The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, on Thursday 16th July 2026 signed a joint venture Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding with ZHEJAING XIEHAI GROUP OF COMPANIES for the operationalization of the moribund Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency (SLNSA).
The historic agreement was signed at the Ministry’s conference room, Youyi Building, Brookfields in Freetown.
The agreement, described as one of the best for the country in addition to the fact that the competitive bidding process was rigid, has no financial burden on the government and people of Sierra Leone as the company will provide the capital for the operationalization of the agreement.
Furthermore, the agreement is a significant milestone for the country to own its own sea vessels as it was revealed that since its founding in 1977, it only had three vessels that are no long seaworthy.
Among others, the company will also establish a Marine Training School in the country.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim said negotiations to finalize the agreement have been ongoing since 2023 to among others make use of Sierra Leone’s untapped natural resources, create employment, train locals, generate foreign exchange for the country as well as provide long term opportunities for the country and the people.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay enlightened that the signing of the agreement is a significant milestone in the history of the country, especially the maritime sector, that it would position Sierra Leone for competitive global trade and investment, commended Sierra Leone’s Ambassador in China for the initiative reiterating that the national carrier has been struggling over the years and described the agreement as a rebirth of Sierra Leone’s global shipping industry.
According to the Minister, SLNSA is responsible to carry 40% of cargo in the country.
He also recalled 2023 when President Julius Maada Bio visited China and appealed to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to look for a company that will work with the SLNSA and transform it from its moribund state revealing that ZHEJAING XIEHAI GROUP OF COMPANIES is the third largest in China with 50 vessels and an annual turnover of $300 million.
The Minister also disclosed that rigorous due process was followed with the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the National Public Procurement Authority, the Ministry of Finance as well as Cabinet before the agreement was signed and that it will also be tabled in Parliament.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Kwamie Yankson, the Director General of the SLNSA, Mr. Mark Lissa, representatives of the company and other stakeholders made similar statements.
