Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu On Building The Roads That Shape Sierra Leone’s Future

Roads are far more than ribbons of asphalt linking towns and cities—they are the lifeblood of economic growth, social mobility and national development. Across Africa, countries seeking to diversify their economies and strengthen regional trade are investing heavily in transport infrastructure, recognising that efficient road networks underpin agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing and cross-border commerce.

Sierra Leone is no exception. Over the past several years, the country has embarked on one of the most ambitious road infrastructure programmes in its post-war history. New highways, bridges and urban road networks are not only improving mobility but are also unlocking economic opportunities, connecting previously underserved communities and positioning the country to benefit from greater regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

At the forefront of this transformation is the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), the statutory institution charged with planning, constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining the nation’s road network. As the Government continues to expand strategic transport corridors linking agricultural centres, mining communities, tourism destinations and neighbouring countries, the Authority has assumed an increasingly pivotal role in shaping Sierra Leone’s long-term development agenda.

In this exclusive interview with Pan African Visions, Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, reflects on the institution’s mandate, the remarkable progress made in expanding the country’s road network, the financial and environmental challenges confronting infrastructure development, and his vision for building a modern transport system capable of accelerating economic growth, attracting investment and strengthening regional connectivity.

With infrastructure increasingly viewed as a catalyst for sustainable development, Ing. Momodu explains why roads are not merely transportation corridors but strategic national assets that will shape Sierra Leone’s future for generations to come.

PAV: For readers across Africa and beyond, could you begin by explaining the mandate of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and its strategic role in Sierra Leone’s development?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: The Sierra Leone Roads Authority is the Government institution responsible for the development, construction, rehabilitation, maintenance and management of Sierra Leone’s national road network. Our mandate extends beyond roads to include bridges, culverts and other road-related infrastructure, while ensuring the proper management and protection of road reserves across the country.

Our work is fundamental to Sierra Leone’s development because transportation infrastructure provides the backbone upon which virtually every productive sector depends. Roads facilitate trade, stimulate agricultural production, strengthen tourism, improve access to education and healthcare, and create opportunities for investment. Every kilometre of road constructed represents more than improved mobility—it opens doors to economic opportunity, social inclusion and long-term national growth. Simply put, roads are the foundation upon which a nation’s development is built.

PAV: When you assumed office, what was the state of the Authority and the country’s road infrastructure? What were the biggest institutional and operational challenges you inherited?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: The Sierra Leone Roads Authority has served the country for more than three decades and has earned a strong reputation for professionalism, technical excellence and institutional stability. The achievements we are recording today are built on the dedication of those who came before us, whose commitment established a solid foundation for the Authority.

When I assumed office, significant progress had already been made in expanding Sierra Leone’s road network. My responsibility was therefore not to start afresh, but to consolidate those gains and ensure that the Authority continued on its path of growth and innovation.

Our focus has been on strengthening institutional capacity, improving project delivery and ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with Sierra Leone’s growing economic ambitions and transportation needs. Building on an already established foundation has enabled us to sustain momentum while remaining focused on delivering quality infrastructure that benefits every Sierra Leonean.

PAV: Road infrastructure has been one of President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship development priorities. From your perspective, what have been the most significant achievements recorded under his administration?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: The progress made under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has been both significant and transformative. Since 2018, infrastructure development has occupied a central place in the Government’s national development agenda, reflecting a clear commitment to improving connectivity and creating opportunities for economic growth.

Between 2018 and 2023, during the President’s first term, approximately 345.6 kilometres of roads were completed. Although 2024 witnessed a temporary slowdown due largely to financial constraints—which remain one of the greatest challenges facing infrastructure development—the momentum has continued.

By the first quarter of 2026, Sierra Leone had completed approximately 473 kilometres of paved roads since 2018. This represents one of the most extensive road expansion programmes in the country’s recent history and demonstrates Government’s determination to modernise the national transport network despite prevailing economic pressures.

Beyond road construction, the Government has completed 24 major bridges, alongside numerous smaller bridges that are improving access for communities across the country. Several additional bridges are expected to be commissioned in districts including Bo, Pujehun, Port Loko, Moyamba, Kailahun and Bonthe, further strengthening national connectivity and reducing travel barriers for thousands of Sierra Leoneans.

