SLDAC Research Officer Concludes Feasibility Study in Sierra Leone
The Sierra Leone Diaspora Advisory Council (SLDAC) has completed a major exploratory research mission in Sierra Leone, led by its Research Officer, Mr. Joseph Saffa. The mission focused on two flagship development initiatives: the Cold Room Storage Project within the fisheries value chain and the Affordable Student Housing Development Project.
Over a three‑week period from 25th March to 12th April 2026, Mr. Saffa conducted extensive fieldwork across three major cities—Freetown, Makeni, and Bo—engaging a wide range of government institutions, public universities, private sector actors, and community stakeholders.
High‑Level Government Engagements
During the mission, Mr. Saffa held strategic meetings with several key ministries and agencies, including:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Agriculture
- National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT)
- National Investment Board (NIB)
These engagements provided critical insights into national policies, regulatory frameworks, land acquisition procedures, and investment opportunities relevant to both the fisheries and student housing sectors.
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University and Institutional Consultations
The research team also visited major public universities and higher education institutions, including:
- Njala University
- University of Makeni
- Milton Margai Technical University
Meetings with Vice Chancellors, Registrars, and Accommodation Officers helped assess the growing demand for student housing, existing shortages, and potential partnership models such as PPPs and diaspora‑led investment platforms.
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Fisheries Sector Fieldwork and Focus Groups
A significant component of the mission involved focus group discussions with fishing cooperatives and site visits to major landing sites such as Tombo, Goderich, and Aberdeen.
Fishermen and market leaders highlighted:
- Severe post‑harvest losses
- Lack of reliable cold storage
- High dependence on traditional preservation methods
- Electricity challenges
- Market access constraints
These findings will inform the feasibility of establishing solar‑hybrid cold room storage facilities to support the fisheries value chain.
Private Sector and Business Engagements
Mr. Saffa also met with private companies, real estate developers, cold storage operators, and agribusiness actors to explore investment models, cost structures, and partnership opportunities for both projects.
Next Steps: Comprehensive Research Report
Following the successful completion of the field mission, Mr. Saffa will produce a set of detailed reports to guide SLDAC’s next phase of decision‑making and investment facilitation for diaspora‑driven development in Sierra Leone.
SLDAC’s Commitment to Impactful Diaspora Engagement
This exploratory mission marks a major step in SLDAC’s strategy to transform diaspora expertise and capital into sustainable national development initiatives. By bridging the gap between diaspora investors and credible local partners, SLDAC continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for progress in Sierra Leone.