On August 29, 2025, the management team of Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), a subsidiary of African Global Logistics (AGL), provided an insightful update to local editors regarding their commitment to improving operations within Sierra Leone’s port system. Captain Fabjanko Kokan, Country Manager of FTL and Regional Manager for AGL in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, revealed ambitious plans that involve an investment of approximately $50 million by the end of 2026. This substantial investment aims to enhance three critical areas: equipment, human capital development, and infrastructure.
Since its establishment in Sierra Leone in 2011, FTL has made significant strides, employing around 500 personnel, with over 99% of these workers being locals. Captain Kokan stated, “We are committed to the development and empowerment of the local community, as evidenced by our employment practices and training programs.” The company has focused on local capacity building, investing over $400,000 in training initiatives that enable local workers to operate sophisticated equipment and manage terminal operations effectively.
A key highlight of the update was the arrival of two new Ship to Shore cranes, totaling $5.5 million. These cranes, operated exclusively by local staff, mark a significant step toward modernizing port operations. Captain Kokan emphasized, “These cranes will play a critical role in reducing the time taken to clear goods from the port, which has been a longstanding challenge.”
FTL’s commitment to operational enhancement extends beyond just these cranes. The company announced plans for additional investments in equipment, including electrical trucks and solar panels. A new workshop, estimated to cost about $3.5 million, is set to open next year, aimed at enhancing maintenance capabilities. Furthermore, FTL plans to establish a substantial storage space spanning 11,000 square meters for increased container accommodation, along with a new office building slated to begin construction in November.
Significantly, FTL is also investing in sustainable energy solutions. The installation of solar panels expected to provide one megawatt of electricity is scheduled for completion by next year and is accompanied by a $1 million roofing project for the solar infrastructure. This initiative not only addresses energy needs but also showcases FTL’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability.
In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, FTL is also poised to address operational efficiency through legislative support. After extensive negotiations, the company has received parliamentary ratification for $25 million aimed at capacitating the port, ultimately making it more attractive to global shipping entities. Captain Kokan remarked, “This investment will help us streamline operations further, create a more efficient environment, and attract more business opportunities.”
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain, particularly concerning the congestion caused by loaded containers awaiting clearance from the port. Captain Kokan noted that while FTL operates on a 24-hour basis, collaboration with other companies operating in the port is crucial to expedite the clearing processes. He stressed the importance of “effective coordination among all stakeholders” to alleviate the backlog of cleared containers.
Safety and operational protocols are also on FTL’s agenda. To ensure the well-being of both employees and machinery, the company is implementing measures to separate heavy equipment from pedestrian areas. This initiative will include increasing shuttle bus services to transport employees safely and relocating the head office away from the container area, paving the way for a pedestrian-free port environment.
Corporate social responsibility remains a cornerstone of FTL’s operations, reflecting a genuine commitment to community upliftment. Initiatives such as distributing school materials to children, providing tricycles to women farmers in Kenema, making donations during Ramadan, offering scholarships to students, and sponsoring school constructions demonstrate FTL’s dedication to making a positive impact.
The partnership between FTL and the Sierra Leone government, wherein the latter holds a 20% stake and FTL retains 80%, indicates a collaborative approach to developing the country’s port infrastructure and operations. This strategic alignment could pave the way for future growth and economic development in the region, enhancing Sierra Leone’s role in regional trade dynamics.
As FTL embarks on this ambitious path of investment and development, the hope is that their efforts will not only improve operational efficiency but also elevate the livelihoods of the local workforce and surrounding communities. With a focus on transparency, sustainability, and community engagement, Freetown Terminal Limited stands as a beacon of progress in Sierra Leone’s quest for enhanced economic performance and stability.
