A high-level government delegation, led by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, visited the Kent Seaport on Saturday to assess progress on the ambitious US$75 million Kent–Banana Island Seaport Project. This key inspection followed President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s directive for accelerated implementation of strategic development initiatives across all sectors, emphasizing the government's commitment to tangible progress. The Chief Minister's presence showed the project's national importance and the administration's focus on infrastructure development.
Dr. Sengeh articulated the broader significance of the Kent Port project, stating it serves as "a practical demonstration of how collaboration between Government and the private sector can translate development commitments into tangible results." He expressed profound enthusiasm for the investment, noting the journey from its inception to its current stage. "I am absolutely thrilled by this investment because it moved from an idea, to several meetings in and out of my office, to a Cabinet paper and now to reality. This is what we mean when we say together we will deliver," Dr. Sengeh remarked, noting the careful planning and inter-agency coordination involved. Dr. Sengeh further explained the immediate impetus for his visit: "Earlier this past week, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio emphasized the need to accelerate delivery across all sectors. He spoke about the investment Mohamed Gento Kamara is undertaking at Kent and I promised to visit. Today, together with officials from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, we have come to see the progress firsthand." This visit provided a direct oversight opportunity for the government, ensuring alignment with national development goals.
Project Details and Ambitions
The Kent Port project, a cornerstone of Sierra Leone's infrastructure development, is spearheaded by Sierra Leonean entrepreneur Mohamed Gento Kamara through the Gento Group of Companies. This significant development received full Cabinet and Parliamentary approval in 2024, paving the way for its implementation and signifying strong governmental backing. Kamara expressed immense pride in his involvement in such a transformative national undertaking, stating, "I feel proud as a Sierra Leonean to undertake this project. The construction work is already employing hundreds of young Sierra Leoneans and, upon completion, it will create even more employment opportunities. This port will contribute significantly to the industrialization of Sierra Leone." His statement shows the dual impact of the project: immediate job creation and long-term economic diversification.
Once completed, the seaport is expected to transform the Kent and Banana Island area into a major maritime and logistics hub, significantly enhancing Sierra Leone's regional trade capabilities. The Banana Island coastline notably possesses a natural depth of approximately 22 metres, a characteristic that supports its suitability for a significant port facility capable of accommodating large vessels. This natural advantage is a key factor in the port's strategic positioning and potential for future expansion. Kamara provided an update on the project's timeline, indicating that while the facility will not be fully completed by December, the aim is to have "the arrival of the first vessel before the end of the year." He added that this ambitious target is contingent on "Government fulfills its side of the agreement," noting the collaborative nature of the endeavor and the need for continued government support. This partial operationalization would mark a critical milestone in the project's development.
The strategic location of the new port also addresses existing logistical challenges that have long burdened the nation's supply chain. Current statistics reveal that between 30 and 35 percent of containers currently handled at the Port of Freetown are destined for rural Sierra Leone, suggesting a significant demand for alternative, more efficient distribution points outside the congested capital. The new seaport aims to streamline this process, potentially reducing transit times and costs for goods reaching various parts of the country, thereby boosting economic activity in underserved regions. This decentralization of port operations is expected to have a cascading positive effect on national logistics and trade efficiency.
Developer's Financial Concerns
The Kent Port project's first operational phase is anticipated to become active by December 2026, marking a key moment in its development trajectory. Mohamed Gento Kamara's Gento Group has demonstrated substantial commitment, having invested US$30 million into the project, secured through commercial bank financing. However, an additional US$45 million is required to finalize the development of the Kent–Banana Island Seaport, showing the substantial capital investment necessary for such a large-scale infrastructure project. Under the terms of the concession agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone holds a 10 percent equity stake in the project, reflecting a public-private partnership model designed to share both risks and rewards. The commercial loan obtained by the Gento Group carries a significant interest rate of 22 percent, a factor that adds considerable financial pressure and notes the need for timely project completion and operationalization to generate revenue. Currently, the project employs more than 600 workers, contributing significantly to local employment and skill development within the region. The developer's call for government support is directly linked to these financial realities and the desire to mitigate high borrowing costs.
Government Commitment and Vision
A high-level Government delegation, comprising key ministerial and port authority officials, visited the construction site on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to review ongoing work and reaffirm their commitment. The delegation included Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq. Along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Reverend Kwame Yankson, and the Harbour Master of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Captain Alpha Yayah Bangura. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq. Noted his satisfaction with the development, stating, "I visited this site when implementation commenced last year and today’s visit has made me proud of the remarkable progress achieved." His remarks reflect the consistent monitoring and support from the government since the project's inception.
The project has drew significant support, receiving both Parliamentary backing and endorsements from several civil society organizations, indicating broad national consensus on its importance. Minister Turay emphasized the government's key role in sustaining this momentum and ensuring the project's success. "We have all seen the employment opportunities this project has created for our young people," he stated, adding, "Our responsibility now is to ensure Government delivers the agreed support so that the project can move forward as planned." This statement reinforces the government's understanding of its obligations under the concession agreement and its dedication to fostering economic growth through infrastructure.
The expansion at Kent comes at a critical juncture for Sierra Leone's maritime sector, as cargo volumes at the Port of Freetown have reportedly increased by more than 170 percent in recent years. This dramatic surge notes the growing demand for strong port infrastructure within Sierra Leone and shows the potential strategic importance of additional facilities like the Kent–Banana Island Seaport in handling the nation's rising maritime trade. The government's unwavering commitment to the project aims to facilitate its timely completion and operationalization, ensuring Sierra Leone is well-equipped to manage its expanding trade needs and capitalize on its strategic coastal position. The Chief Minister's visit, alongside other key officials, serves as a powerful testament to this national priority.