By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a landmark development for Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) and NSBt Limited have officially signed the final review of the existing bulk and break-bulk concession agreement. The signing, which took place on June 3, 2025, comes after formal approval by the Cabinet, marking a major step forward in the government’s drive to modernize port operations and enhance national infrastructure.
The revised concession agreement follows the recent expansion and construction of a new berth at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay (commonly known as the Water Quay) in Freetown. The upgraded infrastructure is designed to accommodate increasing cargo volumes, streamline operations, and significantly improve the port’s handling capacity.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, Director General of SLPHA, emphasized the strategic importance of the revised agreement. “This milestone reflects our commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s ports into modern, efficient, and investor-friendly gateways,” he said. “With this final review, we are ensuring that both the public and private sectors are aligned in delivering better services, improving turnaround times, and attracting more trade to our country.”
NSBt Limited, a key operator in the bulk and break-bulk handling sector at the Freetown Port, will now work under an updated framework that takes into account the expanded port infrastructure. The agreement outlines clearer operational responsibilities, improved performance benchmarks, and stronger regulatory oversight by the SLPHA.
According to SLPHA officials, the revisions aim to address past bottlenecks while encouraging higher efficiency in cargo processing and port logistics. The agreement is expected to foster a more enabling environment for trade and investment, in line with Sierra Leone’s long-term development goals.
The government views this move as part of a broader agenda to enhance national competitiveness and facilitate sustainable economic growth. The modernized port infrastructure and refined concessions are also projected to create new job opportunities, enhance revenue generation, and reduce the cost of doing business in Sierra Leone.
“This is not just a legal document—it is a growth engine,” said an NSBt representative at the signing. “We are fully committed to supporting the government’s vision of a modern, reliable, and efficient port that serves the entire region.”
The revised agreement also aligns with international best practices in port management and concession structuring. It includes provisions to safeguard environmental standards, enhance health and safety compliance, and ensure transparency in operations.
With this agreement now finalized, attention will shift toward implementation and monitoring, ensuring that the goals set out in the revised framework are realized in practice. Both parties have expressed optimism about the future of the Freetown Port and its critical role in Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.
As Sierra Leone continues to position itself as a regional trade hub, the finalization of this concession agreement is widely seen as a signal of progress, stability, and long-term commitment to infrastructure development.
