SALHOC Explores Housing Model in Niger to Tackle Sierra Leone's Housing Deficit.

As part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2023–2028) and President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s bold vision to build 20,000 affordable housing units nationwide, a high-level delegation from the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC), the Office of the Chief Minister, and the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) is currently in Niger to study a successful large-scale housing model implemented by Banga Group.

Leading the delegation, Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi, General Manager of SALHOC, reaffirmed President Bio’s unwavering commitment to addressing the country’s growing housing deficit. “His Excellency the President has made housing a key priority under his administration. That’s why we are here in Niger—to share experiences, review Banga Group’s ongoing housing projects, and explore how this model can be replicated back home,” Mr. Sandi stated.

He emphasized that SALHOC's objective is to convert the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Banga Group into a concrete, bankable, and sustainable contract, which is why all key stakeholders are present as part of the mission.

The delegation includes Mr. Emmanuel Tommy, Deputy General Manager of SALHOC; Mr. Rasheed Charles Ngiawee, Director of Housing; Mr. Eustace Samura, Chief Engineer of SALHOC; and Mr. Lansana Sheriff, Director of Engineering at the Sierra Leone Public Health Agency (SLPHA). Representing the financial sector are Dr. Alhassan Mansaray, Director of Fiscal Risk Management at the Ministry of Finance; Mr. BaimbaBockarie, Chief Risk Officer of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank; and Mr. AlusineL. Sillah, Head of Corporate at SLCB. Also forming part of the team is Mr. MacmondKallon, Director of Human Capital Development at the Office of the Chief Minister.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Kallon described the initiative as a major milestone in the government’s development agenda. “This project aims to deliver 5,000 modern and affordable houses, in line with the President’s vision under the Medium-Term National Development Plan. What we’ve seen here is viable, replicable, and something the government is fully committed to pursuing,” he remarked.

On behalf of Banga Group, Vice President Sow TaguiyoulayeditYero welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for their journey from Sierra Leone to Niger to engage in a first-hand learning exchange. “We are confident that this model can be adapted to suit Sierra Leone’s context. The MoU we signed is a big step, and we look forward to strengthening it into a long-term partnership,” he said. He further stressed that housing remains a cornerstone of every nation’s socio-economic transformation.

As part of the engagement, Banga Group conducted an in-depth presentation on the design and implementation of their housing projects in Mali and Niger, emphasizing their scalability, affordability, and alignment with public infrastructure planning.

The delegation, which departed Freetown on Sunday, is expected to return on Wednesday after concluding discussions aimed at transitioning the MoU into an actionable project. Their work continues on Day Two, with technical field visits and strategic meetings, including sessions with financial institutions and SALHOC’s Niger counterparts.

(c) SALHOC Communications Unit