By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a landmark move set to reshape Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and economic landscape, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Transport and Aviation, led by Chairman Hon. Dixon Rogers, convened on Monday March 10, 2025, to discuss the ambitious Banana Island Port and Railway Project spearheaded by Gento Group of Companies. The initiative, designed to establish a world-class deep-sea port and modern railway network, aims to link Sierra Leone’s mining regions to global trade routes.

The project, led by Gento Group CEO Mohamed Gento Kamara, has garnered significant national and international interest, with bipartisan backing from Parliament. The CEO provided key updates on the initiative’s progress, highlighting its potential to boost economic growth, create jobs and revolutionize trade and logistics across West Africa.

He emphasized the natural advantages of Banana Island, noting its deep-water capabilities. “The port’s natural depth of over 22 meters eliminates the need for costly dredging, giving it a competitive edge over other West African ports,” Mohamed Gento Kamara stated. “This allows the port to accommodate the largest cargo ships, which currently bypass Sierra Leone for other regional hubs,” he further intimated.

Providing insight into the project's structure, Mohamed Gento Kamara explained that Gento Group holds a 90% stake, while the Sierra Leonean Government owns 10%. He urged the Government to fulfill its commitment of providing a concessional loan of $20 million at a rate not exceeding 5%, as stipulated in the agreement.

“We have completed the feasibility study for the port and are now seeking financial partners,” he noted. “The railway study is an additional phase aimed at further integrating our infrastructure. Sierra Leone has vast mineral deposits but the lack of adequate infrastructure has been a major constraint.”

Mohamed Gento Kamara highlighted that Sierra Leone’s mining industry suffers from limited transportation options, contrasting it with Guinea and Ghana, which have dedicated mineral ports and railway networks. “We envision a railway system that seamlessly links the mines to the Banana Island Port,” he added. “The existing railway used by Kingho Mining is limited to a threshold of 15 million tons per year. Our proposed railway will have an unlimited capacity, ensuring efficient mineral exports.”

The project is expected to facilitate the movement of minerals such as chromite, which has been recently discovered in Kenema, along with deposits in Pujehun and Kambia. Mohamed Gento Kamara stressed that a robust railway system is necessary to transport bulk minerals efficiently.

“Our feasibility study initially estimated the project cost at $1.5 billion. However, after extensive assessments by MTBS, a global maritime consultancy, the final projection now stands at $2.7 billion,” he revealed. “Despite the increase, the financial analysis confirms the viability and profitability of the project.”

Mohamed Gento Kamara reiterated that Gento Group is actively engaging with international financiers and port operators to fund the project. He assured that the port will be regulated by the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, while Gento Group will focus solely on its construction.

Dr. Obai Kargbo, Project Ports Manager, provided further insight into the geographical advantages of Banana Island, noting its natural harbor, which reduces the need for artificial breakwaters. He drew parallels with the success of Togo’s Lomé Port, which, despite its shallower 18-meter depth, has significantly bolstered Togo’s economy.

“With a superior depth and strategic positioning, the Banana Island Port is poised to surpass regional competitors and establish Sierra Leone as a key maritime hub,” Dr. Obai Kargbo stated.

The railway component of the project aims to:

- Enhance mineral exports and revitalize the mining sector.


- Reduce transportation costs and alleviate road congestion.


- Improve regional trade connectivity, positioning Sierra Leone as an international trade gateway.

Parliamentarians welcomed the initiative, expressing unanimous support. Hon. Dixon Rogers described it as one of the most promising economic projects in Sierra Leone’s history.

“This project has the full backing of Parliament,” Hon Dixon Rogers declared. “We urge the Government to expedite its support, as it will drive economic growth, create jobs and elevate Sierra Leone’s standing in global trade.”

Gento Group’s Banana Island Port and Railway Project is more than just an infrastructure development; it represents a bold vision for Sierra Leone’s economic future. With a strategic location, natural deep-water advantages and strong investor interest, the initiative is set to redefine the country’s role in global trade.

As anticipation continues to build Gento Group moves forward with securing international partnerships, With the right investments and Government backing, the project has the potential to transform Sierra Leone into a premier logistics and trade hub, unlocking unprecedented economic opportunities for the nation and its people.