COMPILED BY: JAMES KAMARA-MANNEH
The World Bank Board has approved a $74 million International Development Association (IDA) grant aimed at enhancing climate-resilient transport connectivity and agricultural market access in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Connectivity and Agricultural Market Infrastructure Project (CAMIP) seeks to improve all-season connectivity and access to jobs, markets, and services, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure deficits have significantly hindered economic progress.
Alhaji Fanday Turay, Minister of Transport and Aviation for Sierra Leone, emphasized the project’s alignment with the government’s ‘Big 5 Game Changers’ initiative, particularly the ‘FEED SALONE’ Agenda. He highlighted that the construction of climate-resilient transport and agricultural market infrastructure is essential for ensuring food security and boosting local incomes. “Our collaboration with the World Bank on this project demonstrates our commitment to protecting our economy and people from climate risks. Enhancing our transport network and market infrastructure sets the stage for sustainable economic growth and social development,” Turay stated.
Sierra Leone’s transport sector remains significantly underdeveloped, with only 40% of primary roads paved and most secondary and feeder roads unpaved. Urban areas, particularly Freetown, face severe congestion and demand an efficient public transport system. Rural regions, often isolated by rivers, have limited access to all-season roads. The lack of bridges and reliance on manual cable ferries and canoes, which are frequently inoperable during the rainy season, further exacerbate this isolation.
Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone, noted the critical role of the transport and agricultural sectors in the country’s economic and social development. He stated, “This project addresses the urgent need for resilient infrastructure to withstand climate change challenges and unlock Sierra Leone’s agricultural potential. The partnership between ministries in this project symbolizes the extensive benefits of integrated multisectoral approaches for all citizens.”
Agriculture, contributing 59% of GDP and employing 43% of the population, is crucial for Sierra Leone’s inclusive economic growth. However, poor connectivity and infrastructure challenges, compounded by climate change, hinder productivity. The project’s agricultural market infrastructure interventions are expected to stimulate the local economy, reduce post-harvest losses, and create more jobs.
Hongye Fan, World Bank Transport Specialist and Task Team Leader, emphasized the significance of investing in climate-resilient transport and agricultural infrastructure. He explained, “Expanding high-capacity public transport services addresses traffic congestion and fosters a greener and safer transport system. Joint efforts with the agricultural sector ensure that investments in market facilities, rural bridges, and roads will empower farmers, particularly women, by providing the necessary infrastructure to thrive.”
The project is anticipated to benefit over three million people in both urban and rural areas, including institutional stakeholders. In Freetown, over one million urban residents will gain from improved transport infrastructure and services. Approximately two million rural inhabitants will benefit from new bridges, link roads, and market infrastructure in the districts of Bo, Moyamba, Tonkolili, and Karene.
The Sierra Leone Connectivity and Agricultural Market Infrastructure Project aligns with the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF, 2021-2026) for Sierra Leone and the Global Crisis Response Framework (GCRF), contributing to economic diversification and resilience. It also complements Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP, 2024-2030), which prioritizes Food Security as a major flagship.
The approval of this grant marks a significant step towards addressing Sierra Leone’s infrastructure deficits, enhancing economic growth, and improving the livelihoods of its citizens amidst the challenges posed by climate change.