By Mahmoud Kamara,
Information Officer, Ministry of Transport and Aviation
Freetown, August 28, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic and economic engagement, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, welcomed a high-level delegation from Egypt’s Arab Contractors Company to discuss collaboration in the country’s transport and infrastructure sectors. The delegation, led by Ing. Hassan Ibrahim, Board Member, and Ing. Osama El-Dasouki, Director of Maasara Shipyard, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas such as regional transport corridors, bridge and airport construction, and the manufacturing of sea transport ferries.
The discussions centered on enhancing Sierra Leone’s transport network to improve connectivity within West Africa. Key proposals included the development of a stronger regional network of bridges and roads, which would reduce travel times for goods and people, as well as the construction of airports to support growing demand for air travel in the country’s tourism and trade sectors. Minister Turay expressed strong support for these initiatives, recognizing their potential to boost regional integration and economic ties.
The delegation also explored the possibility of establishing local ferry production capabilities, given Sierra Leone’s reliance on sea transport. A modern ferry-building facility would enhance the country’s maritime infrastructure, benefiting both passenger and cargo transportation. The Egyptian delegation, with its extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, expressed interest in contributing to Sierra Leone’s maritime modernization efforts.
Minister Turay emphasized the importance of international partnerships in driving Sierra Leone’s transport sector forward. He expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit and highlighted the potential for future collaborations that will benefit both Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
Following their meeting at the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the delegation visited the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) and the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA). They discussed the ongoing modernization of port operations and how their expertise could support the growth of Sierra Leone’s maritime sector. The visit underscored the need for modern infrastructure to meet the growing demands of trade and transport in Sierra Leone.
