In a significant move aimed at addressing Sierra Leone’s growing housing deficit, the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Groupe Banga, a leading Pan-African real estate and infrastructure development firm.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, sets the stage for the construction of 5,000 housing units under a pilot phase and signals a broader commitment to collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in tackling the country’s chronic housing shortage.
SALHOC General Manager, Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi, described the partnership as a “milestone” in the national effort to improve living conditions and expand access to affordable housing. “This partnership is a major step toward achieving our development targets and improving the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans,” he said, noting that the MoU would be formally presented to the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning for full institutional support during implementation.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation in several key areas:
• SALHOC will provide land with undisputed legal titles.
• Groupe Banga will mobilize 100% of the project’s financing.
• The company will also manage the turnkey construction and delivery of the housing units.
• Administrative and regulatory support will be facilitated by SALHOC.
• Local banks and financial institutions will be engaged to help facilitate homeownership.
Groupe Banga was represented at the signing by its Vice President, Mr. Sow Taguiyoulaye dit Yero, who also paid courtesy visits to the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, and the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. Both officials welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and in alignment with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2023–2028).
“We are honored to collaborate with SALHOC and the Government of Sierra Leone,” said Mr. Yero. “Groupe Banga brings decades of experience in delivering sustainable and inclusive housing across West Africa, and we are committed to applying that expertise here.”
The MoU will remain in effect for one year and will serve as the foundation for a more detailed Concession Contract, which will specify profit-sharing models, project timelines, and key performance indicators. It also includes clauses covering dispute resolution, confidentiality, and the right to terminate the agreement if no substantial work begins within six months.
The agreement is being hailed as a major boost to the government’s housing agenda and a reaffirmation of SALHOC’s growing role in shaping Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development through innovative public-private partnerships.
By James Farma
