The Republic of Sierra Leone was prominently represented at the inaugural Africa Urban Forum, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Dr. Turad Senesie, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, engaged in pivotal discussions aimed at advancing urban development across the continent.

During the mission, Dr. Senesie held productive bilateral meetings with key figures, including the Director General of UN Habitat and various counterpart ministers from Ethiopia, South Africa, others. These discussions centered on collaborative efforts to enhance land and housing policies, reflecting Sierra Leone’s commitment to urban reform.

In his national statement, Dr. Senesie showcased the progress Sierra Leone has made in reforming its land, housing, and country planning sectors. His presentation underscored the government’s dedication to improving urban living conditions and sustainable development practices.

A major highlight of the forum was the Minister’s engagement with his delegation members, including the Director of Country Planning, Sahr Mark Kanawa, Director of Housing, Rashid Charles Ngiawee, Project Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project, Dr. Alphajoh Cham and the Community Engagement and Communication Specialist, Abdul Fonti.

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Together, they conducted a thorough review of the draft amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act, ensuring the inputs from various stakeholders were well-integrated into the reform process.

Dr. Senesie expressed optimism about the outcomes of the forum, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge and regional cooperation in tackling urban challenges.

He stated, “Our participation in this forum is not just about sharing our successes but also about learning from others and collaborating on solutions that will benefit our urban spaces.”

The insights gained and partnerships forged during this mission are expected to significantly contribute to Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable urban environment.