In a landmark event for Sierra Leone’s economic landscape, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially inaugurated the CTC Multi-Functional Seaport, a cutting-edge facility developed by CTC Ports and Logistics Limited. Situated in Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko District, this privately constructed and operated seaport is set to significantly boost the nation’s mineral export capacity and forge vital connections between local producers and global trade networks.
At the commissioning ceremony, President Bio expressed his deep appreciation for the management and staff of CTC Mining and CTC Ports and Logistics, commending their rapid and transformative efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
He proudly highlighted that CTC Ports and Logistics is 50% Sierra Leonean-owned, showcasing the importance of local investment and participation in large-scale infrastructure initiatives. The President noted that since CTC Mining was awarded the Port Loko Bauxite Concession in November 2022, the company has made remarkable progress, launching vessel exports and constructing a major export seaport in record time.
“The determination of these companies to deliver results is incredible,” President Bio remarked, emphasizing the critical role that private sector investment plays in national development.
The President took the opportunity to outline his government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment. He spoke about the various incentives, enhanced security measures, and infrastructure improvements being implemented to make Sierra Leone an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors. He urged Paramount Chiefs and local leaders to safeguard these investments, underlining that peace and stability are essential for long-term economic growth.
“This seaport is expected to bring global trade routes closer to our producers by linking our mineral exports to international markets,” President Bio declared. He shared optimistic projections from CTC Mining, which anticipates exporting five million tonnes of bauxite this year, with plans to increase that figure to 7.5 million tonnes in the following year. Such growth is expected to significantly enhance national revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic expansion across the country.
While celebrating the significant investment represented by the seaport, President Bio also challenged CTC Mining to look beyond the exportation of raw materials. He urged the company to consider local processing and refining of minerals to foster domestic industry. “We must move from merely feeding global industries to building our own,” he asserted. The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to value addition, local content policies, and ensuring that Sierra Leoneans are equipped with the necessary skills to manage and innovate within large-scale investments.
Mr. Hisham Mackie, the Chief Executive Officer of CTC Mining, echoed the President’s sentiments, praising his visionary leadership. He described the seaport as a manifestation of President Bio’s ‘Tok and Do’ philosophy, which emphasizes action and accountability. Mr. Mackie explained that the decision to construct and operate their port was motivated by a desire to enhance Sierra Leone’s trade logistics and forge long-term partnerships aimed at increasing the nation’s export potential.
During his address, Mr. Mackie revealed that the new port features a 32-kilometer dedicated haul road and a fully equipped export terminal, operating as part of an integrated logistics network designed through collaboration with both national and international partners.
In attendance at the ceremony was His Excellency Qing Wang, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, who hailed the commissioning of the seaport as a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructural transformation. He noted that the project reflects the fruitful outcomes of President Bio’s recent visit to China and reaffirmed the importance of Sierra Leone–China cooperation as a foundation for continued development.
The inauguration of the CTC Multi-Functional Seaport marks a transformative leap in Sierra Leone’s aspirations to expand its role in regional and global trade. Through sustainable infrastructure and strategic public-private partnerships, the seaport stands as a new beacon of hope, promising to connect local producers to the vast opportunities offered by international markets and paving the way for a more prosperous future for Sierra Leone.
