The Chief’s Diary: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority – a gateway and a lens into Sierra Leone’s transformation.
I did an unannounced visit today at the SLPHA. Here are a few takeaways.
- A 158% increase in containers between 2023 and 2024 demonstrates beyond effective leadership, it shows how our economy is expanding
- A 37% increase in export containers (processed timber, oil, coffee, cocoa, minerals, etc) shows beyond trade, it points to our steady forex numbers and appreciation of our currency.
- Out of 135,000 containers annually, we have only a handful (all, intercepted) containers with drugs or contraband showing how secure our ports are
- With 36% gender compliance at management level, the youngest ever leadership and well capacitated and certified staff, SLPHA is an example of public sector transformation in Sierra Leone
- In the last two years, SLPHA and NCP has paid about $11m from concession fees to GoSL, demonstrating value for money and excellent partnership with investors
- Even with an increase in allowable days for demurrage (3 to 7 days), expanded period for auctions (some have spent 500 days beyond allowed 90 days), and a 60% port occupancy, the Sierra Leone Port is rated as one of the best performing in West Africa.
- During the tour today, all 8 berths were occupied with ships and more waiting to dock. Economic transformation.
- Digitization plans for single window and other investments by the government will only continue to improve service delivery.
When I say together #WeAreDelivering, this is what I mean. It’s beyond numbers, headlines, and intentions, DG Yankuba Bio and team are delivering!
