Oluniyi Robin Coker, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, officially endorsed the Gento Group's proposed ports development project on 20 October 2026. This infrastructure initiative targets the expansion of maritime facilities located at Kent and Banana Island. The Chamber of Commerce identified the project as a significant development for the nation's trade capacity. By supporting the construction plans, the organization aims to facilitate future economic activity within the region. The Gento Group remains the primary developer for the site, which is expected to change the local maritime landscape. Representatives from the business community attended the announcement to review the project details provided by the firm. Officials expect the new port sites to increase logistical efficiency for local and international shipping operations. The endorsement from the Chamber of Commerce serves as a formal recognition of the project’s potential to bolster the national trade infrastructure. By aligning with the Gento Group, the Chamber of Commerce seeks to ensure that the development meets the requirements of a modern maritime hub capable of handling increased cargo volumes.
Strategic Infrastructure Development Plans
Export goals for the Gento Group project include the shipment of granite to neighbouring West African nations. This focus on mineral logistics aligns with the broader maritime expansion planned for the Kent and Banana Island sites. The Gento Group project aims to facilitate the export of granite to neighbouring West African countries, utilizing the enhanced capacity of the new port infrastructure. This strategic focus on mineral exports is intended to create a steady stream of trade activity, positioning the facilities as a central node for regional logistics. The development of these sites is viewed as a vital step in modernizing the infrastructure necessary to support such large-scale commodity movements.
Freetown will host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 from 17 November to 18 November 2026. Organizers anticipate that the summit will draw notable business figures, specifically Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote. WAIIS 2026 is expected to attract prominent business leaders including Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, who are slated to participate in discussions regarding regional investment opportunities. Participation levels for the gathering are expected to include between five and seven Heads of State. The summit anticipates the attendance of five to seven Heads of State, noting the diplomatic and economic significance of the event for the region.
Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, Special Envoy for WAIIS 2026, clarified the objective of the upcoming event. "WAIIS is not a pledging conference. It is an investment conference where private and public sector institutions have designed projects, and bankers and investment institutions are ready to invest in them," he stated. The focus remains on actionable investment outcomes, with the Gento Group project serving as a primary example of the type of infrastructure development that the summit aims to support. By bringing together key figures such as Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote alongside international bankers, the summit organizers intend to provide a platform where capital can be directed toward viable, large-scale projects. The presence of five to seven Heads of State further shows the commitment of regional governments to facilitate the growth of private sector-led infrastructure initiatives like those proposed for Kent and Banana Island.
