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The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, David Moinina Sengeh, has disclosed his findings from the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority, following an unannounced visit for firsthand information.
Sengeh described his findings at the Ports as a gateway and a lens into Sierra Leone’s transformation.
According to him, there is a 158% increase in containers between 2023 and 2024 demonstrates beyond effective leadership, which he said shows how the economy is expanding, adding that there has been a 37% increase in export containers (processed timber, oil, coffee, cocoa, minerals, etc), which he said shows beyond trade and points to the country’s steady forex numbers and appreciation of its currency.
He further revealed that out of 135,000 containers annually, they have only a handful of containers with drugs or contraband which are intercepted, showing how secure the ports are.
He also disclosed the authority gender compliance, stating that there is a 36% gender compliance at management level, the youngest ever leadership and well capacitated and certified staff, describing SLPHA an example of public sector transformation in Sierra Leone.
In the last two years, SLPHA and NCP has paid about $11m from concession fees to the Government of Sierra Leone, demonstrating value for money and excellent partnership with investors, and also an increase in allowable days for demurrage (3 to 7 days), expanded period for auctions (some have spent 500 days beyond allowed 90 days), and a 60% port occupancy, the Sierra Leone Port is rated as one of the best performing in West Africa.
“During the tour today, all 8 berths were occupied with ships and more waiting to dock. Economic transformation. Digitization plans for single window and other investments by the government will only continue to improve service delivery,” Sengeh shared.
