By: Aminata Turay
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has described the unveiling of the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port as a defining moment for the country’s fisheries sector and blue economy.
Representing His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the official launch in Bintumani, the Vice President welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Mr. Liu Guozhong and his delegation. Dr. Jalloh noted that the project was a testament to the strong and productive partnership between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.
Dr. Jalloh expressed deep appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued support, particularly the $55 million grant that made the construction of the state-of-the-art industrial fishing port possible. He emphasized that the new facility would revolutionize the fishing industry by improving fleet operations, vessel repairs, fish processing, and export activities, while creating new opportunities for local businesses and communities.
The Vice President further highlighted that the project aligns with Sierra Leone’s National Blue Economy Strategy, which aims to unlock the full potential of the country’s marine resources. He explained that the industrial port would not only enhance national revenue generation but also promote sustainable fisheries management and climate resilience.
VP Juldeh Jalloh concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable, and inclusive fishing sector that would support local livelihoods and contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
Chinese Vice Premier Mr. Liu Guozhong commended the launch of the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port as a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and China. Mr. Liu highlighted the deep, traditional friendship shared by the two nations, noting decades of collaboration in fisheries, agriculture, resource assessment, and human capacity development.
He emphasized that these efforts had not only created jobs but also promoted development and improved livelihoods in local communities. He also pointed out that these collaborations laid the foundation for further growth in trade and investment.
Mr. Liu referred to recent policy initiatives, including agreements on economic partnership and the export of wild aquaculture products, which have strengthened bilateral cooperation in fisheries. He expressed confidence that the industrial fishing port, once fully operational, would continue to support the growth of the local fishing industry, foster sustainable trade, and provide tangible benefits to both nations.
In his closing remarks, the Vice Premier wished the project every success and reaffirmed China’s commitment to shared development and mutual prosperity.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, noted that the unveiling of the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port at Black Johnson marked a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s blue economy. She explained that the $55 million Chinese-funded project was a strategic investment that reflected the strong partnership between Sierra Leone and China, with the goal of modernizing the fisheries sector, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating jobs for local communities.
The Minister revealed that the port would feature a 500-meter quay, a 3,000-square-meter basin, administrative offices, and a trading market, with a capacity of 20,000 metric tons of fish. She also highlighted that the project would open up opportunities for private sector investment in fish processing, ice production, net manufacturing, and marine tourism, positioning Sierra Leone as a regional hub for fisheries trade and value addition.
