By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone made a significant impact at the first-ever Africa Urban Forum, held on September 6, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Leading the country’s delegation was Dr. Turad Senesie, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, who took part in vital discussions aimed at driving urban development across Africa.
Dr. Turad Senesie participated in several productive bilateral meetings with influential figures such as the Director General of UN Habitat and fellow Ministers from Ethiopia, South Africa and other African nations. These discussions focused on collaborative efforts to improve land and housing policies, showcasing Sierra Leone’s commitment to urban reform and sustainable growth.
In his national address, Dr. Turad Senesie highlighted Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to modernize its land, housing and planning sectors. He emphasized the Government’s dedication to enhancing urban living conditions and promoting sustainable development initiatives.
A key aspect of the forum was the Minister’s collaboration with his delegation, which included key officials like Sahr Mark Kanawa, Director of Country Planning; Rashid Charles Ngiawee, Director of Housing; Dr. Alphajoh Cham, Project Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project and Abdul Fonti, Community Engagement and Communication Specialist. Together, they conducted an in-depth review of proposed amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act, ensuring broad stakeholder input in shaping the reforms.
Dr. Turad Senesie expressed optimism about the forum’s outcomes, stressing the importance of shared experiences and regional cooperation in addressing urban challenges. “Our presence here goes beyond sharing our achievements, it’s about learning from others and working together to create solutions that benefit our cities,” he remarked.
The partnerships and knowledge gained during the forum are expected to play a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s efforts to build more sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
At the Africa Urban Forum, Dr. Turad Senesie, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, presented an ambitious vision for Africa’s urban future. Addressing a gathering of leaders, Ministers and development partners, he outlined Sierra Leone’s strategies for transforming land management and building resilient cities.
Central to Dr. Turad Senesie’s address was Sierra Leone’s unique position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He emphasized the country’s use of this platform to address the root causes of conflict and promote peace, stability and sustainable urbanization. According to the Minister, peace is essential for Africa’s aspirations to build resilient, inclusive cities.
On the domestic front, the Minister introduced a series of pioneering land reforms aimed at addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization. These initiatives include modernizing outdated land laws, implementing transparent land registration systems and digitizing land records to ensure secure land tenure and equitable access for all citizens.
The Minister also reinforced the need for regional cooperation, calling on African nations to collaborate on policies that promote inclusive growth, secure land rights and urban resilience. The Africa Urban Forum, he added, serves as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration in sustainable urban development.
Dr. Turad Senesie’s remarks further positioned Sierra Leone as a key player in Africa’s urban development landscape, reinforcing the country’s commitment to peace, prosperity and sustainable urban growth.