One of the flagship achievements is the Hillside Bypass Road, a project that has fundamentally changed traffic movement within Freetown. Before its construction, motorists travelling from the eastern part of the capital relied heavily on the Kissy corridor, resulting in chronic congestion and lengthy delays.

Today, the Hillside Bypass provides an efficient alternative route, significantly reducing travel times, easing congestion and improving the movement of people and goods across the city. It has become a critical transport corridor supporting economic activity in the capital.

The tourism sector has also benefited immensely from improved road infrastructure. Roads connecting Murray Town to Aberdeen have eliminated long-standing transport bottlenecks, while the completion of the Lumley–Tokeh Peninsula Road has dramatically improved access to one of Sierra Leone’s most attractive tourism destinations.

These projects are not only making travel safer and more efficient but are also encouraging investment in hospitality, recreation and coastal tourism, sectors with enormous potential to contribute to national economic growth.

Outside the Western Area, one of the most strategically important projects has been the completion of the Bo–Bandajuma–Zimmi–Liberia Border Highway, which forms part of the wider Trans-West African Highway network.

This corridor has strengthened cross-border trade with Liberia, improved road safety, enhanced connectivity across eight chiefdoms and created new economic opportunities for farming communities, traders and businesses operating along the route. By improving regional transport links, the highway also reinforces Sierra Leone’s role within West Africa’s growing trade and integration agenda.

Equally significant is the near completion of the Kailahun–Buedu Road, a project expected to transform one of Sierra Leone’s most productive agricultural regions.

Kailahun District is renowned for cocoa production, and improved road infrastructure will enable farmers to transport their produce more efficiently to markets while encouraging greater private-sector investment in agriculture. Plans to extend the road to Koindu, near the borders with Guinea and Liberia, will further strengthen regional connectivity and facilitate international trade.

Another landmark project is the Kabala–Falaba Road, which has dramatically improved accessibility through one of Sierra Leone’s most challenging mountainous regions.

Communities that once endured day-long journeys over rough terrain can now travel safely and efficiently on a modern paved highway. Beyond reducing travel time, the road has opened new opportunities for agriculture, commerce and tourism, while improving access to essential public services for communities that were previously isolated.

Collectively, these investments are doing far more than connecting towns and districts. They are stimulating economic activity, strengthening regional integration, supporting agriculture and tourism, improving access to healthcare and education, and creating the infrastructure required for long-term national development.

For us at the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, every completed road represents an investment in the country’s future. Infrastructure is not simply about construction; it is about creating opportunities, improving livelihoods and laying the foundation for sustainable economic transformation.

PAV: Could you highlight some of the Authority’s most important ongoing projects and explain how they will transform mobility and economic development once completed?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: The impact of road infrastructure extends well beyond transportation. Roads are catalysts for economic growth because they create the conditions that allow businesses to expand, farmers to access markets, investors to develop new opportunities and communities to participate more fully in the national economy. Every road project we undertake is therefore designed not merely to improve mobility, but to unlock the productive potential of the regions it serves.

One of our most significant ongoing projects is the Bo–Bandajuma–Jendema Highway, a strategic section of the Trans-West African Highway. This corridor passes through some of Sierra Leone’s most agriculturally productive communities, where farming remains the backbone of local livelihoods.

As construction progresses, we are already witnessing positive economic impacts. Farmers and traders are finding it easier to transport agricultural produce to markets, reducing travel time, lowering transportation costs and minimising post-harvest losses. Better road access is also encouraging commercial activities along the corridor, creating new opportunities for businesses and improving household incomes.

Beyond agriculture, the corridor possesses significant mineral resources. As mining activities continue to expand, reliable road infrastructure provides investors with the accessibility needed to develop those resources efficiently while creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economies.

Another transformative project is the Kabala–Falaba Road, which serves one of Sierra Leone’s most productive agricultural regions.

The area is widely recognised not only for crop production but also for livestock farming, supplying a substantial proportion of the country’s meat products. Improving road access will strengthen agricultural production, support livestock farming and encourage investment throughout the region.

