By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A powerful convergence of labour leaders, Government officials, Civil Society actors and private sector stakeholders marked the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebrations with a resounding endorsement of indigenous enterprise, as the Sierra Leone Labour Congress singled out the Gento Group of Companies for its pivotal role in driving employment and national development through the proposed Kent Seaport project; a landmark initiative legacy of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, which is his Government’s ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs.
The May Day (International Labour Day) event, held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre, brought together high-level dignitaries including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, alongside Ministers, Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, employers and workers from across the country. Under the theme: “Building Workers Power for Sierra Leone’s Transformative Agenda,” the gathering underscored the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between Government and the private sector to unlock sustainable employment opportunities.
In a detailed statement delivered on behalf of workers nationwide, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress emphasized that while Government policies are critical in shaping the labour landscape, the private sector remains the engine for job creation. Within that context, the Congress gave special recognition to the Gento Group of Companies, describing it as a shining example of a 100 percent Sierra Leonean-owned enterprise capable of delivering large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects.
“We want to appreciate the Gento Group of Companies, a 100% Sierra Leone-owned company, for the construction of the Kent Seaport which will provide huge employment in Sierra Leone,” the Congress declared, drawing applause from attendees and reinforcing the company’s growing reputation as a national development partner.
The endorsement of Gento Group reflects a broader national narrative that places increasing confidence in homegrown businesses to drive economic transformation. The Kent Seaport project, spearheaded by the company, is widely regarded as a strategic investment with the potential to reshape Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, enhance trade efficiency and generate thousands of jobs across multiple sectors.
Labour leaders stressed that achieving the Government’s ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs cannot be realized through public sector efforts alone. Instead, they highlighted the indispensable role of private enterprises like Gento in delivering employment at scale. By undertaking the Kent Seaport initiative, the company is expected to create immediate job opportunities during the construction phase while laying the foundation for long-term employment upon completion.
The Congress further urged the Government to strengthen the enabling environment for businesses by addressing key challenges such as inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate instability and heavy taxation. According to labour representatives, removing those barriers would empower companies like Gento to expand operations and maximize their contribution to national development.
Beyond the Labour Congress, strong backing for the Kent Seaport and related infrastructure initiatives has also emerged from Civil Society Organizations. A coalition led by William Sao Lamin, Chairman of the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery, recently reaffirmed its support for the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project, describing it as a transformative investment capable of redefining Sierra Leone’s economic future.
Speaking at a press conference in Freetown, the Consortium commended both the Government and Parliament for their leadership in advancing the project, noting that it represents a model of effective public-private partnership. The group also highlighted the central role of Mohamed Gento Kamara, whose vision and entrepreneurial drive have positioned the initiative as a cornerstone of national development.
According to the Consortium, the economic impact of the project is expected to be both immediate and far-reaching. During construction alone, over 1,000 direct jobs are projected to be created, while long-term employment opportunities could exceed 10,000 positions. Even more significantly, the project is anticipated to generate between 50,000 and 100,000 indirect jobs across sectors such as transportation, logistics, trade and services.
Those projections align closely with the Government’s broader development agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic diversification. Observers note that the Kent Seaport project directly supports those objectives by providing a platform for skills development, job creation and increased economic activity.
Economic analysts have also pointed to the project’s potential to reduce the cost of living by improving shipping efficiency and lowering importation costs. With enhanced logistics systems and modern port infrastructure, Sierra Leone stands to benefit from more competitive pricing of essential goods, thereby easing the burden on households and improving overall living standards.
In addition to its economic benefits, the project is expected to deliver significant infrastructure upgrades, including modern port facilities, logistics hubs and integrated transport systems. Those developments are likely to ease congestion, boost supply chain efficiency and position Sierra Leone as a regional hub for trade and investment.
Growing public discourse around the Kent Seaport initiative has further amplified calls for sustained Government support. Stakeholders across various sectors have urged President Julius Maada Bio to fully embrace the project as a flagship component of his administration’s legacy, noting that timely intervention could accelerate implementation and attract additional investment.
Many view the project as a defining opportunity for Sierra Leone to harness its untapped economic potential. By supporting a locally driven initiative of such magnitude, the Government would not only reinforce confidence in indigenous businesses but also signal its commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate.
At the same time, the Labour Congress used the May Day platform to highlight pressing challenges facing workers, including rising living costs, increasing fuel prices and the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws. While acknowledging Government efforts in reviewing labour legislation and improving minimum wage standards, the Congress emphasized that more must be done to protect workers’ welfare and ensure inclusive growth.
Despite those challenges, the spotlight on Gento Group during the celebrations served as a powerful reminder of the role that visionary private sector leadership can play in shaping the nation’s future. As a wholly Sierra Leonean-owned company, Gento’s involvement in such a transformative project underscores the capacity of local enterprises to deliver complex infrastructure and drive sustainable development.
Sierra Leone commemorated another International Workers’ Day with a strong and unified message from labour leaders, Civil Society actors and key stakeholders: meaningful progress depends on sustained collaboration.
Across the country, voices from the labour movement and development space emphasized that partnerships between Government and the private sector remain essential to driving economic transformation and improving livelihoods.
At the centre of those expectations is the Gento Group, whose flagship Kent Seaport project continues to generate national attention. The initiative has been widely viewed as a major step toward unlocking economic opportunities, expanding infrastructure and creating much-needed employment for Sierra Leoneans.
Stakeholders noted that projects of that scale demonstrate the critical role of private sector investment in complementing Government’s development agenda. They stressed that sustained cooperation will be vital in ensuring that such initiatives deliver long-term benefits, particularly in job creation, trade facilitation and national growth.
With momentum building, expectations remain high that the private sector will continue to work closely with Government to unlock opportunities, create jobs and contribute to building a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Sierra Leoneans.
The Labour Congress concluded by reaffirming its commitment to advocating for policies that promote decent work, protect workers’ rights and support responsible investment, while urging continued backing for private sector champions like Gento that are helping to drive Sierra Leone’s transformation.
