Ministry of Transport and Aviation

05/08/2026

**Parliament Ratifies Shipping Joint Venture Agreement; As Sierra Leone Moves to Establish a National Carrier **

*Well of Parliament, Freetown, Sierra Leone, August 4, 2026*- Sierra Leone has taken a decisive step towards revitalising its maritime industry following Parliament’s ratification of the Joint Venture Agreement between the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency (SLNSA) and Zhejiang Xiehai Group Co. Ltd. of the People’s Republic of China, paving the way for the establishment of the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company (SLOSCo).

The landmark parliamentary approval represents a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to restore a national shipping carrier and strengthen Sierra Leone’s participation in regional and international maritime trade. The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities, attract foreign direct investment, enhance maritime logistics and improve the country’s competitiveness within the global shipping industry.

The joint venture forms part of the Government’s broader agenda to maximise the economic benefits of Sierra Leone’s growing import and export trade while reducing reliance on foreign shipping operators. Once operational, the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company will provide the country with a national carrier capable of supporting trade facilitation, expanding shipping capacity and retaining greater value from goods transported to and from Sierra Leone.

Speaking after Parliament ratified the agreement, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., described the approval as a historic achievement that signals a new chapter for Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.

“This is a defining moment for our country’s maritime industry. The establishment of the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to restoring a national carrier that will strengthen international trade, create employment for our citizens, build local maritime capacity and contribute significantly to national economic growth,” he said.

Minister Turay noted that the partnership between the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency and Zhejiang Xiehai Group Co. Ltd. demonstrates Government’s commitment to forging strategic international partnerships that deliver sustainable economic benefits while supporting national development priorities.

He emphasised that the new shipping company will contribute to strengthening Sierra Leone’s maritime infrastructure, improving shipping services, facilitating more efficient movement of cargo and positioning the country to compete more effectively within the global maritime industry.

“The establishment of SLOSCo is not merely about owning ships; it is about creating opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, promoting skills development, increasing investment in the maritime sector and ensuring that our nation captures greater value from its international trade,” the Minister added.

He commended Members of Parliament for their overwhelming support for the agreement and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency, Zhejiang Xiehai Group Co. Ltd. and all stakeholders whose collaboration made the initiative possible.

The establishment of the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company is expected to support the Government’s Blue Economy agenda by expanding commercial shipping operations, enhancing trade connectivity, generating employment for maritime professionals and strengthening Sierra Leone’s position as an emerging maritime hub in West Africa.

With parliamentary approval now secured, Government is expected to begin implementing the joint venture agreement, marking the start of a new era for Sierra Leone’s maritime sector and reinforcing its commitment to building a resilient, competitive and globally connected shipping industry.

©️ Comms Unit, MoTA

04/08/2026

*Transport Minister Engages Stakeholders within the Transport and Aviation Sector Ahead of 2027 ICAO Audit;* _Calls for Improved Performance_

*7th Floor, Youyi Building Freetown / August 3rd, 2026**

The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., has called on the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and all aviation sector operators to intensify preparations for the 2027 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), stressing that Sierra Leone must improve on its previous performance and demonstrate significant progress.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and key aviation operators, Minister Turay described the upcoming ICAO audit as a critical national assignment which requires full commitment of every institution within the aviation sector.

“We have a huge task ahead of us. We must improve on our previous figures. During the last ICAO audit, Sierra Leone scored 71 % on safety and 72 % on security ratings. We now have new operators, modern equipment and stronger institutional capacity, so we must do better. We are moving from where we are to the top, and that will only happen through hard work, coordination and commitment,” the Minister said.

He urged the SLCAA, airport authorities, airlines, ground handling companies, security agencies and other aviation stakeholders to take the preparatory process seriously by ensuring compliance with international safety, security and operational standards.

The Minister noted that the Government remains committed to strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation sector through continuous investment, regulatory reforms and enhanced collaboration with industry partners to position the country as a safe and reliable aviation hub in the region.

Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Madam Musayeroh Barrie underscored the national importance of the ICAO audit, describing it as an exercise that goes beyond the aviation industry and reflects the country’s commitment to international best practices.

“This is a very important event for the State, so we need to take it very seriously,” she said, urging all aviation operators and regulatory agencies to work collectively to ensure Sierra Leone records an improved outcome during the 2027 audit.

The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s determination to work closely with the SLCAA and all aviation stakeholders to enhance regulatory oversight, strengthen aviation safety and security, and achieve a higher ICAO compliance score that reflects the country’s ongoing reforms in the aviation sector.

©️ Comm Unit
Ministry of Transport and Aviation

25/07/2026

*Chief Minister, Transport Minister Inspect Gento Group’s Kent Port Project, Reaffirm Government Commitment to Modernising Sierra Leone’s Ports*

Kent, Freetown, Sierra Leone, 25 July 2026 – Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., conducted a site inspection while commending the significant progress being made on the Gento Group’s Dry Port Project at Kent, describing it as a transformative investment that will strengthen Sierra Leone’s maritime and logistics sector.

The high-level inspection team included the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha, the Senior Permanent Secretary, Rev. Edward Kwame Yankson, and the Harbour Master of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA). The visit formed part of the Government’s continued engagement with strategic infrastructure projects aimed at expanding port capacity, improving trade facilitation, and accelerating national economic growth.

Speaking during the inspection, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said the project reflects President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision of moving “from commitment to transformation.” He noted that the investment had progressed from a concept discussed at several engagements to a major infrastructure project now taking shape through strong collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and the private sector.

The Chief Minister praised the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, under the leadership of Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., for providing the necessary policy and institutional support to facilitate the investment. He also lauded Gento Group for demonstrating confidence in Sierra Leone’s economy through its substantial investment in the Kent–Banana Island project.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Gento Group, Mr. Mohamed Gento Kamara, the company currently employs more than 600 workers, the majority of whom are Sierra Leoneans, while working alongside international technical partners to ensure that the facility meets global standards. He assured the delegation that all environmental safeguards are being observed in collaboration with the relevant government institutions.

Chief Minister Sengeh emphasized that the Kent Dry Port will play a vital role in reducing congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay as cargo volumes continue to increase. He noted that expanding the country’s port infrastructure is essential to improving logistics efficiency, reducing the cost of doing business, supporting economic growth, and sustaining the Government’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments that modernise Sierra Leone’s transport sector. He noted that the Kent Dry Port Project aligns with the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime infrastructure, improve cargo handling capacity, create sustainable employment opportunities, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive regional maritime and logistics hub.

The Minister added that the Government remains committed to supporting strategic infrastructure projects through strong public-private partnerships, while also advancing complementary investments such as the JMB Fishing Port at Black Johnson and other initiatives designed to unlock the country’s maritime and economic potential.

© MoTA Communications Unit

21/07/2026

18/07/2026

Transport Ministry, SLPHA and SLCAA Facilitate Transportation for Commissioning of JMB International Conference Centre and Mid-Year Ecowas Summit

Government Wharf, Freetown 18th July, 2016. The Ministry of Transport and Aviation, in partnership with the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority ( SLCAA) successfully facilitated the transportation of Delegates , Ministers, Senior Government officials, Diplomats, and other invited guests during the commissioning ceremony of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the Ecowas Logistics Depot in Lungi.

The movement of dignitaries was supported through enhanced marine and aviation transport services including the deployment of the rehabilitated Government Wharf Ferry, water taxis and flights services which provided seamless connectivity between Freetown and Lungi.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., stated that the successful transportation arrangements demonstrate the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing efficient and reliable transport services for major national and international events.

The commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the Ecowas Logistics Depot marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s preparations for hosting high-level regional and international engagements, including the forthcoming ECOWAS Summit, while highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure and improve service delivery.

© Ministry of Transport and Aviation Communications Unit

02/07/2026