Gento Group, a leading local company, is driving infrastructure projects like the Banana Island Port to unlock the country’s untapped potential in trade, minerals, and tourism.
“The Banana Island Port’s natural depth of 22 meters and its proximity to the Atlantic shipping route, provides it with a distinct advantage in sailing time.” Mohamed Gento Kamara, Chairman and CEO of Gento Group of Companies (SL) Limited
Mohammed Gento Kamara – a British Sierra Leonean whose entrepreneurial journey evolved from his initial ventures in owning three mobile phone retail shops in South London to significant real estate investments in Manchester, where he partnered with a U.K. company. His move to Sierra Leone in the early 2000s marked a pivotal transition, driven by a desire to contribute to the country’s recovery after the devastating civil war, with a focus on infrastructure projects.
“The then-president asked me to stay and inspire young people, showing them that war is not an option and that they can better their lives,” recalls Mohamed Gento Kamara, now Chairman and CEO of Gento Group of Companies (SL) Limited, a firm with reporting assets worth over US$150 million. His firm’s early projects included the monumental transformation of Hill Station and Hill Cot Road, which Sierra Leoneans describe as very difficult, a testament to the company’s resilience and capability. “The transformation from its former state to its current form was profound,” he noted, underscoring the tangible impact of these projects. Over the last decade, Gento Group has solidified its position as a key player in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development, with Kamara proudly stating, “Gento Group became the face of local content in Sierra Leone.”
Gento Group is leading several transformative projects that are set to redefine Sierra Leone’s economic future. At the forefront is the Banana Island Port Project, a venture with immense potential to reshape global trade connectivity. As the CEO explains, “The Port’s natural depth of 22 meters and its proximity to the Atlantic shipping route, provides it with a distinct advantage in capacity and sailing time,” He emphasizes that the port’s natural depth and strategic positioning make it a powerful contender against prominent ports in the subregion. This unique depth positions Banana Island as a prime destination for large vessels, enabling Sierra Leone to slash freight costs and boost trade between Asia, America, and Europe.
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The project is backed by a 25-year renewable concession agreement with the government. The logistics hub construction is already underway, and the island’s ports development is set to commence by the end of this year. Gento Group has made enduring contributions to social infrastructure on the island, constructing a hospital, community center, and secondary school. “We are confident that this port will transform Sierra Leone’s economy, bringing about undeniable change, particularly by creating job opportunities,” Kamara states, highlighting the transformative impact the port will have on both the local economy and Sierra Leone’s global position. The project is expected to be operational by 2028, ushering in a new era for the region’s maritime industry.
In addition to the Banana Island project, Gento Group is making significant strides in urban development through its Waterloo Township Projects, designed to improve urban infrastructure and create a more sustainable living environment.
“We also have a quarry around the peninsula in an area called Tombo. We are exploring the possibility of exporting granite stones to The Gambia,” he says. This is part of the firm’s diversification strategy and its effort to capitalize on regional demand for high-quality materials. In real estate, Gento Group is developing rental housing on the Peninsula and aims to expand into property sales by 2026.
“Over the years, we’ve worked with multiple governments, creating jobs and driving economic growth,” Kamara notes, underlining his firm’s role in fostering local content and contributing to the nation’s long-term growth.
As infrastructure projects play a vital role in fostering investor confidence and generating opportunities for both local and international companies, the CEO explains, “Gento Group has brought confidence to Sierra Leone’s economy transforming a landscape once dominated by foreign interests. We have changed that narrative, proving that local companies can lead the change in reshaping Sierra Leone’s economic future.”
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s potential as an investment destination, the CEO highlights the country’s untapped resources in minerals, tourism, and infrastructure. “Sierra Leone is a virgin state with immense untapped potential,” he says, implying that projects like the Banana Island port are pivotal in unlocking these prospects, offering investors a rare chance to be part of the nation’s promising future.
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