By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, on Tuesday welcomed the French Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr. Luc Briard, in a high-level courtesy visit aimed at enhancing international cooperation and strengthening Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.
Ambassador Briard, who is accredited to Sierra Leone with residence in Conakry- Guinea, was accompanied by Mr. Maroon Abi-Aad, General Manager of Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), and Mr. Patrice Pamba Ouoba, Country Manager for CMA CGM in Sierra Leone.
The visit underscores the strategic importance of Sierra Leone’s ports in fostering regional and international trade relations.
During the meeting, DG Bio emphasized the pivotal role Sierra Leone’s ports play in the country’s economic development and their growing relevance in West Africa’s trade and logistics landscape.
He expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership with French entities operating in the maritime sector, and reaffirmed SLPHA’s commitment to openness, modernization, and sustainable growth.
“Our ports are more than just gateways for goods—they are engines of economic transformation,” Mr. Bio stated. “With the right investment, innovation, and international collaboration, we can significantly expand our capabilities, boost trade, and create thousands of jobs for Sierra Leoneans.”
The Director General also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade port infrastructure, digitalize operations, and improve regulatory frameworks. He noted that such advancements are key to positioning Sierra Leone as a competitive maritime hub in the region. Such priorities, he added, align with the government’s broader vision for economic diversification and infrastructural development.
Ambassador Briard praised the leadership of Mr. Bio and the strides made under his tenure in improving port operations and facilitating a business-friendly environment.
He expressed France’s interest in deepening bilateral ties and supporting initiatives that can enhance maritime logistics and trade infrastructure in Sierra Leone.
The presence of FTL and CMA CGM officials further signaled the interest of key French stakeholders in expanding their operations and exploring new investment opportunities. Discussions during the visit touched on potential public-private partnerships, capacity-building programs, and technical support to improve port efficiency and sustainability.
Observers see the meeting as a strong indication of growing international confidence in Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, particularly under DG Bio’s administration. His leadership has been widely recognized for prioritizing reform, transparency, and innovation—qualities that have attracted foreign partnerships and paved the way for new development prospects.
While no formal agreements were announced, officials from both sides hinted at possible future collaborations that could lead to expanded services, infrastructure upgrades, and increased cargo traffic through Freetown’s ports.
As Sierra Leone continues to seek strategic partners to help modernize its maritime infrastructure, high-level engagements like this signal a bright future for the sector.
With DG Yankuba Bio at the helm, the SLPHA appears well-positioned to drive forward the country’s trade ambitions and regional connectivity.
