Freetown, Thursday 18th September 2025 — President Julius Maada Bio has officially opened the newly constructed Sewa Grounds Market in central Freetown, marking a major milestone in efforts to modernize trading infrastructure and curb street vending in the capital.
Built by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NaSSIT) using workers’ pension contributions, the expansive facility offers 1,544 trading spaces, a car park, and a suite of amenities including 176 toilets, boreholes, water towers, a daycare centre, and dedicated posts for police and fire services. The market also features 24-hour security and CCTV surveillance to ensure safety for traders and customers alike.
In his commissioning address, President Bio praised NaSSIT for delivering what he described as “a human-capital-driven investment in the trade sector.” He acknowledged that the project had been inherited by his administration but was long overdue, and commended traders—particularly women—for their resilience in operating under difficult conditions.
“This market is not just a structure—it’s a catalyst for economic growth,” the President said. “It will empower small and medium enterprises, improve livelihoods, and energize the local economy.”
Highlighting the informal sector’s vital role in Sierra Leone’s development, President Bio announced plans to introduce a pension scheme for informal workers, including petty traders, motorbike riders, and commercial drivers. NaSSIT will spearhead the initiative, aimed at securing long-term welfare for thousands of citizens.
In a move widely welcomed by market vendors, the President revealed that his government had reduced the monthly stall rent from NaSSIT’s proposed NLe 12,000 to NLe 6,000—a rate that will remain fixed for the duration of his tenure.
“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting small businesses and creating an enabling environment for all Sierra Leoneans,” he affirmed.
President Bio also urged traders to uphold cleanliness, respect facility rules, and ensure accessibility throughout the market.
NaSSIT Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh credited contributors to the pension scheme for making the project possible and pledged to maintain the market to high standards. He also responded to the President’s challenge to replicate the initiative nationwide.
“This has been a demanding journey,” Daboh said, “but with the President’s leadership, we’ve delivered a transformative space for commerce.”
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, described the market’s launch as a response to public demand and a reflection of President Bio’s consultative leadership.
“Our policies are shaped by the voices of the people,” Swaray noted, while encouraging informal workers to enroll in NaSSIT schemes for long-term financial security.
The commissioning of Sewa Grounds Market signals a new chapter for urban trade in Freetown—and potentially, across Sierra Leone.
