House of Parliament, Tower Hill, Freetown – Tuesday, 24th June 2025 — In a significant legislative milestone, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., formally tabled the Sherbro Island City Investment Framework Agreement, which successfully passed its second and third readings and received overwhelming support from Members of Parliament. The ratification of the Investment Framework Agreement (Ratification) Act, 2025 marks a transformative step toward developing Sherbro Island into a modern, sustainable city.
This landmark legislation establishes a strategic partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) Ltd., led by internationally acclaimed actor and philanthropist Idris Elba.
At the core of the agreement is the establishment of the Sherbro Island Development Zone—envisioned to drive infrastructure growth, economic diversification, and inclusive development. Key features include the creation of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the development of an environmentally responsible city on Bonthe Island, and the formation of the Sherbro Island Development Authority. Implementation will be jointly managed by the Government of Sierra Leone and SAP Ltd., guided by a long-term master plan focused on education, healthcare, tourism, technology, and green infrastructure.
Describing the ratification as a “bold step forward,” Attorney General Alpha Sesay commended the collaborative efforts that made the agreement a reality. “We are not just building a city—we are building a future of opportunity, sustainability, and inclusion for the people of Bonthe District and Sierra Leone as a whole,” he stated in his address to Parliament.
He also lauded the steadfast commitment of Mr. Idris Elba and the SAP team in advancing the project. Special recognition was given to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to national transformation were instrumental in moving the agreement from concept to reality.
The Sherbro Island City initiative is one of the most ambitious development projects in Sierra Leone’s history. With parliamentary approval now secured, implementation will commence with a focus on foundational infrastructure, environmental assessments, and local capacity-building.
More than just a city, this initiative represents a national vision—unlocking Sherbro Island’s vast economic potential and serving as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and national unity. It marks a historic turning point and a bold stride toward a more prosperous and resilient Sierra Leone.
