02/09/2026
Global Partnerships and Networking Open New Scholarship Opportunities for SLMA Staff
The maritime sector is changing rapidly, and Sierra Leone needs skilled and well-trained professionals to keep pace with these changes. For the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), having staff with the right knowledge, skills and international exposure is essential to improving maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, supporting seafarers and ensuring that Sierra Leone meets international maritime standards.
However, opportunities for specialised maritime education and professional training are not always readily available. Without continuous learning and skills development, staff may find it difficult to keep up with new technologies, regulations and best practices in the global maritime industry.
Recognising the importance of investing in people, the Executive Director of SLMA, Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, has used the Administration’s international partnerships and professional networks to create more learning opportunities for SLMA staff. Through these engagements, scholarship opportunities have been secured with partners in the Philippines, Sweden, Indonesia, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, Singapore, Cote D’ Ivorie, Turkey, among others.
“I draw inspiration from His Excellency the President, Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s passion for investing in human capital development,” said Dr. Kaitibi. “I believe that the greatest strength of any institution is its people. When we invest in their education, skills and professional growth, we are not only improving their individual capacities; we are strengthening the institution and, ultimately, the country.”
Dr. Kaitibi explained that this belief has encouraged him to use SLMA’s international partnerships and networks to create opportunities for staff to pursue further education and specialised training.
“We want our staff to be exposed to the best practices in the maritime world. The knowledge and experience they gain from these opportunities will come back to Sierra Leone and contribute to better performance, stronger institutions and improved services to the people,” he added.
In 2026 alone, a total of six (6) scholarships/sponsorships have been secured for/awarded to staff to pursue Master of Science, Maritime Affairs, in Malmo, Sweden and Accra, Ghana, respectively. These scholarships/sponsorships will give staff the opportunity to pursue further education and specialised training, gain international experience and learn from leading maritime institutions and professionals. The knowledge and skills gained can then be applied to improve the work of the Administration and strengthen the services it provides to the maritime sector.
Recipients of this latest 2026 award include: James D. Rogers, Manager, Human Resources, Adama Bah, Shipping and Maritime Environment Protection Officer, Hawa Kona Will, Secretary to the Deputy Executive Director, Andrew Lappia, Officer, Maritime Safety and Security, Joseph Vandi, Research Officer, Mohamed Fatoma, Shipping Supervisor, Mohamed Hassan Kargbo, Maritime Security Manager.
Over the last two (2) years, a total of twenty-seven (27) staff have gotten international professional training and academic experiences such as: Masters and Bachelor’s degrees in the following fields in: Ports and Shipping Management, International Maritime Law, Maritime Affairs, Ocean Governance, among other professional certifications in training workshops and/or seminars.
In June 2026, we proudly celebrated the graduation of two of our dedicated staff members from the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra, Ghana. Wilhemina Amara successfully earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Ports and Shipping Administration, while Saffiatu Kanu graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Ports and Shipping Administration. Francis Gbakai Kaindaneh, Executive Secretary and Legal Adviser is also a strong example of this impact. He recently completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Maritime Law at the prestigious IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta, graduating with Distinction.
Currently in 2026, three (3) staff (one Master of Science in Maritime Affairs) and (two Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science students) are moving progressively close to finalizing their courses at WMU and RMU respectively. Additionally, a total of six (6) staff offered short-form courses virtually, in 2026.
The initiative also gives SLMA staff the opportunity to build international professional networks and share experiences with maritime professionals from other countries. This can encourage new ideas, innovation and stronger cooperation in the sector.
The main idea is simple: investing in people means investing in the future of Sierra Leone’s maritime sector. By giving staff access to quality education and international training, SLMA is building a stronger, more skilled and better-prepared workforce.
As SLMA continues to build relationships with maritime institutions and partners around the world, these opportunities will help develop professionals who can bring new knowledge, skills and global experience back to Sierra Leone.
Ultimately, the goal is to build a strong and modern maritime administration that is able to meet international standards, respond to emerging challenges and contribute effectively to the growth of Sierra Leone’s maritime industry and blue economy.
