Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority’s Director General, Yakuba Askia Bio
Sierra Leone’s Port of Freetown is on the verge of a digital revolution, thanks to a needs assessment mission that ran from May 26 to May 30. This mission has laid the groundwork for the implementation of a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system, which is a centralized digital platform that allows for seamless information exchange among the various stakeholders involved in ship arrivals, port operations, and departure. The MSW aims to streamline formalities and procedures, thereby reducing operational time and costs for maritime activities.
Since 1 January 2024, all IMO Member States are required to implement maritime single window systems in ports to enhance global shipping efficiency. The assessment mission in Sierra Leone was conducted by IMO consultants in collaboration with the Port of Freetown, key government ministries, public agencies such as customs and border control, and other relevant stakeholders. The mission concluded with a stakeholder meeting to review and validate the results.
A comprehensive report resulting from this mission will serve as the foundation for the continued development of Sierra Leone’s Maritime Single Window, aligning with IMO principles and guidelines while also addressing the need for compatible IT tools. This report will include key recommendations as well as pre-and post-activity surveys to assess stakeholder awareness of the MSW’s technical and operational requirements. This initiative, part of the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, represents a significant step towards modernizing the country’s maritime infrastructure.
