Sierra Leone’s Cabinet has approved development financing packages worth approximately US$73.8 million to support affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security and job creation, while also endorsing major reforms in land administration, pensions and the mining sector.
The approvals were announced by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.
The largest financing package approved by Cabinet is a US$40 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for the implementation of the Sustainable Agriculture Value Chain Intensification for Growth Project. According to Minister Bah, the initiative will promote climate-smart agriculture, enhance value addition and market access, expand digital agricultural services, improve access to finance and attract greater private-sector investment into the sector.
He disclosed that the project is expected to directly benefit nearly 100,000 farmers, including approximately 40,000 women and 30,000 young people, while contributing to increased agricultural productivity and rural economic growth.
Cabinet also approved approximately US$23.8 million from the African Development Fund for the first phase of the Sierra Leone Rice Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Project. The project is designed to support climate-resilient rice production, strengthen local processing capacity and competitiveness, improve food security and nutrition, and increase incomes for farmers across the country.
Minister Bah said the initiative will establish an agro-industrial hub alongside Agricultural Transformation Centres, with particular emphasis on empowering women and young people. He noted that the investment aligns with the Government’s Feed Salone agenda and is expected to boost rice production and processing while generating employment opportunities.
In the housing sector, Cabinet approved a US$10 million concessional loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to enable Sierra Leone to acquire additional shares in the Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
The Minister explained that the investment is intended to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position within the institution and improve access to financing for affordable housing, urban development and related infrastructure projects. He added that the Minister of Finance has been directed to submit the agreement to Parliament for ratification.
Beyond the financing approvals, Cabinet endorsed Sierra Leone’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Tourism Executive Council for the 2027–2031 term. Government officials believe membership on the Council would provide the country with a stronger voice in shaping global tourism policies while supporting efforts to create jobs, increase foreign-exchange earnings and enhance Sierra Leone’s profile as a tourism destination.
To advance the campaign, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has been directed to establish an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate the country’s bid.
Cabinet also approved a comprehensive review of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) Act of 2001, replacing it with a proposed National Social Security and Pensions Authority Act, 2026.
According to Minister Bah, the proposed legislation seeks to modernise Sierra Leone’s pension framework by reflecting changes in the labour market, including the growing number of self-employed workers, micro-enterprises and individuals engaged in digital employment. The reforms are expected to strengthen governance, transparency and service delivery while safeguarding contributors’ benefits and improving the long-term sustainability of the pension system.
“The existing law is 25 years old and requires updating to reflect current labour-market realities,” the Minister stated, adding that the proposed legislation will be presented to Parliament for consideration.
In the mining sector, Cabinet approved the designation of selected mineral assets to the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation for identification, development and management. The move is intended to strengthen structured state participation in mineral exploration and development.
Minister Bah noted that the designated assets will be submitted to Parliament for approval before any allocation is made to the Corporation.
Cabinet further approved the Land Adjudication Bill and Land Title Registration Regulations, marking a significant milestone in efforts to reform Sierra Leone’s land administration system.
The proposed reforms will facilitate the systematic registration of land titles under both customary and formal tenure systems, strengthen the protection of land rights and establish a unified National Land Register. The reforms are also expected to introduce an online registration system that will improve accessibility and efficiency, including for Sierra Leoneans living abroad.
Minister Bah said the measures will help prospective land buyers verify ownership and title status before completing transactions, thereby reducing fraud and disputes associated with land ownership.
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has been directed to present the proposed legislation to Parliament, with Government expressing optimism that the reforms will be enacted before the end of the year.
The latest Cabinet decisions underscore the Government’s continued focus on agricultural transformation, housing development, institutional reform and improved governance as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and strengthen public service delivery across Sierra Leone.