By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S
FREETOWN — The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has recruited over 300 young people into permanent employment and unveiled ambitious plans to expand port infrastructure and create more jobs in 2027.
The disclosure was made by the Authority’s Director of Finance, Andrew Tamba Kpulun, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during SLPHA’s 2027 Budget Summary presentation at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.
Kpulun said the Authority’s five-year strategic plan is fully aligned with the strategic plan of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the National Development Plan and the President’s manifesto, with a strong focus on supporting Government’s ‘Big Five Game Changers’.
He said SLPHA’s key priorities for the next fiscal year include improving port infrastructure, strengthening staff capacity, expanding youth employment opportunities and advancing the 30 percent quota for women’s empowerment.
On agriculture, he noted that the Port of Freetown continues to play a vital role in transporting agricultural inputs and food commodities, thereby supporting agricultural value chains and Government’s ‘Feed Salone’ initiative.
The Authority’s plans were welcomed by civil society representatives, non-state actors and media practitioners, who lauded SLPHA’s contribution to national development while urging sustained efforts to decongest the port.
Members of the public also commended the Authority for meeting the 30 percent women’s employment and empowerment target, and called for greater opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
Kpulun disclosed that SLPHA plans to increase youth recruitment in the next fiscal year as part of its drive to tackle youth unemployment.
The Ministry of Finance’s technical team described the Authority’s 2027 budget presentation as “detailed and comprehensive.”
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