By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a historic move toward advancing Sierra Leone’s infrastructure, the Government of Sierra Leone has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with U.S.-based bridge engineering giant, Acrow, for the financing and construction of the long-awaited Lungi Bridge. The agreement, signed on June 19, 2025, was witnessed by U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, and marked a major milestone in the nation’s development journey.

“This marks a major step forward in delivering on President Bio’s vision for infrastructure, access, and national transformation,” said Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh during the high-level signing ceremony held in Freetown. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh , who played a central role in facilitating the agreement, hailed the partnership as a bold leap forward in addressing one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing infrastructural challenges. “The Lungi Bridge has long been a symbol of aspiration for our people,” he added. “Today, we are turning that aspiration into action.”

The project will follow a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, requiring no direct financial outlay from the Government of Sierra Leone. Under this model, Acrow will finance, construct, own and operate the bridge for a defined period before transferring ownership to the Government.

U.S. Ambassador Bryan Hunt expressed strong support for the project, describing it as a catalyst for sustainable economic development and enhanced bilateral cooperation. “This partnership marks a new era of cooperation and reflects our shared commitment to infrastructure-led growth,” Ambassador Bryan Hunt stated.

Paul Sullivan, President of International Business at Acrow, noted that the company brings over 70 years of global experience and has worked in more than 150 countries, including over 40 in Africa. He emphasized Acrow’s commitment to delivering top-tier American engineering, technology and project management to Sierra Leone.

The proposed bridge will serve as a critical link between Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown and Lungi International Airport, located in the Port Loko District. Currently, travelers rely on ferries, boats or a long detour via road to access the airport; a challenge that hampers efficiency, trade, tourism and emergency logistics.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to drastically reduce travel time, improve safety, stimulate economic activity and enhance Sierra Leone’s regional and international connectivity. Acrow’s involvement brings American expertise to the table, with a reputation for delivering durable and innovative infrastructure in complex environments. The BOOT arrangement also ensures long-term sustainability, aligning investor interest with ongoing maintenance and operational excellence.

Present at the signing were the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, the Deputy Minister of Lands and representatives from the National Investment Board. The MoU represents a key step in advancing President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers, with infrastructure positioned as a foundation for economic development and inclusive growth.

The United States Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the success of the Lungi Bridge initiative, emphasizing its strategic importance to both nations.

The Lungi Bridge has remained a top national priority since it was first proposed and its realization has been a central pledge of President Julius Maada Bio’s administration. Although critics have pointed to delays since the promise was made during the 2018 campaign, this MoU signals renewed momentum and international backing. President Bio, who in 2022 cited funding constraints as a major obstacle to implementation, is now poised to fulfill what many consider a legacy-defining commitment.

With preparations nearing the groundbreaking stage, the project is poised to create hundreds of local jobs, showcase the potential of public-private partnerships, and establish a new standard for strategic infrastructure development across West Africa. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/u-s-company-acrow-signs-landmark-deal-to-construct-lungi-bridge-in-sierra-leone/