By Mackie M. Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s main seaport is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in its modern history following a major investment drive announced by Africa Global Logistics (AGL), aimed at repositioning the Port of Freetown as a competitive maritime gateway in West Africa.
During a media tour and engagement at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, AGL Regional Managing Director, Captain Fabjanko Kokan, unveiled an extensive modernization agenda valued at approximately $60 million, describing the project as a strategic effort to improve efficiency, expand cargo-handling capacity, and stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors of the country’s economy.
The investment comes at a time when Sierra Leone is seeking to strengthen its role in regional trade and attract larger volumes of international shipping and logistics business. Port congestion, aging infrastructure, and limited cargo-handling equipment have long been viewed as obstacles to the country’s maritime competitiveness, but AGL says the new investment will significantly change operational standards at the country’s busiest port.
As part of the 2026 expansion plan, the company has already introduced modern port equipment worth more than $5 million, all of which is currently being operated by trained Sierra Leonean personnel. According to Captain Kokan, 11 technical experts from Côte d’Ivoire were brought in to train local staff, ensuring that Sierra Leoneans take direct control of the new systems and machinery.
The larger phase of the project includes additional heavy-duty equipment valued at over $24 million. Among the acquisitions are a state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore crane worth $13.6 million, two Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes valued at $6.5 million, nine electric terminal tractors worth $2.2 million, as well as forklifts, reach stackers, and empty handlers designed to improve cargo movement and turnaround times at the port.
Beyond cargo operations, AGL is also investing heavily in infrastructure rehabilitation and energy modernization. The company plans to spend approximately $25 million on the rehabilitation of quays 3 to 6, an area considered critical for improving operational safety and accommodating increasing shipping activities.
Additional projects include the construction of a new administrative complex, a documentation center, expansion of paved operational areas, and the upgrade of the port’s power infrastructure. AGL is also introducing solar energy systems with close to one megawatt capacity in a move aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting environmentally sustainable port operations.
Captain Kokan emphasized that the company’s long-term strategy goes beyond infrastructure alone, stressing that human capital development remains central to AGL’s operations in Sierra Leone.
He disclosed that more than 99 percent of the company’s workforce consists of Sierra Leoneans, with deliberate efforts being made to increase women’s participation in technical and operational roles within the port sector.
In addition to its commercial investments, AGL is supporting social development initiatives in local communities, including the construction of a school in the Northern Province expected to double student enrollment capacity from 305 to over 600 pupils. The company is also involved in scholarship support, food assistance programs, and agricultural initiatives targeting vulnerable communities.
The Port of Freetown currently covers more than 213,000 square metres and serves as a critical hub for imports, exports, mining logistics, oil and gas operations, telecommunications equipment, and agricultural trade. With upgraded handling systems and expanded storage facilities, authorities believe the port could become a stronger regional logistics center capable of competing with larger West African ports.
