The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Port of Freetown into a more competitive, resilient and modern maritime gateway following its participation in the 2026 World Ports Conference in London, United Kingdom.
Led by Director-General, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, the SLPHA delegation joined more than 700 port leaders and maritime industry stakeholders from over 60 countries at the conference, held from 3rd to 6th November 2026 at ICC Olympia, London. Organized by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the conference was held under the theme “Port Leadership for a Brave New World” and provided a global platform for discussions on the future of ports, international trade, sustainability, digital transformation and maritime security.
The SLPHA delegation comprised the Director-General, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio; Harbour Master, Mr. Alpha Yayah Bangura; IAPH/SLPHA Coordinator, Mr. Eustace D. O. Rogers; Deputy Director of Finance, Mr. Malcolm D. Leigh; and Deputy Director of Internal Audit and Compliance, Mrs. Michaela B. Cotay.
During the four-day conference, the delegation participated in high-level discussions and technical sessions covering shipping market outlook, port competitiveness, decarburization, digitalization and port security, including deliberations on the modernization of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. These discussions provided valuable insights into emerging global port management practices and the strategies ports are adopting to respond to changing trade patterns, technological advancements, environmental demands and evolving security threats.
A major highlight of SLPHA’s participation was its engagement with representatives of key international development and maritime institutions, including the World Bank Group, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Port of London, among others. The engagements provided an opportunity to explore areas of potential cooperation and further discussions on critical development priorities for Sierra Leone’s port sector.
Speaking on the engagements, Director-General Yankuba Askia Bio expressed optimism about the prospects for continued collaboration, particularly in advancing the development of a Port Master Plan and a Maritime Single Window. “We welcome these meetings with officials of the World Bank and the DBSA and look forward to further engagements in the areas of developing a Port Master Plan and a Maritime Single Window,” he stated.
The proposed areas of engagement are significant to SLPHA’s broader ambition of strengthening port planning, improving operational efficiency and embracing digital solutions that support a more competitive maritime environment. For SLPHA, participation in the World Ports Conference was not merely an opportunity to engage with international port authorities and industry leaders; it was also an avenue to learn, exchange experiences and identify opportunities that can support the ongoing modernization of the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. The conference’s focus on resilience, sustainability and smart port operations aligns with the Authority’s priorities of promoting safer, greener and more efficient port operations while strengthening the Port of Freetown’s competitiveness within the West African maritime industry.
The event also featured discussions on clean fuel infrastructure, emissions reduction, artificial intelligence and maritime intelligence, highlighting the growing importance of technology and environmental responsibility in the future of port operations. SLPHA’s participation underscores its determination to remain actively engaged in global maritime conversations, build strategic relationships and draw on international best practices in delivering on its mandate.
As Sierra Leone continues to pursue economic growth, trade facilitation and investment opportunities, the Authority remains committed to positioning the Port of Freetown as an efficient, secure and competitive gateway capable of supporting the country’s expanding trade and development aspirations.