By Fatima Kpaka
In a groundbreaking step toward transforming Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and economic landscape, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Transport and Aviation, led by Chairman Hon. Dixon Roger, convened a meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, with Gento Group of Companies to discuss its ambitious Banana Island Port and Railway Project. This visionary initiative aims to establish a world-class deep-sea port and a modern railway network, linking Sierra Leone’s mining regions to global trade routes.
The project, spearheaded by Gento Group CEO Mohamed Gento Kamara, has already garnered significant national and international interest, with strong bipartisan backing from Parliament. Kamara provided key updates on the initiative’s progress, emphasizing its economic potential, job creation prospects, and transformative impact on trade and logistics in West Africa.
CEO Kamara highlighted the natural advantages of Banana Island as the ideal location for a deepwater port. The port’s natural depth of over 22 meters makes it one of the deepest in the region, eliminating the need for costly dredging—a significant competitive advantage over other West African ports. This depth allows it to accommodate the largest cargo ships that currently bypass Sierra Leone for other regional hubs.
Dr. Obai Kargbo, the Project Ports Manager, elaborated on the geographical and environmental benefits of the location. He noted that Banana Island’s natural wave and tidal conditions provide a sheltered harbor, reducing the need for artificial breakwaters. He pointed to the success of Togo’s Lomé Port, which, despite a shallower depth of 18 meters, has significantly boosted Togo’s economy by attracting major shipping lines. With its superior depth and strategic positioning, Banana Island Port is well-positioned to outperform regional competitors and establish Sierra Leone as a key maritime hub.
A crucial component of the project is the integration of a railway network that will seamlessly connect mining regions to the new port. Gento Group’s engineering team revealed that feasibility studies are being finalized to ensure the railway system is optimized for modern transportation needs. This railway is expected to:
- Facilitate the efficient export of mineral resources, boosting the mining sector.
- Reduce transportation costs and road congestion, improving overall logistics efficiency.
- Enhance regional connectivity, positioning Sierra Leone as a trade gateway to the international market.
Kamara stressed that this integrated port and rail system will significantly enhance Sierra Leone’s trade capacity, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits across multiple industries.
The initial estimated cost of the project was $1.5 billion, but after detailed feasibility studies conducted by MTBS, a globally recognized maritime consultancy, the figure has been adjusted to $2.7 billion to accommodate state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern equipment.
Importantly, Kamara clarified that this is a private sector-led investment, with Gento Group currently engaging in a global investment roadshow to secure funding from international financiers and port operators. The Sierra Leonean government holds a 10% stake, ensuring national ownership while avoiding financial strain on public resources.
Kamara expressed confidence in attracting global investors, noting that early discussions with major shipping lines and port operators have been promising. He emphasized that this project will increase Sierra Leone’s GDP, following the model of successful infrastructure investments in other West African nations.
Members of Parliament, recognizing the transformative potential of the project, voiced strong bipartisan support. Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation, Hon. Dixon Roger, described the initiative as one of the most promising economic agreements in Sierra Leone’s recent history.
“This project has the full backing of Parliament. We urge the government at all levels to facilitate its success, as it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and position Sierra Leone as a major player in global trade,” Hon. Roger stated.
Other MPs echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the project aligns with Sierra Leone’s national development goals and will serve the long-term interests of the country.
Gento Group’s Banana Island Port and Railway Project represents more than just infrastructure development—it is a bold vision for Sierra Leone’s future. With its strategic location, natural advantages, and strong investor interest, the project is poised to redefine Sierra Leone’s role in the global economy.
As Gento Group moves into the next phase of securing international partnerships, the excitement surrounding this initiative continues to grow. With the right collaborations, investment, and government support, this project has the potential to transform Sierra Leone into a key logistics and trade hub in West Africa—unlocking unprecedented economic opportunities for the nation and its people.