The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has received the Africa-UK Most Outstanding Personality in Port Operations and Management Award at the Africa-UK Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit and Awards (AFUDIT-ISA).
The award recognizes his leadership in advancing Sierra Leone’s maritime sector through reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, infrastructure and trade competitiveness. Organizers praised his contribution to economic growth and sustainable development through effective port management.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Bio thanked his management team and staff, and dedicated the award to Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone. He said the recognition reflects growing international acknowledgment of efforts to modernize the country’s ports and strengthen their role in regional and global commerce.
The award comes as the Port of Freetown continues to record improvements in operational performance, infrastructure development and revenue generation. Under Bio’s leadership, the SLPHA has implemented reforms focused on modernizing cargo handling systems, enhancing service delivery, expanding public-private partnerships, and investing in berth rehabilitation, terminal expansion and digitalization projects.
Authorities report that these initiatives have increased cargo throughput and reduced vessel turnaround times at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, while boosting revenues. The Ports Authority is also expected to transfer significant revenue to the government following recent growth in earnings.
The recognition further highlights Sierra Leone’s growing prominence in Africa’s maritime sector, with the Port of Freetown positioned as a strategic gateway for internationalo trade and a key driver of the country’s economic development ambitions.
