The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Monday, February 25, 2026, unanimously debated and ratified a series of key agreements between the Government of Sierra Leone and several international financial institutions and development partners aimed at strengthening infrastructure, water security, agriculture, regional integration and economic growth.
Presenting the agreements before the House, Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, described the approvals as a significant step toward expanding Sierra Leone’s development trajectory and enhancing its economic resilience.
Among the most prominent agreements ratified was a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement for the design and construction of the Lungi Hotel, Congress Centre and Presidential Villa Complex, including the operational management of the hotel facility. The agreement, signed on February 16, 2026, is between the Government of Sierra Leone and FB Group ULUSLARARASI YATIRIM VE DIS Ticaret Anonim Sirketi.
According to the Finance Minister, the project represents a $124 million investment aimed at constructing an ultra-modern facility capable of hosting major international conferences and global events. He explained that the financing arrangement is structured as a loan through a bank and will include the development of a hotel, a presidential villa and a conference complex in Lungi.
The Minister emphasized that the project is expected to enhance Sierra Leone’s global visibility, promote tourism and attract international engagements.
Parliament also ratified several financing and loan agreements with institutions including the International Development Association (IDA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
Key among them is a $40 million Financing Agreement for the Sierra Leone Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project, Phase One of a Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach. The project aims to strengthen water supply systems and improve access to safe water and sanitation services nationwide.
Lawmakers further approved additional financing for the Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West Africa Project, as well as grant support under the Global Environment Facility to strengthen implementation of the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions in African Least Developed Countries.
In the agriculture sector, Parliament ratified agreements relating to the West African Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) Phase Two, the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Programme (LLDP) and a facility agreement with BADEA to finance the importation of rice and food products.
A loan agreement for the construction of the Bauya–Bendu Road Project and a programme agreement under the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme Phase IV were also endorsed, further advancing regional connectivity and infrastructure expansion.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Hon. Keikura C. Vandy of Bo District, underscored the importance of resource mobilization for effective governance. He urged implementing agencies to ensure that approved agreements are utilized judiciously and transparently.
Hon. Keikura C. Vandy welcomed the water and livestock-related agreements, encouraging citizens to engage in agriculture to strengthen the national economy. He also commended the Finance Minister for his efforts in advancing economic reforms.
Whip of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District, called for intensified Government efforts to improve water supply nationwide and reduce dependence on imported goods through greater investment in livestock and local production. While acknowledging the significance of development initiatives, he questioned the immediate impact of the Lungi construction project on the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans, stressing that basic social services must remain a priority.
Deputy Opposition Leader 2, Hon. Aaron Koroma, raised concerns about delays in making documents available to Members of Parliament prior to ratification. He also noted the absence of clarity on the operational period of the Lungi agreement and called for improved revenue-sharing terms, suggesting that a 10 percent share appeared minimal. He urged Statistics Sierra Leone to remain professional and apolitical and encouraged the Ministry of Finance to prioritize concessional loan negotiations.
Concluding debate on behalf of the Government, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma, described the agreements as progressive and development-oriented. He highlighted the strategic importance of the Lungi Complex, noting that Lungi serves as Sierra Leone’s gateway and that the project would significantly boost the local economy.
He also referenced a separate project exceeding $50 million aimed at driving infrastructural and economic development in Bonthe District, affirming Government’s commitment to service delivery and national progress.
Responding to issues raised by Members, the Finance Minister assured Parliament that Government would address concerns and continue to pursue concessional financing arrangements where feasible.
With the ratification of the agreements, Sierra Leone positions itself to accelerate infrastructure expansion, strengthen water security, enhance agricultural productivity and deepen regional cooperation as part of its broader national development agenda.
