Sierra Leone’s Parliament has passed the Investment Framework Agreement (Ratification) Act 2025, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at facilitating investment and development on Sherbro Island. The Bill was enacted on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, following intense but largely supportive debate by Members of Parliament (MPs).
The Act ratifies a comprehensive investment framework between the Government of Sierra Leone and Sherbro Alliance Partners Limited, setting the stage for what many MPs described as a transformative project for the island and the country as a whole.
Presenting the Bill to Parliament, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq, explained that the agreement outlines plans for large-scale investment and infrastructure development on Sherbro Island. He noted that the Bill is structured in eight key parts, each detailing critical aspects of the agreement and its implementation.
During the debate, MPs from across the political divide expressed broad support for the initiative while raising important considerations.
Hon. Sulaiman Marry Conteh (Western Area) described the Bill as “straightforward,” emphasizing its strong potential to boost Sierra Leone’s socio-economic growth.
Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin (Bo District) also endorsed the Bill but called for clarity on whether local communities had been adequately consulted or informed.
Responding to this concern, Hon. Moses Edwin (Bonthe District) confirmed that the people of Bonthe were well-informed about the project and praised the inclusion of a Bonthe Trust Fund to ensure community benefits. “This project is laudable for the development of Bonthe Island,” he said.
Hon. Quintin Salia-Konneh (Kailahun District) acknowledged the historical neglect of Sherbro Island and stressed the need for inclusive and consultative implementation of the project.
His colleague, Hon. Emelia L. Tongi, also from Kailahun, hailed the Bill as one of the most promising legislations presented to Parliament. She applauded the government’s efforts to make Sierra Leone attractive to foreign investment and urged for more such initiatives.
Hon. Musa Fofanah praised the government’s leadership, calling the Bill “a blessing” and reinforcing the need to ensure that the Trust Fund delivers tangible benefits to the people.
From Kono District, Hon. Rebecca Y. Kamara described the agreement as an “eye-opener” and drew comparisons with island developments in Cyprus. She emphasized the untapped potential of Sierra Leone’s islands, calling the country “more beautiful and secure.”
Hon. Bash Kamara (Bo District) echoed similar sentiments, describing Sherbro as “one of the most underdeveloped communities” with massive potential, especially in tourism.
In closing the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, strongly backed the Bill, assuring Parliament that the necessary legal and administrative steps would be taken to ensure the agreement’s effective implementation.
