Albayrak Group's 'win-win' project in Sierra Leone

The Albayrak Group, renowned for its successful projects across Africa, is stepping in to address the complicated situation surrounding the Pepel Port and Railway in Sierra Leone. The Turkish firm is proposing a comprehensive solution model to take over the Pepel Port and Railway, currently operated by a mining company. Their plan is to enhance the infrastructure and capacity, ensuring a swift and equitable service for all mining companies operating in the country. This model will be beneficial to both the government, mining companies, and Albayrak alike, significantly increasing cargo volume and handling revenues at the Pepel Port.

By offering a much higher concession fee to the government compared to the current income, Albayrak will provide the government with a substantial source of revenue. Mining companies will benefit from a fast and fair service, resolving their logistical challenges. Albayrak's investment of $500 million in the port and railway infrastructure aims to modernize these facilities and double the country's mineral export capacity. In addition to this project, Albayrak Group is making strides in the agricultural sector, planning to send 500 tractors and agricultural equipment to Sierra Leone. They will also establish agricultural laboratories and factories, offer training to local communities on modern farming techniques, and contribute significantly to the country's self-sufficiency in agriculture.

Albayrak Group, known for its investments in various sectors, such as logistics and agriculture, in countries like Somalia, Guinea, and Gambia, plays a pivotal role in Türkiye-Africa relations. The company is now gearing up to undertake major projects in Sierra Leone that will boost the country's economy. Despite having vast mining potential, Sierra Leone faces challenges due to insufficient mining logistics infrastructure and management. Although the country has fertile land for agriculture, only 7% of it is cultivated, leading to the need for food imports.

The COVID-19 pandemic and events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict have underscored the importance of food security worldwide. Shortages in global food supply primarily affect African countries, making it imperative for all African nations to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture as a top priority for their governments.

Albayrak Group is preparing to support Sierra Leone's development with two significant projects. These projects will not only boost the country's export capacity but also enhance its food security by improving agricultural infrastructure. Sierra Leone will receive gradual investments worth $500 million to achieve these goals.

Pepel Port and Railway, known as the gateway to Sierra Leone's mines, is managed by a mining company at a rent of $1.2 million per year. However, according to a feasibility report prepared by international organizations, the port, with a capacity to export 18- 25 million tons of heavy minerals (iron, bauxite, etc.), has exported only 7 million tons of minerals in the past two years. This clearly shows that with the right and fair operational model for the port and railway, sufficient infrastructure can be provided for all mining companies, significantly increasing the country's mineral exports.

To address the logistical challenges faced by the country's largest source of income, the mining sector, Albayrak Group aims to take over the operation of the Pepel Port and Railway, offering a fast and equal service to all mining companies. In contrast to other companies' proposals, Albayrak Group, a logistics company, plans to bring a win-win model that will unleash the massive infrastructure potential for the country.

Under this proposed model:

• Investment will increase the country's annual mineral export capacity to 30 million tons.
• All mining companies will receive fast and equal service, ensuring a fair competitive environment.
• The government will generate significantly higher logistics revenue compared to the current lease income.

Sierra Leone, with 26 rivers on its land, has fertile soil and 75% of its working population engaged in agriculture. However, despite these advantages, the country faces food security issues. Albayrak Group will contribute to Sierra Leone's self-sufficiency in both food production and agricultural exports. The company will initially provide 100 tractors and other agricultural equipment, with a total of 500 tractors for the use of the country's citizens. The local population will receive training on tractor and agricultural equipment use. The company will deploy expert teams and scientists and conduct technical research in a laboratory, leading to increased efficiency in production. Researchers will focus on critical areas such as fertilizers, seeds, and pest control. The results obtained will be used to educate farmers, and rice and flour factories will be established. Sierra Leone will become self-sufficient in agricultural production in a short time, and with its strategic location, it will play a vital role in food exports within the continent.