Sierra leone Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in sierra leone, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Public Infrastructure
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Overview

Sierra Leone’s public infrastructure sector is central to the country’s development goals, offering significant investment opportunities despite ongoing challenges. Years of civil conflict, the Ebola outbreak, and economic constraints have left major gaps in transportation, energy, water, sanitation, urban development, and digital connectivity. To address these deficits, the government is prioritizing infrastructure development under the MTNDP 2024-2030.

Transport infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and ports, urgently needs upgrades to improve mobility and support trade. Key projects underway or in the pipeline aim to enhance connectivity and logistics, including the Lungi Bridge, Freetown Port modernization, and rural road rehabilitation. 

Urban development is rising, especially in rapidly growing cities like Freetown, where demand for housing, waste management, drainage, and transport solutions is outpacing existing infrastructure, putting pressure on local authorities to implement sustainable planning, improve service delivery, and attract investment in resilient urban systems. Digital infrastructure also presents untapped potential, with opportunities to expand internet access and telecommunications services to support education, governance, and business growth.

While infrastructure development is a government priority, progress is slowed by climate risks, funding shortages, and institutional capacity challenges. To overcome these barriers, Sierra Leone is increasingly leveraging PPPs and international collaboration. Development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, MCC, and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) are providing financial and technical support.

Sierra Leone’s public infrastructure sector offers significant commercial potential. Contact us in the Economic and Commercial Section at Freetown-Econ@state.gov to explore the sector of your interest and any relevant projects that may be in the pipeline. 

Leading Sub-sectors

Sierra Leone’s public infrastructure sector is anchored by five key sub-sectors: transportation, energy, water and sanitation, urban development, and digital infrastructure. These are critical to the country’s socio-economic transformation and are supported by government prioritization, international donor assistance, and an improving regulatory environment.

  • Transportation: Focused on roads, bridges, ports, and airports, this sub-sector aims to enhance connectivity and trade. Major projects include the Lungi Bridge, the expansion of the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown and the new passenger terminal at Lungi International Airport. Urban congestion, particularly in Freetown, highlights the need for public transit systems and integrated mobility solutions.
  • Energy: With national electricity access at only 30%, the energy sub-sector emphasizes renewable energy, rural electrification, and grid upgrades. Mini-grid systems are creating opportunities for Independent Power Producers (IPPs), especially in off-grid and clean energy solutions.
  • Urban Development: Rapid urbanization, especially in Freetown, is driving demand for climate-resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, flood control, drainage, and waste management systems. Investments in sustainable urban planning are essential to address vulnerabilities in informal settlements and meet the needs of growing urban populations.
  • Water and Sanitation: Outdated infrastructure in this sub-sector requires investment to improve water supply systems and sanitation services in both urban and rural areas, ensuring public health and environmental sustainability.
  • Digital Infrastructure: Under the national digital transformation strategy, efforts are underway to expand broadband connectivity through projects like the National Fiber Backbone Phase II. While mobile penetration is high, limited internet access, especially in rural areas, creates opportunities for investment in telecoms, data centers, and ICT platforms.

These sub-sectors collectively form the foundation of Sierra Leone’s public infrastructure landscape, offering significant opportunities for private sector investment and contributing to long-term, sustainable development.

Opportunities

Sierra Leone’s infrastructure sector offers significant opportunities to drive economic growth and development. Key areas for investment include transport infrastructure, such as expanding road networks, modernizing ports, and improving air transport facilities to boost regional and international connectivity. The energy sector offers opportunities for investment in thermal plants, as well as in renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar mini-grids, and grid expansion, to increase electrification. Additional opportunities exist in water supply and sanitation, urban development, and digital infrastructure to advance e-governance and ICT services. These opportunities are bolstered by policy reforms, improved regulations, and active support from international development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and DFC, positioning infrastructure investments to deliver both financial returns and developmental impact.

Resources

Sierra Leone Ministry of Works and Public Assets
Website

Email: info@mowpa.gov.sl / mwpa.web@gmail.com
Chief Director Telephone: +23276652976

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