The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has been honoured with the Africa-UK Most Outstanding Personality in Port Operations and Management Award at the Africa-UK Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit and Awards (AFUDIT-ISA).

The award, presented on May 29, 2026, recognizes Bio’s leadership and contribution to advancing port operations, maritime trade and economic development in Sierra Leone.

According to the award citation, the honour was bestowed on him for his “outstanding contribution to Africa’s development, showcasing exceptional leadership and vision,” noting that his efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities across the continent.

Responding to the recognition, Bio expressed appreciation for the award and dedicated it to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone.

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“I am grateful to God. I am proud of the team and what we have accomplished together. I feel very honoured. I want to dedicate this laurel to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for giving me the opportunity to serve,” he said.

He added that the award reflects increasing international recognition of Sierra Leone’s efforts to transform its ports into competitive gateways for regional and global commerce.

The recognition comes at a time when the Port of Freetown is reporting improvements in operational efficiency, infrastructure development and revenue generation. The port remains one of Sierra Leone’s most important economic assets and serves as the country’s principal gateway for international trade.

Under Bio’s leadership and the current management team, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has pursued reforms aimed at modernising port operations, improving cargo handling systems and strengthening public-private partnerships.

Recent reports indicate that the Authority is expected to transfer approximately US$8 million to the Government following significant growth in port revenues.

The Authority has also continued to invest in berth rehabilitation, terminal expansion and digitalisation projects designed to improve service delivery and operational performance.

Studies conducted at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay have reportedly shown reductions in vessel turnaround times and increases in cargo throughput following infrastructure upgrades, highlighting improvements in the efficiency of the country’s main seaport.

The award further underscores Sierra Leone’s growing profile within Africa’s maritime sector. Located at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, the Port of Freetown is widely regarded as one of West Africa’s finest natural harbours and remains the country’s primary entry and exit point for imports, exports and international trade.

Strategically situated along major Atlantic shipping routes linking Europe, Africa and the Americas, the port is viewed as having the potential to compete with leading regional ports, including those in Tema, Ghana; Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dakar, Senegal; and Lomé, Togo, particularly in transshipment and logistics services.

Bio said government-backed expansion initiatives, private sector investments and ongoing concession agreements are intended to transform the Port of Freetown into a modern maritime hub capable of supporting Sierra Leone’s trade, industrialisation and blue economy ambitions.

“As the country pursues economic diversification and increased domestic revenue mobilisation, the Port of Freetown remains a critical engine of growth, connecting Sierra Leone to global markets while generating jobs, investment opportunities and vital revenues for national development,” he stated.

The Africa-UK Most Outstanding Personality in Port Operations and Management Award is the latest international recognition for Bio and comes amid continuing efforts by the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority to strengthen the country’s position within regional and global maritime trade networks.