Sierra Leone Secures US$1 Million Indonesian Grant for Freetown–Tagrin Ferry Project
Aaron Parker Sierra Leone has secured a US$1 million grant from the Government of Indonesia to advance preparations for the proposed Freetown–Tagrin Ferry Service, an initiative expected to strengthen transportation links and support economic activities.
The funding, secured by Minister of Finance, Hon. Karefa Kargbo, will be channelled through Indonesian Aid to finance feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs required for the development of the ferry service.
The agreement will be formalised between the Government of Indonesia, through Indonesian Aid, and the Government of Sierra Leone, represented by the Ministry of Finance.
The development follows bilateral discussions facilitated by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Senegal, His Excellency Ibrahim Turay, between Minister Kargbo and Indonesia’s Ambassador to Senegal, His Excellency Ardian Wicaksono.
The meeting took place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, on the sidelines of the Second Edition of the Sport and Development Summit in Dakar, Senegal. Both sides discussed arrangements for the timely signing of the grant agreement, with implementation of the project expected to begin in early 2027.
Once developed, the Freetown–Tagrin Ferry Service is expected to provide improved connectivity between the capital and the Tagrin area, which serves as an important access point to the Lungi corridor. The project is also expected to facilitate trade, enhance transport efficiency and create opportunities for tourism and broader economic development.
The grant represents a step towards advancing the proposed ferry infrastructure, with the feasibility studies and engineering designs expected to provide the technical foundation for its implementation.
The funding also highlights ongoing efforts by Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions to mobilise international development assistance and establish strategic partnerships that support the country’s infrastructure and economic priorities.