Foreign Investors Express Growing Interest in the Black Johnson Fish Harbour Project

Freetown, November 7, 2024 [SLENA]As the Chinese-funded Black Johnson Fish Harbor Project in Sierra Leone nears its final stages of development, a surge of foreign investors is showing keen interest in contributing to the venture. On November 4, 2024, Hardy Zhang, President and CEO of Hidier Group International Holdings Limited based in Hong Kong, visited the project site to explore potential investment opportunities that could drive socio-economic growth in the country.

Mr. Zhang, a prominent figure in the energy and industrial sectors, has previously established subsidiaries in China, Nigeria, Egypt, and Liberia. He expressed a strong interest in advancing Sierra Leone’s infrastructure by investing in various areas, including fish canning, shipbuilding, cold storage, ice production, and other value-added technologies. During his visit, Mr. Zhang also engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Trade regarding investment in Sierra Leone's new Free Trade Zone, located outside Freetown. He noted that integrating this zone with the upcoming fish harbour complex could significantly bolster the country's revenue, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth.

Impressed by Sierra Leone's natural resources and the project's strategic location, Mr. Zhang commended both the Sierra Leonean and Chinese governments for their commitment to the project. He pledged his dedication to supporting the nation’s development and contributing to long-term socio-economic benefits.

Mohamed Jalloh, the project’s focal representative from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, welcomed Mr Zhang's interest and assured him of a "win-win" investment climate. He highlighted that local and Chinese investors will receive priority during the project's implementation phase, ensuring solid partnerships. Jalloh described the Black Johnson site as “fit for purpose” and emphasised the governments' concerted efforts to complete the project.

Once operational, the Black Johnson Fish Harbor Project is expected to transform Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector, expand trade, and serve as a vital economic driver for the nation.