By Foday Moriba Conteh

A significant step toward reshaping Sierra Leone’s urban and economic landscape was taken as the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry, together with the Tinkonko Estate Management Company, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking the launch of the Tikonko City Project; an ambitious planned urban hub designed to decongest the capital and unlock major development opportunities in the Bo District, Southern Province.

The initiative, championed by Deputy Minister of Energy I and Chairman of the Tinkonko Estate Management Company, Engineer Edmond Nonnie, was unveiled during a high-profile ceremony held on Tuesday 11th November, 2025 at the company’s headquarters on Kallon Drive, Regent Road in Freetown. The event attracted senior Government officials, traditional rulers and private-sector stakeholders who hailed the project as a transformative undertaking for national development.

Positioned as a modern and sustainable city adjacent to Sierra Leone’s second-largest urban center, Bo, the Tikonko City Project aims to develop over 2,000 acres of land, complemented by a 10,000-acre economic zone, ultimately creating a thriving urban settlement capable of hosting nearly one million residents. The project is expected to address long-standing infrastructure, housing and economic challenges that continue to hinder growth in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister of Energy I and Chairman of the Tinkonko Estate Management Company, Engineer Edmond Nonnie outlined a bold and forward-looking vision, describing the project as an exciting and ambitious undertaking structured around enabling infrastructure and core utilities.

He explained that the first phase will involve land clearing, the construction of primary roads and the installation of essential services such as electricity and water systems. While funding for this initial stage is secured, Engineer Edmond Nonnie emphasized that the long-term success of the project depends on strategic partnerships with private investors who will develop critical components of the city.

Drawing parallels to the Lungi International Airport constructed through a private investment model, Engineer Edmond Nonnie revealed that Tikonko City will follow a similar approach. The Government and its partners will build the foundational infrastructure after which private companies will be invited to invest in facilities such as a domestic airport, industrial clusters, business districts and residential developments. He added that several private firms, including international investors, have already indicated strong interest in participating.

The master plan features several major structures: a domestic airport, a modern business complex, a diamond processing district and 1,000 new housing units. With Bo District’s rapidly expanding real estate market and economic potential, Engineer Edmond Nonnie said the project is strategically positioned to accelerate growth. The district, home to more than 900,000 residents engaged in agriculture, mining and trade, stands to benefit greatly from enhanced infrastructure and new economic opportunities.

The project is anchored by three major partners: the Tinkonko Estate Management Company, which serves as the coordinating office; Growth Gate Sierra Leone Limited, providing financial and investment support; and Echo Green Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the renowned Eko Atlantic Group. Senior officials from Bo District were previously invited to Lagos to study the Eko Atlantic City model, which inspired several components of the Tikonko design.

Phase one of the development includes land preparation and securing all regulatory permits for the proposed airport. Phase two will see private developers constructing additional urban components. Planned infrastructure spans more than 20 kilometers of internal roads, 25 megawatts of solar power, 108 million liters of annual water processing capacity and 20 kilometers of fiber-optic connectivity. Additional plans include electric and petrol vehicle charging stations and comprehensive waste management systems.

Engineer Edmond Nonnie noted that the proposed domestic airport is expected to be one of the most historic accomplishments of the project. He reminded attendees that Sierra Leone once operated several local airports but air travel is now confined to Lungi. With the right Government support, he believes the Tikonko Airport can restore domestic air connectivity and invigorate the regional economy. Initially, the airport will focus on cargo, particularly gold and diamonds destined for markets in the Middle East and India. By creating a direct link between artisanal miners and international buyers the project aims to improve market access and ensure better pricing for local producers.

Traditional leadership strongly endorsed the initiative. Paramount Chief Kangbai Macavoray of Tikonko Chiefdom pledged his community’s support and land availability, highlighting the chiefdom’s existing infrastructure including more than 80 primary schools, 20 secondary schools and a population of 93,000 as a strong foundation for growth.

Hon. Matthew Nyuma, Leader of Government Business in Parliament, described the project as “a beautiful and visionary development,” emphasizing the critical role of private-sector participation. “If you frown at the private sector, you’re finished,” he declared, urging project promoters to elevate the MoU into a sovereign agreement to reinforce Government commitment.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, welcomed the initiative as a sign of Sierra Leone’s readiness for inclusive and sustainable growth. She said the project demonstrates the country’s capacity to attract investment and create an enabling environment for modern urban development.

Chairman of the Bo District Council, Victor Korseh Hindowa, commended the developers for their innovation, noting that a long-held dream was finally taking shape.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay, connected the Tikonko initiative to Sierra Leone’s broader economic transformation, stating that the country's continued reliance on a colonial economic model must be replaced with value addition, manufacturing and industrialization. “This project will create not just jobs, but wealth and opportunities for our people,” he said.

Inspired by international models such as Nigeria’s Eko Atlantic and South Korea’s Songdo, the Tikonko City Project is envisioned as a 25–30-year national development undertaking. Its most ambitious pillar is the proposed Tikonko City International Airport, intended to serve as the “economic heartbeat” of the emerging metropolis by linking its logistics, industrial and residential ecosystems.

The Tikonko City Project represents a historic shift in Sierra Leone’s urban planning and economic development strategy; one that seeks to redistribute growth, stimulate investment and build a modern, sustainable city for future generations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/tikonko-estate-management-signs-mou-with-government-to-develop-tikonko-city/