Tokeh, Sierra Leone – September 23, 2025 — The World Bank-led Mid-Term Review Mission of the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP) is currently underway at The Place Resort in Tokeh, bringing together key stakeholders to assess progress, share insights, and outline next steps in the country’s transformative land governance reform.
The high-level event is being attended by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, senior management of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the National Land Commission, SLLAP Project Coordination Unit (PCU), Paramount Chiefs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), project consultants, and the World Bank delegation led by the Practice Manager for Urban Development, Resilience and Land Global Practice in the Africa – West and Central region, Madhu Raghunath.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, expressed deep appreciation to the World Bank for its continued support to the Government of Sierra Leone’s ambitious land reform agenda. He acknowledged the significant strides made in a relatively short timeframe, despite numerous challenges.
“We have come a long way and achieved so much — from enacting two landmark land laws to establishing the National Land Commission. The foundation is set.
With the buy-in of our Paramount Chiefs, a nationwide CORS network installed, local land committees formed, and public sensitization intensified, we are now truly entering a new era in land governance,” the Minister stated.
The Project Coordinator of SLLAP, Dr. Alphajoh Cham provided a comprehensive update on the project’s status, highlighting achievements under each component.
Taking the floor on behalf of the World Bank, the Practice Manager congratulated the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their strong commitment and notable progress in land reforms.
“Sierra Leone is becoming a shining star in land reform across the region. But this is only the beginning. Now is the time to take a deep dive into the ultimate objective — building an efficient, transparent, and accessible land administration system that enhances the economic value of land and is accepted by all,” she said.
She further encouraged stakeholders to explore opportunities for accelerating or expediting the Land Management Information System (LMIS), noting its potential to unlock land markets, improve service delivery, and foster sustainable development.
Throughout the mission, participants are engaging in strategic discussions to evaluate implementation progress, identify gaps, and co-create solutions for the next phase of the project. Emphasis is also being placed on deepening public engagement, enhancing gender inclusion, and ensuring long-term institutional sustainability.
As Sierra Leone continues to blaze a trail in land sector transformation, the outcomes of this Mid-Term Review are expected to reinforce momentum toward achieving a fully functional, inclusive, and modern land administration system — a cornerstone for national development and economic resilience.
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