At MIC Press Briefing Yankuba Askia Bio Reveals 3% Import Growth and Major Improvements at Port Authority

By Rahman Bah

During the weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tower Hill in Freetown on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Yankuba Askia Bio, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Port and Harbour Authority, provided a comprehensive update on the port’s recent developments and operational successes.

Yankuba Askia Bio, who has been a key figure at the port since 2010, began his tenure as a logistics officer and has since accumulated over a decade of experience. He reflected on the transformative changes that have taken place at the port, particularly following the government’s strategic decision in 2010 to attract investors. This move was aimed at boosting revenue and improving port operations, which led to the involvement of major concessionaires such as Bolleri. Bolleri now handles 100% of the container cargo operations, a shift that has significantly impacted the efficiency and scale of port activities.

One of the notable achievements under Yankuba’s leadership is the increase in vessel traffic. The port has seen a rise from 426 to 435 vessels, illustrating a growing throughput and operational capacity. Furthermore, there has been a remarkable boost in both imports and exports, with cargo volumes rising from 61,000 in 2022 to 68,000 in 2023. This represents a 3% increase in import cargo handling and a substantial 27% increase in export cargo operations. These improvements have not only facilitated greater trade but also had a positive effect on government revenue, highlighting the port’s crucial role in the national economy.

Yankuba also emphasized a significant reduction in container turnaround time, a key metric of operational efficiency. The port has managed to cut the processing time for containers from a previous standard of one week to within 24 hours. This achievement represents a major leap in operational efficiency, reducing delays and enhancing service delivery for port users.

The Sierra Leone Port and Harbour Authority’s role as a critical gateway to Sierra Leone was underscored by Yankuba. He revealed that 65% of the revenue generated from port operations is allocated to government coffers, reinforcing the port’s vital contribution to national finances. This revenue is essential for funding various government initiatives and infrastructure projects.

Another major development discussed was the port’s transformation from a service port to a landlord port. Since 2010, this transition has marked a significant shift in the port’s operational model. As a landlord port, the authority now focuses on overseeing port operations and infrastructure while delegating day-to-day cargo handling to private concessionaires. This evolution has facilitated improved management practices and operational efficiencies, reflecting the port’s progress over the years.

Overall, Yankuba Askia Bio’s briefing highlighted the Sierra Leone Port and Harbour Authority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its operations, boosting economic growth, and contributing to national development. The advancements in port efficiency and the substantial increase in trade volumes underscore the port’s critical role in supporting Sierra Leone’s economic progress and reinforcing its position as a key player in regional and global trade