By Musa Conteh
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has unveiled a proposed Le123.544 million capital expenditure programme for 2027, with the bulk of the investment targeted at infrastructure development, equipment and operational capacity at the country’s ports.
The proposed capital budget, contained in the Authority’s FY2027 Budget Summary, places building infrastructure at the centre of its investment priorities, as SLPHA moves to improve port facilities and strengthen the systems supporting Sierra Leone’s maritime and trade activities.
Of the total proposed capital expenditure, Le92.4 million is earmarked for building works, making it by far the largest component of the programme. The allocation accounts for roughly three-quarters of the proposed capital budget and signals a strong emphasis on improving and expanding physical port infrastructure.
The proposed investment comes at a time when Sierra Leone’s ports continue to play a critical role in the movement of goods, supporting international trade, private-sector activity and government revenue generation.
Beyond infrastructure, SLPHA has proposed Le15.77 million for vehicles, which is expected to support transportation, monitoring, inspection and administrative operations. The allocation is particularly significant for an institution whose activities require personnel and technical teams to move across various operational areas.
The Authority has also set aside Le4.405 million for computer hardware and software, reflecting the growing role of technology in modern port management. The investment could strengthen digital administration, data management, communication, monitoring and other systems needed to improve efficiency.
For vessels and jetties, the proposed allocation stands at Le3.665 million, supporting facilities directly connected to maritime and port operations. Maintaining functional maritime infrastructure remains essential to the smooth handling of vessels and cargo.
The budget further provides Le3.783 million for other office equipment, while Le2.055 million has been proposed for furniture. Plant and machinery account for a further Le1.456 million.
The proposed figures demonstrate that while infrastructure remains the dominant focus of SLPHA’s 2027 capital programme, the Authority is also seeking to invest in the vehicles, technology, machinery, maritime facilities and office assets required to support its day-to-day operations.
The Le123.544 million capital programme comes as Sierra Leone continues to position the port sector as a key driver of trade, investment and economic activity. The successful implementation of the proposed projects will therefore be critical to ensuring that the budget delivers tangible improvements to port operations.
With more than Le92 million proposed for building works, attention is likely to focus on the quality, sustainability and value for money of the infrastructure projects. Effective planning, transparent procurement, strong supervision and proper project monitoring will be crucial in ensuring that the investment produces durable facilities.
The proposed expenditure also highlights the need for SLPHA to balance physical infrastructure development with technological advancement and operational efficiency. Investments in digital systems, transportation, machinery and maritime facilities will remain important in ensuring that improved infrastructure translates into better services.
The FY2027 capital expenditure proposals remain subject to the applicable budget approval and implementation processes. However, the figures provide a clear indication of SLPHA’s intended direction for 2027, with infrastructure development taking centre stage in its plan to strengthen Sierra Leone’s port sector.
