The massive £1.2bn bridge being built in one of Africa’s poorest countries

One of poorest countries is set to embark on a major construction project that could help transform its economic fortunes.

The proposed five-mile bridge is expected to cost around £1.2 billion and should be completed in just three years.

Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and architectural firm Atépa Group.

The bridge will connect the nation’s capital, Freetown, with Lungi, home to new international airport.

The new transport link will cut travel time between the capital and the airport from three hours to ten minutes.

The bridge is a cornerstone of President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big 5” agenda, which prioritises infrastructure and technological development.

The ambitious project enshrines the Government’s commitment to modernising transport networks and marks a shift from traditional water-based transit methods.

The bridge’s design includes four traffic lanes and space for a future railway line.

It is part of an infrastructure initiative that includes bold plans for new airport terminals, coastal roads, and developing industrial zones near Government Wharf.

It is expected to bolster Sierra Leone’s vision for sustainable growth and global connectivity, positioning the nation as a key player in regional transportation.

Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in , despite boasting rich mineral reserves.

In a list compiled by the website Global Finance, the  country ranks as the twelfth poorest on the continent.

With a population of 8.6 million, it has a per capita income rate of £3,025, whose GDP in 2023 was £3.7 billion.

The country suffers from widespread poverty, youth unemployment and a lack of skilled labour.

The CRBC construction company operates in more than 50 countries across Asia, , Europe and the Americas.

It has been responsible for some of the most challenging and complex infrastructure projects worldwide.