Mohamed Gento Kamara, Chairman and CEO Of Gento Group of Companies (SL) LimitedGento Group, a pioneering local company led by visionary Chairman and CEO Mohamed Gento Kamara, is at the heart of Sierra Leone’s infrastructure renaissance. Gento Group is leading transformative projects, including the ambitious Banana Island Port, that are poised to reshape the country’s economic landscape. Mohamed Gento-Kamara’s journey exemplifies tenacity and drive. Kamara, a British Sierra Leonean, began his business career in South London, where he ran three mobile phone retail stores. His venture into real estate investments in Manchester, in collaboration with a UK company, laid the groundwork for his future endeavours. However, he decided to return to Sierra Leone in the early 2000s, which marked a watershed moment in his life. Driven by a strong desire to help the country recover from the devastating civil war, Kamara focused on infrastructure projects that could inspire hope and progress. “The then-president asked me to stay and inspire young people, demonstrating that war is not an option and that they can improve their lives,” he recalls.
Gento Group of Companies (SL) Limited now has reporting assets exceeding US$150 million, a remarkable feat that demonstrates the company’s significant impact on the nation’s development.
Among its early projects was the massive transformation of Hill Station and Hill Cot Road, which were notorious for their difficult conditions. Kamara reflects on this accomplishment, stating, “The transformation from its former state to its current form was profound,” emphasising the tangible benefits these projects have provided to the community. Gento Group has firmly established itself as a key player in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development over the past decade, with Kamara proudly stating that “Gento Group became the face of local content in Sierra Leone.”
The Banana Island Port Project is at the forefront of Gento Group’s initiatives, with great potential for improving global trade connectivity. According to Kamara, the port’s strategic advantages include its natural depth of 22 meters and proximity to the Atlantic shipping route, which gives it a distinct advantage in terms of capacity and sailing time. This unique positioning establishes Banana Island as a prime destination for large vessels, allowing Sierra Leone to significantly reduce freight costs and strengthen trade ties with Asia, America, and Europe.
The Banana Island Port Project is supported by a 25-year renewable concession agreement with the government, and construction on the logistics hub has already begun. The development of the island’s ports is expected to begin by the end of this year, representing a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s maritime industry. Along with the port’s development, Gento Group has made long-term contributions to the island’s social infrastructure by building critical facilities such as a hospital, community centre, and secondary school. “We are confident that this port will transform Sierra Leone’s economy, bringing about undeniable change, particularly by creating job opportunities,” Kamara says, emphasising the project’s potential to boost the local economy and elevate Sierra Leone’s global standing. The port is expected to be fully operational by 2028, ushering in a new era for the region’s maritime industry.
In addition to the Banana Island project, Gento Group is making significant progress in urban development with its Waterloo Township Projects. These initiatives aim to improve urban infrastructure and provide a more sustainable living environment for residents. Kamara also mentions the company’s quarry operations near Tombo, where they are looking into the possibility of exporting high-quality granite stones to The Gambia. This diversification strategy is consistent with the firm’s efforts to meet regional demand for essential construction materials.
Gento Group is actively developing rental housing on the Peninsula and plans to enter the property sales market by 2026. “Over the years, we have worked with multiple governments to create jobs and drive economic growth,” Kamara says, emphasising the company’s role in fostering local content and contributing to the country’s long-term development.
Kamara describes Gento Group’s transformative impact on Sierra Leone’s economy, emphasising the importance of infrastructure projects in boosting investor confidence and creating opportunities for both local and international businesses. “Gento Group has restored confidence in Sierra Leone’s economy, transforming a landscape previously dominated by foreign interests. We have changed the narrative by demonstrating that local businesses can lead the way in reshaping Sierra Leone’s economic future.”
Kamara discusses Sierra Leone’s potential as an investment destination, citing the country’s abundance of untapped mineral, tourism, and infrastructure resources. “Sierra Leone is a virgin state with enormous untapped potential,” he claims, emphasising that projects like the Banana Island Port are critical to realising these opportunities. The port provides investors with a unique opportunity to be a part of Sierra Leone’s bright future, and Kamara’s vision for Gento Group demonstrates a commitment to driving long-term growth and development in the country.
Gento Group continues to lead the charge in infrastructure development, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for Sierra Leone, demonstrating the power of local enterprise to shape the country’s economic future.
