand while improving the efficiency of its industrial operations.

The expansion comes despite economic challenges affecting industrial investment, including rising international machinery prices, inflation, equipment procurement costs and increasing expenditure on infrastructure development.

Nevertheless, the company continues to prioritise investment in industrial machinery, storage facilities, transportation equipment and distribution systems as part of its long-term business development strategy.

Beyond increasing cement processing and distribution capacity, the investment also has the potential to generate additional employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

The company's expanding operations could create jobs in engineering, machine operation, mechanical maintenance, driving, warehouse management, logistics coordination and other technical and administrative fields.

Local businesses providing vehicle maintenance, spare parts, equipment servicing and transportation support could also benefit from increased commercial activities associated with the expansion.

Such opportunities are expected to contribute to private-sector development while supporting the growth of related businesses within Sierra Leone's construction and industrial supply chains.

At the centre of ROCKCEM's market operations is its RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement, which the company promotes for its strength, durability, quality and reliable performance in different construction applications.

The product is marketed for residential buildings, commercial properties and infrastructure development, targeting engineers, contractors, property developers and individual builders seeking dependable construction materials.

According to the company, maintaining consistent access to quality cement is important for sustaining construction activities, preventing unnecessary project delays and supporting infrastructure development throughout Sierra Leone.

ROCKCEM also maintains that an efficient cement supply chain can strengthen business confidence, encourage private-sector investment and enable construction professionals to undertake projects with greater certainty regarding material availability.

The company considers its investment in processing equipment, transportation and warehousing an important step towards establishing a more dependable distribution network that responds to the changing needs of the construction industry.

As preparations continue for the anticipated opening of the Songo warehouse in November 2026, ROCKCEM expects the combined benefits of its modern grinding mill, expanded transportation fleet and additional storage infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and strengthen its nationwide market presence.

The new warehouse is particularly expected to improve accessibility for customers outside Freetown, while providing an additional distribution point capable of supporting wholesale purchases, retail supplies and construction projects.

By reducing the need for some customers to travel directly into the capital, the company hopes to ease transportation challenges and improve the movement of cement along major commercial routes.

The investment also reflects the increasing importance of private-sector participation in strengthening Sierra Leone's industrial capacity and supporting the country's infrastructure development ambitions.

Through improved cement processing, expanded logistics and customer-focused distribution services, ROCKCEM aims to consolidate its position within the domestic construction materials market.

The company continues to encourage contractors, wholesalers, retailers, property developers and individual builders to consider RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement for their construction requirements.

ROCKCEM operates from its head office at 13B Bai Bureh Road, Texaco, Old Road, Freetown, where customers and business partners can obtain information about cement purchases, product availability, wholesale distribution and delivery arrangements.

Customers seeking further information can contact the company on +232 72 111111.

With its ongoing investments in industrial equipment, transportation and distribution infrastructure, ROCKCEM is positioning itself to contribute to Sierra Leone's construction sector through improved cement accessibility, increased processing capacity and more efficient nationwide supply.

The company's flagship product, RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement, continues to be promoted under the slogan: “Build Stronger. Build to Last.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65670

 

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Saturday, 24 October 2026, inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, the Hilton Garden Hotel and 15 Presidential VIP villas under construction in Lungi as Sierra Leone intensifies preparations to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026.

Scheduled for 17–18 November 2026 in Lungi, the summit is expected to bring together prominent African business leaders, international investors, financial institutions, development partners and several heads of state to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic partnerships across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The inspection forms part of the government’s preparations to ensure that the facilities are ready to accommodate delegates and other participants attending the high-level regional gathering. The ongoing construction projects are also expected to enhance Lungi’s capacity to host major international events and support the area’s broader development.

During the tour, Vice President Jalloh commended the conference centre project and the ongoing construction works, describing them as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to hosting WAIIS 2026.

He noted that the summit presents Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase its investment potential, engage international business leaders and strengthen partnerships aimed at promoting trade, investment and regional economic integration.

The Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre is expected to serve as a key venue for the summit, while the Hilton Garden Hotel and the 15 Presidential VIP villas are intended to support accommodation and hospitality arrangements for visiting dignitaries and other participants.

The projects form part of preparations to improve Lungi’s capacity to receive high-level visitors and host international engagements. Their completion and readiness will be important as the summit approaches.

WAIIS 2026 is expected to provide a platform for discussions on commercially viable projects, cross-border trade and investment partnerships across West Africa. For Sierra Leone, hosting the summit offers an opportunity to attract international capital, promote its economic potential and deepen cooperation with regional and global stakeholders.

The Vice President’s inspection marks another step in the government’s preparations for the November summit, with construction progress and logistical readiness remaining important considerations ahead of the event. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65664

Gento Group’s proposed ports development at Kent and Banana Island has received strong endorsement from the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Oluniyi Robin Coker, who described the investment as strategic and potentially transformative for Sierra Leone’s economic development, regional trade and export competitiveness.

Speaking during a Press Conference marking the launch of the local media campaign for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in Aberdeen, Freetown, Oluniyi Robin Coker highlighted the project's potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s participation in regional commerce.

He particularly emphasized that the proposed development at Kent could facilitate the export of granite to neighbouring West African countries, creating opportunities for increased trade, industrial expansion and economic diversification.

The Gento Group investment, involving proposed port facilities at Kent and Banana Island, is increasingly being recognized as a potentially significant infrastructure initiative capable of strengthening Sierra Leone’s maritime and logistics capabilities.

If successfully implemented, the project could improve cargo handling, facilitate the movement of construction materials and other commodities, attract private investment and position Sierra Leone as a more competitive participant in regional maritime trade.

Oluniyi Robin Coker maintained that infrastructure investments of that nature are essential to unlocking the country's economic potential, particularly as West African economies pursue stronger commercial integration.

His endorsement came as the Special Envoy for WAIIS 2026, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, formally launched the summit’s local media campaign, outlining major investment opportunities expected to attract regional and international financiers.

Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella specifically identified Gento Group’s Kent and Banana Island ports project as an example of the investment initiatives associated with WAIIS, indicating that progress towards completion would depend on the conclusion of outstanding processes.

He stressed that the summit, scheduled for 17–18 November 2026 in Freetown, would focus on connecting bankable projects with credible investors rather than merely securing financial pledges.

“WAIIS is not a pledging conference. It is an investment conference where private and public sector institutions have designed projects, and bankers and investment institutions are ready to invest in them,” Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella stated.

The summit is expected to attract prominent African business leaders, including Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, alongside an anticipated five to seven Heads of State.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, disclosed that several Sierra Leonean projects had already been included in the summit’s investment Deal Rooms.

Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant, highlighted opportunities in electricity generation, while Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, underscored growing investor interest in projects presented for consideration.

WAIIS Chief Operating Officer, Joseph Ngana, expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen Sierra Leone’s investment profile.

For Gento Group, the proposed Kent and Banana Island ports represent more than maritime infrastructure. Their successful development could support granite exports, improve regional connectivity, stimulate commercial activity and generate employment opportunities.

The project consequently stands as a potentially transformative investment that could help Sierra Leone capitalize on its strategic coastal location while advancing its ambitions for industrialization, export growth and deeper West African economic integration. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65648