Beyond agriculture, the improved road network will facilitate tourism development by making previously difficult-to-reach destinations more accessible. Local businesses will also benefit from greater commercial activity, creating new employment opportunities and contributing to sustainable economic growth.

For us, infrastructure development is about unlocking opportunity. Roads become economic corridors that connect producers with consumers, communities with services and investors with untapped potential.

PAV: Despite this remarkable progress, Sierra Leone still faces significant infrastructure gaps. What are the biggest challenges preventing the country from achieving a fully connected national road network?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: Without question, the greatest challenge confronting infrastructure development in Sierra Leone is financing.

Building and maintaining modern road infrastructure requires substantial financial resources. Historically, many of our major road projects have been supported through partnerships between the Government of Sierra Leone and international development partners. These collaborations have enabled us to undertake projects that might otherwise have remained beyond our financial capacity.

However, the global development financing landscape has changed considerably in recent years. Traditional sources of funding have become increasingly constrained, making it more challenging to mobilise the resources required for large-scale infrastructure projects.

At the same time, Government must balance competing national priorities. Investment is equally needed in healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, water supply, public sector salaries and other essential services that are critical to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

These competing demands inevitably influence the pace at which road projects can be implemented. Infrastructure development is therefore not simply an engineering challenge—it is also a question of strategic resource allocation and long-term national planning.

Despite these challenges, our commitment remains unwavering. We continue to explore innovative financing mechanisms, strengthen partnerships with development institutions and encourage greater private-sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the delivery of strategic infrastructure.

Our long-term vision remains clear: to develop a fully connected national road network that supports economic growth, promotes social inclusion and strengthens Sierra Leone’s competitiveness within the West African sub-region.

While financing may determine the speed of implementation, it does not diminish our resolve. Every kilometre of road completed brings us closer to a future in which every district is better connected, every community has improved access to opportunities, and infrastructure continues to serve as a foundation for national development.

PAV: Climate resilience has become increasingly important for infrastructure development across the world. How is the Sierra Leone Roads Authority designing roads and bridges that can better withstand flooding, heavy rainfall and other climate-related challenges?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: Climate change has fundamentally changed the way infrastructure is planned and delivered, and Sierra Leone is adapting to that reality. Across the world, engineers are being compelled to rethink traditional design standards in response to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events.

At the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, climate resilience is no longer an optional consideration—it has become an essential component of every major infrastructure project we undertake.

We continuously review our engineering standards, monitor meteorological data and incorporate modern design approaches that enable our roads and bridges to withstand evolving environmental conditions. Our engineers work to ensure that infrastructure is not only durable but also capable of serving communities safely for decades into the future.

Heavy rainfall remains one of Sierra Leone’s greatest environmental challenges. Flooding and water-related damage have historically affected road infrastructure in several parts of the country. Consequently, drainage systems, bridge designs, culverts and embankment protection now receive greater attention during both the planning and construction phases.

Our objective is straightforward: to build infrastructure that remains functional and resilient even under increasingly challenging climatic conditions. By investing in climate-smart engineering today, we reduce future maintenance costs, improve public safety and protect national investments for generations to come.

PAV: As Sierra Leone seeks to attract greater domestic and foreign investment, how important is road infrastructure in improving the country’s competitiveness and supporting sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: Road infrastructure is the foundation upon which every productive sector of the economy depends. No country can achieve sustainable economic growth without an efficient transport network that enables the movement of people, goods and services.

For agriculture, quality roads are indispensable. They enable farmers to transport produce to markets more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses and lower transportation costs. Better accessibility improves productivity, increases farmers’ incomes and strengthens national food security.

The mining sector also relies heavily on modern infrastructure. Mineral resources have little economic value unless they can be transported safely and efficiently from mining sites to processing facilities, ports and export markets. Reliable roads therefore play a direct role in enhancing the competitiveness of Sierra Leone’s extractive industries.

Tourism equally benefits from improved connectivity. Many of Sierra Leone’s most attractive destinations possess enormous potential, but accessibility has often been a limiting factor. Modern road networks make travel safer, faster and more convenient, encouraging both domestic and international tourism while creating opportunities for investment in hotels, hospitality and related services.

