By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone has intensified efforts to address its housing challenges by seeking strategic support from the Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) for mortgage financing and the construction of student accommodation.
The engagement took place on the sidelines of the 45th Annual General Meeting of Shelter Afrique held on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in Rabat, Morocco, where the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, held high-level discussions with the Bank’s leadership.
The meeting focused on two key priorities for the Government of Sierra Leone: expanding access to affordable mortgage financing for low-income earners and developing modern student hostels through a partnership involving the Government and TAF Global Africa.
During the discussions, Dr. Turad Senesie outlined a series of major legal and policy reforms that are transforming Sierra Leone’s housing and urban development sector. He informed the Bank that the Government has enacted the new Country Planning Act 2025, replacing a 75-year-old law that had become outdated and no longer responsive to modern development needs.
According to the Minister, the new legislation empowers local councils to play a central role in development control and introduces clear zoning classifications for residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments, thereby creating a more structured and sustainable approach to urban planning.
He further disclosed that Sierra Leone is, for the first time since independence, developing a comprehensive Building Codes Act, which has reached an advanced stage. The proposed legislation is expected to establish strict construction and safety standards aimed at protecting public health, reducing structural failures, mitigating fire and natural disaster risks and promoting energy-efficient building practices.
Dr. Turad Senesie also highlighted the ongoing review of the country’s National Housing Policy, a process that is expected to lead to the enactment of a comprehensive Housing Act and accompanying regulations. He noted that the Government is already implementing several joint venture housing projects with private developers, including TAF Global Africa, which is spearheading affordable housing initiatives across the country.
The Minister stressed that his participation in the Shelter Afrique Annual General Meeting was largely driven by the urgent need to secure financing mechanisms that would enable more Sierra Leoneans, particularly low-income earners, to own homes while also supporting the construction of quality accommodation facilities for students.
He described the proposed mortgage financing scheme and student housing project as critical interventions needed to reduce the country’s housing deficit and strengthen urban resilience and safety.
Shelter Afrique officials welcomed Sierra Leone’s reform agenda and commended the Government’s commitment to improving access to affordable housing and sustainable urban development.
The Government of Sierra Leone, TAF Global Africa and Shelter Afrique are now expected to deepen their collaboration with the aim of significantly expanding housing delivery and improving living conditions for citizens across the country.
Also present at the meeting were Shelter Afrique’s Chief Finance Officer, Beatrice Mburu and Chief Business Officer, Gibson Mapfidza. The Sierra Leone delegation included the Director of Policy and Planning, Dr. Alphajor Cham, while TAF Global Africa was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mustapha Njie.
