News

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government’s ‘Big Five Game Changers’ through its strategic plans, port operations and development initiatives.

Speaking during the Authority’s presentation of its 2027 Budget Summary at Miatta Conference Hall on Thursday, 1st October, 2026, SLPHA Director of Finance, Andrew Tamba Kpulun, said the Authority’s five-year strategic plan is aligned with Pillar 3 of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s Strategic Plan, as well as the Government’s National Development Plan and the President’s manifesto.

He highlighted key areas of the Authority’s strategic goals, including improving port infrastructure, developing human capital through staff training and capacity building, supporting youth employment, with emphasis on the 30% quota for women’s empowerment, enhancing trade facilitation to support agricultural value chains and the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative.

Mr. Kpulun noted that the Port of Freetown plays a central role in the movement of agricultural inputs and food commodities, thereby supporting agricultural value chains and food security. He also disclosed that the SLPHA continues to contribute to employment through port operations, logistics, public-private partnerships and maritime-related industries. “SLPHA has recruited over 300 youth into permanent service,” he stated, adding that the Authority intends to increase this number in the next fiscal year.

Civil society representatives, non-state actors and media practitioners at the budget discussion commended the Authority for its support to Government initiatives and encouraged SLPHA to sustain efforts to prevent port congestion. Members of the Public also welcomed the Authority’s achievement of the 30% quota for women’s employment and empowerment, while calling for greater opportunities for women in the maritime sector. The Ministry of Finance’s technical team described SLPHA’s budget presentation as “detailed and comprehensive.”