USTDA Commits $1.6M to Feasibility Studies for Lungi Bridge Project
The proposed Lungi Bridge project is said to be moving closer to realization with a US$1.6 million commitment from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for critical preparatory studies. Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh disclosed the update following a series of strategic private-sector engagements held during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week in New York.
Dr. Sengeh, joined by Dr. Edward Sandy, Executive Director of the National Investment Board, met with representatives from Acrow Bridge to review progress on the transformative project. Scheduled to begin in November 2026, the USTDA-supported studies will encompass comprehensive traffic-flow assessments as well as environmental and social impact evaluations—key prerequisites for unlocking private-sector financing.
In addition to USTDA's grant support, the Lungi Bridge project has already secured a preliminary commitment from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Reiterating the government’s measured investment strategy, Dr. Sengeh emphasized that Sierra Leone will maintain a systematic approach to attracting foreign direct investment, avoiding rushed decisions on major capital projects.
Beyond infrastructure, the Sierra Leone delegation advanced several priority energy and technology partnerships during UNGA week:
Bonthe Island Renewable Energy Plant: Dr. Sengeh and Minister of Energy Cyril Grant met with Zoisa North-Bond of Octopus Energy to review the status of a 1MW hybrid wind, solar, and battery facility on Bonthe Island. The project is designed to expand clean energy access and drive local industrial development.
AI & Public Sector Innovation: In discussions with representatives from Kenya, IDinsight, and the OpenAI Foundation, Dr. Sengeh detailed Sierra Leone’s national efforts to deploy artificial intelligence for public service delivery and evidence-based decision-making under its National Innovation and Digital Strategy launched in 2019.
Digital Governance Frameworks: The Chief Minister also highlighted pioneer concepts such as data embassies and shared sovereignty as part of Sierra Leone’s evolving digital governance roadmap.
These diplomatic and commercial engagements serve as a prelude to the upcoming West Africa Investment and Innovation Summit, scheduled for November 2026, where Sierra Leone aims to further strengthen international business ties and expand regional investment.
Comments