VP Ja.lloh Unveils The Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port.

Aminata Turay

Office of the Vice President

099776914

aninataturay218@gmail.com

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on 13th November 2025, unveiled the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port describing it as a defining moment for Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector and its broader blue economy.

Representing His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the official launch held at Bintumani, the Vice President welcomed the Chinese Vice Premier, Mr. Liu Guozhong, his delegation and other dignitaries and highlighted that the project reflects the strong and productive partnership between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.

Dr. Jalloh expressed profound appreciation to the Chinese Government for its continued support, particularly the $55 million grant that facilitated the construction of the state-of-the-art industrial fishing port.

He emphasized that the facility would revolutionize the fishing industry by enhancing fleet operations, vessel repairs, fish processing, and export capacity—while creating new opportunities for local businesses and coastal communities.

He further noted that the project aligns with Sierra Leone’s National Blue Economy Strategy, which aims to harness the full potential of the nation’s marine resources.

The industrial port, he said, would not only boost national revenue but also promote sustainable fisheries management and strengthen climate resilience.

VP Jalloh concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable, and inclusive fishing sector that supports livelihoods and drives Sierra Leone’s economic growth.

Chinese Vice Premier, Mr. Liu Guozhong, praised the launch of the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port as a major achievement in the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and China.

He highlighted the deep traditional friendship between the two countries, noting decades of collaboration in fisheries, agriculture, resource assessment, and human capacity building.

Mr. Liu emphasized that such efforts have created jobs, spurred development, and improved community livelihoods, laying the groundwork for increased trade and investment.

He pointed to recent policy initiatives—including cooperation agreements on economic partnership and the export of wild aquaculture products—that have strengthened bilateral ties, making fisheries one of the first sectors to benefit from the new framework.

He expressed confidence that once operational, the industrial fishing port would support the growth of the local fishing industry, enhance sustainable trade, and deliver meaningful benefits to the people of both nations.

He concluded by wishing the project every success and reaffirming China’s commitment to mutual development and shared prosperity.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, also described the unveiling of the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port at Black Johnson as a transformational milestone for Sierra Leone’s blue economy. She noted that the $55 million Chinese-funded project is a strategic investment and a testament to the strong partnership between Sierra Leone and China, aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating jobs for local communities.

The Minister highlighted that the port would feature a 500-meter quay, a 3,000-square-meter basin, administrative offices, and a trading market, with a processing capacity of 20,000 metric tons of fish.

She added that the project would unlock opportunities for private sector investment in fish processing, ice production, net manufacturing, and marine tourism—positioning Sierra Leone as a regional hub for fisheries trade and value addition.