Gento Group’s proposed ports development at Kent and Banana Island has received strong endorsement from the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Oluniyi Robin Coker, who described the investment as strategic and potentially transformative for Sierra Leone’s economic development, regional trade and export competitiveness.
Speaking during a Press Conference marking the launch of the local media campaign for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in Aberdeen, Freetown, Oluniyi Robin Coker highlighted the project’s potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s participation in regional commerce.
He particularly emphasized that the proposed development at Kent could facilitate the export of granite to neighbouring West African countries, creating opportunities for increased trade, industrial expansion and economic diversification.
The Gento Group investment, involving proposed port facilities at Kent and Banana Island, is increasingly being recognized as a potentially significant infrastructure initiative capable of strengthening Sierra Leone’s maritime and logistics capabilities.
If successfully implemented, the project could improve cargo handling, facilitate the movement of construction materials and other commodities, attract private investment and position Sierra Leone as a more competitive participant in regional maritime trade.
Oluniyi Robin Coker maintained that infrastructure investments of that nature are essential to unlocking the country’s economic potential, particularly as West African economies pursue stronger commercial integration.
His endorsement came as the Special Envoy for WAIIS 2026, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, formally launched the summit’s local media campaign, outlining major investment opportunities expected to attract regional and international financiers.
Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella specifically identified Gento Group’s Kent and Banana Island ports project as an example of the investment initiatives associated with WAIIS, indicating that progress towards completion would depend on the conclusion of outstanding processes.
He stressed that the summit, scheduled for 17–18 November 2026 in Freetown, would focus on connecting bankable projects with credible investors rather than merely securing financial pledges.
“WAIIS is not a pledging conference. It is an investment conference where private and public sector institutions have designed projects, and bankers and investment institutions are ready to invest in them,” Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella stated.
The summit is expected to attract prominent African business leaders, including Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, alongside an anticipated five to seven Heads of State.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, disclosed that several Sierra Leonean projects had already been included in the summit’s investment Deal Rooms.
Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant, highlighted opportunities in electricity generation, while Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, underscored growing investor interest in projects presented for consideration.
WAIIS Chief Operating Officer, Joseph Ngana, expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen Sierra Leone’s investment profile.
For Gento Group, the proposed Kent and Banana Island ports represent more than maritime infrastructure. Their successful development could support granite exports, improve regional connectivity, stimulate commercial activity and generate employment opportunities.
The project consequently stands as a potentially transformative investment that could help Sierra Leone capitalize on its strategic coastal location while advancing its ambitions for industrialization, export growth and deeper West African economic integration.
