His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially commissioned the modern Sewa Grounds Market, located in the heart of Freetown’s Central Business District on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
President Bio also urged the National Social Security and Insurance Trust to build more markets nationwide.
The newly completed market complex features 1,544 marketing spaces, a car park, and a wide array of ancillary amenities, including 176 toilets, boreholes and water towers, a daycare centre, fire force and police posts, fire extinguishers, 76 large and medium lockup shops, 277 small shops, and 170 district shops. The market was constructed by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NaSSIT), funded by workers’ social security and pension contributions, marking a significant step in addressing the challenges of street trading in Freetown.
The Sewa Grounds Market is set to reduce street trading in the city centre by offering traders a dignified, safe, and secure environment for business. The complex is equipped with 24-hour security and CCTV cameras, ensuring the safety of traders, their goods, and customers.
In his keynote address, President Bio expressed appreciation to the management and staff of NaSSIT for delivering another “human-capital-driven development” in the trade sector.
The President noted that the Sewa Grounds Market project was inherited by his government but had been long overdue. He commended small business owners, especially women traders, for their resilience in working under harsh weather conditions with limited access to sanitation and security.
“This market is more than just a safe and dignified space for our traders,” the President emphasized. “It will boost the productivity of small and medium enterprises, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the local economy of Freetown.”
He further acknowledged his government’s recognition of the informal sector’s invaluable contribution to Sierra Leone’s economy. He disclosed plans to establish a pension scheme for informal workers, including petty traders, bike riders, and commercial drivers, with NaSSIT leading the initiative.
“This scheme will enhance the well-being and secure the future of our citizens, giving them the opportunity of a dignified retirement,” he assured.
In a major announcement that was warmly welcomed by traders, President Bio revealed that while NaSSIT had initially set the stall rent at NLe 12,000, his government had reduced it to NLe 6,000 per stall.
“This cost will remain the same until the end of my tenure in office. This is a demonstration of my government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for all Sierra Leoneans and supporting businesses to thrive,” the President affirmed.
He urged traders to be law-abiding, maintain cleanliness, and ensure free accessibility within and around the facility.
Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, Director-General of NaSSIT acknowledged the crucial role of scheme members’ contributions in the successful completion of the project. He pledged to maintain the facility at a high standard and assured that NaSSIT would expand its efforts by constructing more markets across the country.
“This has not been an easy journey,” Mr. Daboh said. “But we are grateful to His Excellency for his leadership and support in completing the Sewa Grounds Market.”
Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security described the commissioning as long overdue, noting that the project had been shaped by public feedback.
“This clearly demonstrates that President Bio is a listening leader. As a government, our actions are shaped by the voices and contributions of our people,” he remarked.
Minister Swaray congratulated NaSSIT’s management and board for bringing to fruition one of President Bio’s long-standing development priorities. He echoed the President’s challenge for NaSSIT to construct more markets nationwide and encouraged informal workers to enrol in NaSSIT schemes for their long-term security.
