By Hajaratu S. Bangura
The Cabinet of Sierra Leone has approved development-financing agreements worth approximately US$73.8 million to support affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, job creation and increased incomes for farmers.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, announced the decisions during the Government Weekly Press Conference at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. He said the approved investments form part of government’s efforts to expand economic opportunities and improve essential services for citizens.
Cabinet approved a US$10 million concessional loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa to enable Sierra Leone to acquire additional shares in Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
“This investment is aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s position in the bank and improving the country’s access to financing for affordable housing, urban development and related infrastructure,” Minister Bah stated.
The Minister of Finance has been instructed to present the agreement to Parliament for ratification.
Cabinet also approved approximately US$23.8 million from the African Development Fund for Phase One of the Sierra Leone Rice Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Project. The investment will support climate-resilient rice production, improve local processing and competitiveness, strengthen food security and nutrition and increase farmers’ incomes.
The project will also establish an agro-industrial hub and Agricultural Transformation Centres, with particular attention given to women and young people.
“Feed Salone remains a priority for this government. This project will improve rice production and processing, create jobs and strengthen the country’s food security,” he said.
Additionally, Cabinet approved a US$40 million grant-financing agreement with the International Development Association for the Sustainable Agriculture Value Chain Intensification for Growth Project.
The project will promote climate-smart agriculture, improve value addition and market access, support digital agricultural services, increase access to finance and attract private-sector investment. It is expected to directly benefit nearly 100,000 farmers, including approximately 40,000 women and 30,000 young people.
“This is another major decision taken by Cabinet. It will create opportunities for farmers, women and young people while attracting more private investment into agriculture,” the Minister noted.
Beyond the financing agreements, Cabinet approved Sierra Leone’s intention to seek a seat on the United Nations Tourism Executive Council for the 2027–2031 term. If successful, membership will give Sierra Leone a stronger voice in international tourism policy and support efforts to create jobs, earn foreign exchange and increase the country’s global visibility.
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has been directed to establish an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate the international campaign.
Cabinet further approved the comprehensive review and replacement of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust Act of 2001. The proposed legislation will be known as the National Social Security and Pensions Authority Act, 2026.
The new law will respond to changes in the labour market by extending consideration to self-employed workers, microenterprises and people engaged in digital forms of employment. It will also strengthen governance, transparency and service delivery while protecting contributors’ benefits and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the national pension scheme.
“The current law is 25 years old. The labour market has changed and the law must change to reflect those new realities,” he explained, adding that the proposed legislation would soon be tabled in Parliament.
On the mining sector, Cabinet approved the designation of certain mineral assets to the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation for identification, development and management.
The decision is intended to strengthen structured state participation and investment in mineral exploration and development. The designated assets will be submitted to Parliament for approval before being allocated to the Corporation.
Cabinet also approved the Land Adjudication Bill and Land Title Registration Regulations, marking a major step towards overhauling Sierra Leone’s land-administration system.
The reforms will facilitate the systematic registration of land titles under both formal and customary tenure, strengthen the protection of land rights and establish a unified National Land Register.
“All land information will be available in one place. If somebody offers you land for sale, you will be able to check the title and confirm the ownership,” he stated.
He said the proposed online land-registration system would protect citizens, including Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, from fraudulent transactions and make land administration more accessible, efficient and reliable.
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning will present the legislation to Parliament, with the government expressing hope that the reforms will become law before the end of the year.
