Chamber Chairman Backs Proposed Gento Ports at Kent and Banana Island

Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce Chairman Oluniyi Robin Coker has endorsed Gento Group’s proposed port facilities at Kent and Banana Island, saying the developments could support regional trade, exports and maritime logistics.

Coker made the remarks on 20 October 2026 during a press conference in Aberdeen, Freetown, marking the launch of the local media campaign for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026.

Potential export and logistics benefits

The Chamber chairman described the proposed investment as strategic and potentially transformative for Sierra Leone’s economic development and export competitiveness. He specifically pointed to the potential for the Kent development to facilitate granite exports to neighbouring West African countries.

According to the views presented at the event, the proposed facilities could improve cargo handling and support the movement of construction materials and other commodities if successfully implemented. The development could also help attract private investment and strengthen Sierra Leone’s participation in regional maritime trade.

Coker said infrastructure investments of this nature were important to unlocking the country’s economic potential as West African economies pursue closer commercial integration.

Project linked to WAIIS investment agenda

Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, Special Envoy for WAIIS 2026, identified the Kent and Banana Island ports project as one of the investment initiatives associated with the summit.

He cautioned, however, that progress toward completing the project would depend on the conclusion of outstanding processes. The ports development remains proposed, and the available information does not indicate that construction has started or that the project has reached financial close.

Yumkella said WAIIS was intended to connect bankable projects with credible investors rather than simply secure financial pledges.

“WAIIS is not a pledging conference. It is an investment conference where private and public sector institutions have designed projects, and bankers and investment institutions are ready to invest in them,” he said.

Summit preparations

WAIIS 2026 is scheduled to take place in Freetown on 17–18 November 2026. The summit is expected to feature prominent African business leaders, including Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, while five to seven Heads of State are anticipated to attend.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay said several Sierra Leonean projects had been included in the summit’s investment Deal Rooms. The arrangements are intended to place projects before potential investors as part of the wider investment programme.

Minister of Energy Cyril Grant highlighted opportunities in electricity generation, while Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation Salima Bah pointed to growing investor interest in projects presented for consideration.

Joseph Ngana, WAIIS Chief Operating Officer, expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen Sierra Leone’s investment profile. The proposed Gento ports at Kent and Banana Island are among the projects being associated with that broader effort to connect Sierra Leonean opportunities with investors.