Manufacturing and commerce also depend on reliable transportation systems. Businesses require efficient logistics to move raw materials and finished products. Investors are naturally attracted to countries where infrastructure supports lower operating costs and greater efficiency.

Ultimately, roads are far more than transportation corridors. They are strategic economic assets that facilitate investment, stimulate industrial growth, expand employment opportunities and strengthen national competitiveness.

As I often emphasise, roads are the foundation of national development. When we invest in infrastructure, we are investing in the long-term prosperity of Sierra Leone and creating an environment where businesses, communities and future generations can thrive.

PAV: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Sierra Leone’s road network over the next five to ten years, and what legacy would you like your leadership at the Authority to leave behind?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: My vision is to see a Sierra Leone connected by a modern, efficient and reliable road network that promotes national unity, accelerates economic growth and strengthens regional integration.

Over the next five to ten years, our objective is to achieve greater interconnectivity between districts, ensuring that every region of the country enjoys improved access to economic opportunities and essential public services. We are working to strengthen transport corridors linking Sierra Leone’s major economic centres while extending quality road infrastructure to underserved areas with significant agricultural, mining and tourism potential.

Regional connectivity also remains a strategic priority. Sierra Leone occupies an important geographical position within the Mano River Union and the ECOWAS sub-region. By strengthening road links with neighbouring Guinea and Liberia, we can facilitate cross-border trade, improve the movement of goods and people, and contribute meaningfully to regional economic integration.

One example is the proposed extension of the road to Koindu, which will improve connectivity with both Guinea and Liberia while creating new opportunities for commerce, investment and regional cooperation. Projects such as these demonstrate our commitment to positioning Sierra Leone as an important gateway for trade within West Africa.

Urban mobility is another area that demands sustained attention. As our cities continue to expand, we must ensure that transport infrastructure evolves to meet increasing demand. We are committed to improving urban road networks so that movement becomes safer, faster and more efficient for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Today, nearly every district headquarters town in Sierra Leone has paved roads, with only a few exceptions. That achievement reflects the remarkable progress the country has made in recent years. Nevertheless, our work is far from complete, and we remain committed to extending quality infrastructure to every part of the country.

Another important aspect of our long-term vision is replacing ferry crossings with permanent bridges wherever it is technically and economically feasible. While ferries have served communities for many years, bridges provide uninterrupted connectivity, reduce travel time, lower transport costs and improve the efficiency of the national road network.

Ultimately, I hope my leadership will be remembered not simply for the roads we constructed, but for helping to establish a transport system that delivers lasting solutions to Sierra Leone’s mobility challenges while supporting sustainable national development for generations to come.

PAV: Finally, what message would you like to send to Sierra Leoneans and to international investors about the country’s infrastructure transformation and the opportunities it is creating for economic growth and regional integration?

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu: To our international partners and prospective investors, my message is both simple and unequivocal: Sierra Leone is a country of opportunity.

Across the transport sector, significant progress is being made to improve connectivity, strengthen logistics and create an enabling environment for investment. Modern infrastructure is opening new frontiers for economic activity, reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing Sierra Leone’s competitiveness within the region.

At the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, we are particularly interested in expanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an effective mechanism for accelerating infrastructure development. Government resources alone cannot meet every infrastructure need. We therefore welcome investors who share our vision and are prepared to partner with us in delivering modern, sustainable transport infrastructure that benefits both the nation and the private sector.

Our goal is to foster an environment where investment is encouraged, innovation is supported and infrastructure serves as a catalyst for long-term economic growth and shared prosperity.

To the people of Sierra Leone, I would like to emphasize that these roads belong to every citizen. They have been constructed with public resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Infrastructure of this scale represents a national investment that requires collective responsibility. I therefore encourage every Sierra Leonean to help protect our roads by preventing acts of vandalism, discouraging encroachment on road reserves and promoting responsible use of these public assets.

Road reserves have been preserved not only for today’s transportation needs but also for future expansion as our towns, cities and economy continue to grow. Protecting them today will reduce future costs and ensure that subsequent generations inherit infrastructure capable of meeting their needs.

If every citizen takes ownership of our road network, we will preserve these investments, strengthen national development and continue building a more connected, more prosperous and more resilient Sierra Leone.

*Culled From August Issue Of PAV Magazine