Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, debated and ratified a series of financing agreements aimed at improving road infrastructure, expanding agricultural productivity, and supporting national development priorities.
The agreements, entered into between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), cover two major areas: the Reconstruction of the Kambia – Tomparie – Kamakwie Road Project and the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project.
Presenting the agreements to the House, Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura said the financing packages were designed to “improve market access in the North-Western Region” while strengthening agricultural production. “We are also opening roads in other regions,” the minister assured.
On the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project, Minister Bangura explained that it forms a key part of the government’s Feed Salone Initiative. He said the programme is expected to target 62,000 households and introduce modern approaches to livestock development. He added that access to finance under the project will be provided and monitored by the government.
During the debate, Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Hon. Amara Kai Samba, described the Kamakwie Road construction as a laudable development initiative. He emphasized the need to invest more in livestock production to reduce importation and urged that due diligence be applied to ensure that beneficiaries receive the intended support.
Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District, welcomed the financing agreements, calling them “beneficial to the people of Sierra Leone.”
He encouraged national leaders to embrace development regardless of political differences and highlighted the transformative impact of road construction. He also appealed for flexibility in supporting farmers under the livestock programme.
Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, commended the agreements and suggested the inclusion of tollgate provisions on the Kamakwie Road for long-term sustainability. He called on the Minister of Finance to ensure that the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) is given full authority to award contracts for the project.
Hon. Keikura Vandi of Bo District said the livestock project would provide crucial financial support to farmers, noting that access to credit has long been a challenge. Hon. Mustapha Sellu of Moyamba District echoed similar concerns, expressing hope that the project would help close the financing gap faced by rural farmers.
From Kenema District, Hon. Abubakarr Fofanah described the road project as a “win-win situation” and applauded the Finance Minister for securing the deals. Hon. Musa Fonah of Kono District called the Kamakwie Road Project a “blessing to Sierra Leone” and praised President Bio for providing the required funds. He highlighted the project’s economic significance for the nation.
Hon. Abdul Karim Bangura of Karene District thanked President Bio for fulfilling his promise to the people of Karene and acknowledged other development strides underway in the district.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, also supported the agreements. He explained the financing structure behind the loan arrangements and noted that the Kamakwie Road Project dates back to 2015. He commended the Finance Minister for reviving the initiative and called for the rehabilitation of the Musaia Agricultural Livestock Farm in Koinadugu District. “We on this side are more than willing to support this project,” he affirmed.
Closing the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, offered clarifications on the Kamakwie Road Project and highlighted three key pillars of the government’s socioeconomic development agenda. He stressed the importance of the agreements and underscored Parliament’s responsibility in ensuring proper implementation.
On the livestock package, he reaffirmed that 62,000 households would benefit and pointed to the project’s capacity-building elements. He also called for legislation to regulate cattle rearing and farming activities to avoid conflict among communities. Hon. Lamina concluded by commending the Minister of Finance and his technical team and reminded the ministry of the need to construct the road linking Kono District to the Guinea border.
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