Sierra Leone’s Parliament approved an Offshore Bulk Handling Concession Agreement on November 25, 2025. The agreement aims to modernise the country’s offshore transhipment capacity, increase revenue, create jobs, and improve maritime security and environmental practices.
The agreement, titled Offshore Bulk Handling Concession Agreement and dated November 10, 2025, is between the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone (GoSL), and Sierra Bulk Handling Limited (SBH). SBH, a newly formed company owned by indigenous Sierra Leoneans, will handle offshore consignments for transhipment in Sierra Leonean waters, with SLPHA providing support and supervision.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation Rex Bonapha presented the accord to lawmakers, emphasising that offshore transhipment is one of SLPHA’s core functions, but it has historically been unable to carry out due to significant investment requirements. He stated that the concession will allow SBH to take over those operations, allowing the country to capture value and visibility from activities that were previously carried out by private operators with limited resources flowing into government coffers.
“The company is newly formed by indigenous compatriots to render commercialising activities through offshore bulk handling services,” the Deputy Minister told Parliament, emphasising that the arrangement is intended to bring private capital and expertise to an activity that SLPHA has been unable to fund internally. He also informed MPs that the investor will provide 100% of the required capital and that the agreement will have no direct cost to the government.
Deputy Minister Bonapha outlined the concession’s expected benefits, which include increased revenue, job creation, improved offshore security, enhanced environmental protection, and improved data collection at sea. He also revealed financial projections for the deal, stating that “250 million USD will be paid in ninety days after the agreement is passed,” and indicating that the amount would be paid annually to the government. He highlighted expected revenue streams from mining companies and other commercial entities using transhipment services.
The agreement received cross-party support during the debate. Chief Whip Hon. Dickson Rogers described the concession as the first of its kind, as it would not cost the government money while providing significant economic benefits. Rogers stated that the move is consistent with President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to job creation and increasing local ownership of strategic economic activities.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition, also expressed approval, saying he welcomed the investment because Sierra Leoneans are the primary investors.
He emphasised the potential for positive outcomes in environmental protection, safety, and transparency at import and export facilities. We highlighted the potential for positive outcomes in environmental protection, safety, and transparency in import and export facilities. Weak controls — but we concluded that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business, concluded the debate by clarifying several clauses in the concession, such as how projected revenues were calculated, the role of the private sector in implementation, and provisions relating to the waiver of specific consumables. He explained stabilisation clauses designed to deal with unforeseen circumstances and emphasised that the agreement includes provisions to combat offshore criminal activity such as drug trafficking and prevent sea pollution. Nyuma emphasised the importance of strong oversight as the concession moves into implementation.
Responding to MPs’ questions and reservations during the session, Deputy Minister Bonapha assured Parliament that the government would address outstanding issues and incorporate improvements deemed necessary for the concession’s successful implementation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and oversight as the investor began operations under the new agreement.
The concession agreement is now ready for implementation, having been ratified by parliament. Proponents argue that the deal will increase foreign direct investment, strengthen Sierra Leone’s control over offshore transhipment, and generate fiscal benefits for national development. Critics and supporters alike will be watching closely to ensure that promised revenues, environmental safeguards, and security measures are met as the project is implemented.
