Sky Handling Partner Sierra Leone Limited

This summary covers an investment from Groupe Europe Handling S.A.S. of France to Sky Handling Partner Sierra Leone Limited. The investor has applied for a MIGA guarantee of €1.35 million (approximately $1.7 million) for a period of up to 10 years against the risks of transfer restriction, expropriation, and war and civil disturbance.

The project involves modernization and expansion of the current cargo-handling service in the Freetown-Lungi International Airport (FNA) by Sky Handling Partner Sierra Leone Limited. The new cargo terminal is being built to international standards and will accommodate a maximum capacity of 7,000 tons of cargo per year.  The terminal will have a separate import and export area, where cold temperature rooms, dangerous goods storage, and security rooms will be installed. Once established, it will be the first modern airport cargo handling and storage facilities and services in Sierra Leone.

Environmental Categorization

The project is a category B under MIGA’s Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability as it has potentially limited adverse social or environmental impacts. Key potential impacts include community and workers’ health and safety; and air, soil and water pollution. The potential impacts are largely reversible and readily addressed through mitigation measures. The company has provided MIGA with a social and environmental impact assessment in line with MIGA’s Performance Standards.

Development Impact

The project is expected to have a positive catalytic effect on local businesses by providing airport cargo-handling and storage facilities and services that meet international standards.

MIGA’s proposed support for this investment is aligned with the World Bank Group’s country partnership strategy for Sierra Leone, particularly with regard to supporting the development of a competitive private sector.

MIGA’s participation in the project is also aligned with key agency priorities, which include encouraging investment in post-conflict countries and countries eligible for concessional lending from the International Development Association. The project would be underwritten through MIGA’s Small Investment Program.