Aminata Turay, Office of the Vice President
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called for inclusive and equitable land governance systems that safeguard the rights of local and indigenous communities while fostering sustainable development.
He made this appeal at the opening of the 5th Regional Conference of the African Land Institutions Network for Community Rights (ALIN), held on Tuesday, October 14, at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown.
The event brought together African Policymakers, Experts, and Development partners to discuss strategies for strengthening community land rights and advancing sustainable land reform.
Dr. Jalloh commended ALIN for choosing Sierra Leone as the host nation, describing it as both an honor and a recognition of the country’s progress in promoting inclusive land governance.
“Equitable access to land lies at the heart of human development and social stability,” the Vice President stated. “We must strengthen land institutions, leverage digital transformation, and empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and rural communities whose livelihoods depend on land resources.
He emphasized the need for innovative approaches that balance investment priorities with community protection amid growing population pressures and shrinking land availability.
Dr. Jalloh noted that as global development aid declines, African nations must create environments that attract responsible investment while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable land management, the Vice President expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen collaboration among African countries and development partners toward advancing community rights and inclusive growth.
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, in his statement, reiterated government’s dedication to promoting justice, equity, and sustainable land governance.
He described the ALIN conference as a “historic milestone” for Africa’s land reform agenda.
Minister Senesie highlighted the country’s remarkable progress through the 2022 Customary Land Rights Act, which secured responsible investment, expanded women’s land ownership, and abolished long-standing discriminatory practices.
He noted that Sierra Leone’s reforms align with the African Union’s Land Policy Framework, echoing efforts in Mali, Mozambique, Liberia, and Tanzania to enhance community rights and sustainable development.
“This gathering offers an opportunity to assess progress, share best practices, and chart actionable strategies for protecting customary land rights,” the Minister said, urging participants to ensure that Africa’s land governance truly serves its people.
The GIZ representative lauded the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Lands, for its leadership in developing one of Africa’s most progressive land governance frameworks.
He described the 2022 Customary Land Rights Act as a “landmark achievement” that places women, youth, and communities at the center of land policy and responsible investment.
He further highlighted GIZ’s ongoing collaboration with Sierra Leone through land governance programs that strengthen institutional capacity, enhance professional training, and promote inclusive development across more than ten African countries.
Representing the African Union (AU), Dr. Joan C. Kagwanja commended Sierra Leone for its bold reforms in land administration.
She noted that the 2022 Customary Land Rights Act reflects the AU’s vision for equitable and sustainable land governance across the continent.
“Land remains central to Africa’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social justice,” Dr. Kagwanja stated.
“We are encouraged by Sierra Leone’s leadership in advancing policies that promote women’s rights, responsible investment, and community participation.”
The conference concluded with a renewed regional commitment to strengthen land governance systems, protect community rights, and promote inclusive, sustainable development throughout Africa.
