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At the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) held in Rabat, Morocco, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, held a high-level sideline meeting with the Bank’s leadership to advance two critical housing initiatives: mortgage financing for low-income earners and the development of student hostels in partnership with TAF Global Africa.
He announced the promulgation of the new Country Planning Act 2025, replacing a 75-year-old legacy law that had become unfit for purpose. The new Act empowers local councils as implementing agencies for development controls and introduces clear city zoning definitions, residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use, under accompanying regulations.
The Minister noted that the Act will enforce safety standards, promote public health, prevent structural failures, mitigate natural disasters and fire risks, and address energy efficiency.
He also highlighted ongoing joint venture agreements with developers, notably TAF Global Africa, which is leading affordable housing schemes across the country.
The Minister conveyed that his presence at the AGM was driven by two pressing needs requiring immediate intervention: Mortgage financing specifically tailored for low-income earners to expand homeownership access.
And a joint project for student hostels, being developed by the Government of Sierra Leone in collaboration with TAF Global Africa.
He emphasised that both interventions are essential to addressing the nation’s housing deficit and advancing urban resilience and safety.
Furthermore, Shelter Afrique welcomed the Minister’s dedication and his commitment to bridging the housing deficit
Finally, the Government of Sierra Leone, TAF Global Africa, and Shelter Afrique are now actively working together to elevate housing delivery in Sierra Leone to an extraordinary level for the benefit of all citizens.
