The Government of Sierra Leone has approved development-financing agreements valued at approximately US$73.8 million to support affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, job creation and increased incomes for farmers.

Minister of Information and Civic Education Hon. Chernor Bah announced the decisions during the Government Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

According to Minister Bah, the approved financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to expand economic opportunities, strengthen essential services and promote sustainable development.

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Cabinet approved a US$10 million concessional loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to enable Sierra Leone to acquire additional shares in Shelter Afrique Development Bank.

The investment, Minister Bah explained, is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position within the bank and improve access to financing for affordable housing, urban development and related infrastructure. The Minister of Finance has been directed to submit the agreement to Parliament for ratification.

Cabinet also approved approximately US$23.8 million from the African Development Fund for Phase One of the Sierra Leone Rice Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Project.

The project is designed to increase climate-resilient rice production, strengthen local processing and competitiveness, improve food security and nutrition, and raise farmers’ incomes. It will also establish an agro-industrial hub and Agricultural Transformation Centres, with particular attention to women and young people.

“Feed Salone remains a priority for this government,” Minister Bah said, adding that the project is expected to improve rice production and processing, create jobs and strengthen national food security.

In another major agricultural investment, Cabinet approved a US$40 million grant-financing agreement with the International Development Association (IDA) for the Sustainable Agriculture Value Chain Intensification for Growth Project.

The project will promote climate-smart agriculture, strengthen value addition and market access, expand digital agricultural services, improve access to finance and attract private-sector investment.

It is expected to directly benefit nearly 100,000 farmers, including approximately 40,000 women and 30,000 young people.

Beyond development financing, Cabinet also approved Sierra Leone’s intention to seek a seat on the United Nations Tourism Executive Council for the 2027–2031 term.

Minister Bah said successful membership would provide Sierra Leone with an opportunity to strengthen its voice in international tourism policy while supporting efforts to create jobs, generate foreign exchange and raise the country’s global profile.

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has been directed to establish an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate the country’s campaign for the seat.

Cabinet further approved the comprehensive review and replacement of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust Act of 2001 with a proposed National Social Security and Pensions Authority Act, 2026.

The proposed legislation seeks to bring the country’s social security framework in line with changes in the labour market, including by extending consideration to self-employed workers, microenterprises and people engaged in digital employment.

It is also expected to strengthen governance, transparency and service delivery, while protecting contributors’ benefits and supporting the long-term sustainability of the national pension system. Minister Bah said the legislation would soon be presented to Parliament.

In the mining sector, Cabinet approved the designation of certain mineral assets to the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation for identification, development and management.

The decision is intended to strengthen structured state participation in mineral exploration and development. The designated assets will be submitted to Parliament for approval before being allocated to the Corporation.

Cabinet also approved the Land Adjudication Bill and Land Title Registration Regulations, marking a significant step towards reforming Sierra Leone’s land administration system.

The proposed reforms will facilitate the systematic registration of land titles under both formal and customary tenure, strengthen protection of land rights and establish a unified National Land Register.

Minister Bah said the reforms would make land information more accessible and enable prospective buyers to verify ownership and title information before completing transactions.

He said the proposed online land-registration system would also help protect citizens, including Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, from fraudulent land transactions while making the administration of land more efficient and reliable.

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has been directed to present the land legislation to Parliament, with the government expecting the reforms to become law before the end of the year.