By Mahmoud Kamara
Alexandria, Egypt – July 10, 2025
The Managing Director of Sierra Leone’s National Shipping Company, Mark Mustaph Lissa, has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to advancing regional connectivity through maritime trade and logistics, with Egypt, following a high-level series of bilateral meetings and infrastructure tours in Cairo and Alexandria.
Lissa, who was part of the official Sierra Leonean delegation led by Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, participated in strategic discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in shipping, port development, and maritime safety.
Speaking during a presentation at Alexandria Port, Mr. Lissa emphasized Sierra Leone’s strategic role as a West African maritime hub and called for stronger collaboration to open new sea routes and enhance regional logistics.
“Sierra Leone is well positioned to connect West Africa to North Africa and beyond,” said Lissa. “A direct shipping link between Freetown and Egyptian ports such as Alexandria or Damietta would not only reduce trade barriers but also unlock immense economic potential for both countries.”
The talks, held with Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Industry, General Kamel El-Wazir, culminated in several concrete outcomes, including Egypt’s commitment to support direct shipping line development and provide technical assistance in port operations.
The Sierra Leone delegation also toured key Egyptian transport infrastructure, including the High-Speed Rail station, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) facilities in Cairo, as well as the advanced terminals and maritime safety systems at Alexandria Port.
In Alexandria, Rear Admiral Hussein Elgheziry, Head of the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety, welcomed the Sierra Leonean officials and praised the deepening ties, noting Egypt’s readiness to collaborate on training, port management, and private-sector-led investment.
“We are keen to expand our maritime relationship with Sierra Leone and the wider West African region,” Admiral Elgheziry said.
The visit also included discussions on establishing fully funded training programs for Sierra Leonean maritime professionals and plans for dry docking and coastal ferry development to serve the Freetown–Lungi corridor and surrounding regions.
Lissa’s remarks highlighted Sierra Leone’s broader ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signaling a clear intent to position the country as a key logistics and shipping gateway for the subregion.
“This is not just about moving goods,” he noted. “It’s about building long-term regional connectivity, strengthening infrastructure, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.”
With frameworks for joint action now in place, Sierra Leone and Egypt are expected to begin technical consultations and feasibility planning for shipping routes and capacity-building initiatives in the coming months.
