Government Completes Boundary Harmonization Pilot, Sets Stage for Nationwide Land Title Registration.

Sierra Leone has concluded a groundbreaking boundary harmonization pilot in Mapaki and Rogbere, propelling the nation toward the long-awaited establishment of a unified land title registration system.

Led by the National Land Commission in partnership with the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP), the initiative culminated in simultaneous signing ceremonies across both communities on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Paramount chiefs, section chiefs, landowners, land users, civil society organizations, and local government representatives convened to endorse newly delineated boundaries, a first in the country’s land governance history. Officials hailed the moment as “historic,” marking the inaugural instance where community-level land borders have been formally negotiated, consensually agreed upon, and collectively documented in preparation for formal title issuance.

Boundary harmonization represents an essential foundation for issuing land titles, according to the National Land Commission. Customary land tenure has long prevailed across Sierra Leone, with ambiguous and overlapping borders fueling protracted disputes and stifling investment. This pilot integrated meticulous field surveys, extensive community engagement, and advanced geospatial mapping technology to achieve precise delineation of ownership at family, section, and chiefdom tiers.

Authorities emphasize that this approach serves multiple objectives. Clearly defined, mutually recognized boundaries are expected to significantly reduce conflicts and prolonged litigation, with local land committees positioned to play a central role in dispute resolution. Establishing a reliable cadastre will enable secure land titling, empowering landowners to leverage property as collateral and unlock economic opportunity. The process also prioritizes inclusion, ensuring recognition of women’s and vulnerable groups’ rights before formal title issuance. Transparent ownership records stand to attract investment while facilitating infrastructure development and agricultural expansion.

During the Mapaki ceremony, stakeholders commended the participatory and transparent methodology driving the project. “What we have achieved in Mapaki and Rogbere proves that when communities lead the way, land reform proceeds smoothly,” said Saiku Bah, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for SLLAP. He noted that insights gained during the pilot phase will inform nationwide program expansion.

With the pilot phase now complete, the government plans to scale boundary harmonization and land titling operations across additional districts. The framework established in Mapaki and Rogbere is poised to serve as a blueprint for strengthening land governance, minimizing disputes, and catalyzing economic growth throughout Sierra Leone.

MLHCP

Media and Public Relation unit

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