By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, has opened new avenues of cooperation with Egypt’s Arab Contractors Company, as both parties explore potential investments in the country’s transport and infrastructure sectors. The engagement signals Sierra Leone’s growing efforts to enhance regional connectivity and modernize its national transport systems.
The high-level Egyptian delegation was led by Ing. Hassan Ibrahim, a Board Member of Arab Contractors, and Ing. Osama El-Dasouki, Director of Maasara Shipyard. During a strategic meeting held in Freetown, the delegation presented proposals for a range of development projects, including regional transport corridors, new bridge construction, airport infrastructure, and the local manufacturing of sea transport ferries.
Minister Turay emphasized that such initiatives have the potential to transform Sierra Leone’s internal and regional connectivity, significantly reduce travel time for goods and passengers, and position the country as a key player in West African integration. He welcomed the Egyptian firm’s expertise in large-scale construction and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing strategic partnerships aimed at boosting trade and tourism.
The Egyptian team also expressed interest in establishing local ferry-building facilities to strengthen Sierra Leone’s maritime infrastructure. According to the delegation, a modern shipyard could greatly enhance passenger and cargo transportation across the nation’s waterways.
Following the discussions, the delegation visited the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) and the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), where talks focused on port modernization and maritime sector development. Officials at both institutions stressed the urgent need to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demands of trade and sea transport.
In his closing remarks, Minister Turay thanked the Egyptian delegation for their visit and expressed optimism about future collaborations. He noted that international partnerships of this kind are vital to accelerating Sierra Leone’s transport sector development and advancing broader economic integration in the region.