Sierra Leone Secures €1 Million Grant for Freetown-Tagrin Ferry Project

The Government of Sierra Leone has obtained a €1 million grant from Indonesia to support the development of the proposed Freetown-Tagrin Ferry Service. Finance Minister Karefa Kargbo played a crucial role in securing the funding, which will be used for feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs. This grant is a significant step towards improving ferry transportation between Freetown and the Lungi area, enhancing opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.

The grant was delivered through Indonesian Aid and will support technical assessments to determine the project's feasibility and guide its execution. A formal grant agreement is expected to be signed between the Governments of Indonesia and Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Finance. Diplomatic efforts led by Sierra Leone's Ambassador to Senegal, Ibrahim Turay, were instrumental in establishing discussions between the two nations.

A key meeting between Sierra Leone and Indonesia took place on 31 October 2026, on the sidelines of the Sport and Development Summit in Dakar. The focus of these discussions was to expedite the signing of the grant agreement and create a framework for moving the project forward. Preparations supported by the grant are expected to commence in early 2027, pending formalities.

The ferry service aims to strengthen maritime connections between Freetown and surrounding communities, improving reliability for passengers, businesses, and tourists. It also seeks to enhance access between Freetown and the country's main international airport, promoting economic activity. The initiative aligns with the Government's goal to bolster infrastructure for sustainable economic growth.

The successful mobilisation of this grant highlights the importance of economic diplomacy in securing international development support for Sierra Leone. It showcases the potential for strategic partnerships in advancing national priorities. The grant is expected to have a positive impact on the country's transportation sector and economy.

The Freetown-Tagrin Ferry Service is seen as essential for improving the transportation system in Sierra Leone. The project will provide a more efficient and reliable ferry service, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers and promoting economic growth. The grant from Indonesia is a significant step towards making this project a reality.

The Government of Sierra Leone is committed to implementing the project and ensuring its success. The grant from Indonesia will be used to conduct feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs, paving the way for the project's implementation. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and transportation sector.

Key points

• The grant will be used for feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs for the Freetown-Tagrin Ferry Service.