The World Bank Board approved a $74 million International Development Association (IDA) grant to enhance climate-resilient transport connectivity and agricultural market access in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Connectivity and Agricultural Market Infrastructure Project (CAMIP) aims to support all-season connectivity and access to jobs, markets, and services, particularly in rural areas where the lack of infrastructure has hindered economic development.
"The construction of climate-resilient transport and agricultural market infrastructure is a critical step towards ensuring food security and increasing local incomes, which is in line with our government’s key priorities in the ‘Big 5 Game Changers’, especially the ‘FEED SALONE’ Agenda," said Alhaji Fanday Turay, Minister of Transport and Aviation for Sierra Leone. "Our collaboration with the World Bank on this project is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our economy and our people from climate risks. By enhancing our transport network and market infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and social development."
Sierra Leone's transport sector remains underdeveloped, with approximately 40% of primary roads paved while most secondary and feeder roads remain unpaved. Urban areas like Freetown face increasing congestion challenges due to high demand for efficient public transport systems. Rural areas are particularly affected by poor infrastructure; only one-third of the population has access to an all-season road network. The absence of bridges and reliance on manual cable ferries and canoes, often inoperable during the rainy season, exacerbate community isolation.
"Sierra Leone's transport and agricultural sectors are critical components of the country's economic and social development. This project will help to address the urgent need for resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change on connectivity and accessibility as well as unlock the country's agricultural potential," said Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “The partnership between ministries in the project symbolizes how integrated multisectoral approaches can yield extensive benefits for all citizens. The World Bank is committed to supporting the government in transforming this sector to meet the needs of Sierra Leoneans and to foster economic growth."
Agriculture accounts for 59% of GDP and 43% of employment in Sierra Leone but faces productivity issues due to poor connectivity and infrastructure challenges exacerbated by climate change. The project's agricultural market infrastructure interventions aim to stimulate the local economy, reduce post-harvest losses, and create more jobs.
“Investing in climate-resilient transport and agricultural infrastructure is essential for stimulating the local economy and improving food security,” said Hongye Fan, World Bank Transport Specialist and Task Team Leader. "By expanding high-capacity public transport services, we are not only addressing traffic congestion but also paving the way for a greener and safer transport system. Our joint efforts with the agricultural sector ensure that investments in market facilities, rural bridges, and roads will empower farmers, particularly women, by providing them with the infrastructure needed to thrive.”
Over three million people in urban and rural areas are expected to benefit directly from CAMIP. In Freetown alone, over one million urban residents will benefit from improved transport infrastructure while approximately two million rural inhabitants will gain from new bridges, link roads, and market infrastructures in Bo, Moyamba, Tonkolili, and Karene districts.
The project aligns with both the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2021-2026 for Sierra Leone as well as its Global Crisis Response Framework (GCRF). It complements Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030 which prioritizes food security among its major objectives.
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