By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, has arrived in Algiers to represent the country at the 44th Annual General Meeting and Symposium of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank. This key continental event serves as a platform for policy dialogue, partnership building, and innovation in housing and urban development across Africa.
Dr. Senesie landed in the Algerian capital on the evening of Sunday, July 13, and was warmly received by Algeria’s Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, Mr. Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, along with Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Algeria.
The symposium, held under the theme “Self-Reliance and Sovereignty in the Housing Industry in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges,” brings together ministers, policymakers, investors, and sector experts from across the continent. It aims to promote strategic collaboration in addressing Africa’s housing deficit, which is estimated at over 56 million units.
Ahead of the official proceedings, Dr. Senesie reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to implementing sustainable, innovative, and inclusive housing policies. “This gathering is an opportunity not only to share Sierra Leone’s progress in land reforms and housing delivery,” he stated, “but also to build strategic partnerships that can help us accelerate access to affordable housing for all.”
Dr. Senesie is scheduled to participate in high-level discussions focused on how African nations can develop localized solutions to housing challenges by utilizing domestic materials, enhancing urban planning, and strengthening land governance systems.
In addition to participating in the symposium’s main sessions, Minister Senesie has arranged a series of bilateral meetings with African and international stakeholders. These side engagements are aimed at exploring opportunities for technical cooperation, investment, and financial support for Sierra Leone’s housing initiatives particularly under the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP).
Accompanying him is Mr. Abdul Fonti, Community Engagement and Communication Specialist for SLLAP, who will assist in advancing the country’s housing development agenda and documenting key takeaways from the conference.
In recent years, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning has launched wide-ranging reforms to digitize land records, expand land access, and promote inclusive urban planning. These initiatives have earned international recognition and are positioning Sierra Leone as a leader in addressing housing and land administration challenges in West Africa.
The ministry emphasized its determination to translate lessons and partnerships from the symposium into tangible results for citizens. “As our cities grow, we must grow with them intelligently and inclusively,” Dr. Senesie remarked.
Updates from the symposium including key outcomes from bilateral meetings and partnership agreements will be shared as the conference continues.