AGP Executive Report

Port & Trade Learning: Sierra Leone’s Fisheries Minister Princess Dugba led a technical visit to Ghana’s Tema Port to study port management ahead of a $55m Chinese-backed fishing industrial port project due within two years. Migration & Border Economy: VP Juldeh Jalloh held a town hall in Conakry with over 250 Sierra Leoneans in Guinea, focusing on consular protection, employment, cross-border trade, and safer travel, including plans for consular and trader cards. Telecom Investment Push: Washington plans a $99.6m Export-Import Bank loan to Africell to expand “trusted” mobile network tech across markets including Sierra Leone, aiming to reduce reliance on Huawei. City Development: Freetown City Council Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched the “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” mid-term report (2024-2026), citing jobs, training, and external funding across climate action, heritage tourism, digital economy and human capital. Governance & Aid Debate: Chief Minister Sengeh hit back at Dutch aid threats, saying Sierra Leone does not depend on EU aid. Security & Illicit Trade: France seized nearly 3.9 tons of cocaine worth about €225m hidden in plastic waste shipped from Ghana, underlining West Africa’s role in drug-trafficking routes.

Telecom Financing: The US Export-Import Bank has approved a planned $99.6m loan to Africell to expand American and allied mobile-network equipment across Angola, DR Congo, Sierra Leone and Gambia, aiming to reduce reliance on Huawei. City Development: Freetown City Council Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched her “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” mid-term report (2024-2026), citing 161,565 beneficiaries, thousands of jobs, and SLE287.63m in external funding across climate action, heritage tourism, the digital economy and human capital. Trade & Ports: Sierra Leone’s ministers in the region pushed Ghana’s GPHA to speed clinker clearance to cut demurrage and prevent cement price hikes, with a Sierra Leonean delegation also studying port management. Aid & Diplomacy: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh rejected claims of EU aid dependence, saying Sierra Leone is not “driven by” European support. Development Delivery: President Bio urged urgent, coordinated action through DEPAC to close financing gaps and ensure national plans deliver results for citizens, especially around the 2026 Population and Housing Census. WFP Procurement: WFP Sierra Leone opened an expression of interest for long-term media and communication services, including TV/radio coverage and public awareness content.

Telecom Financing: The Trump administration, via the US Export-Import Bank, is set to lend about $99.6m to Africell to expand mobile network technology in Angola, with Africell also operating in Sierra Leone and other countries—part of Washington’s push to reduce reliance on Huawei. Development Delivery: President Julius Maada Bio urged urgent, coordinated action to accelerate Sierra Leone’s development results, flagging gaps in financing for the 2026 Population and Housing Census and stressing priorities like youth, agriculture, energy access, macro stability and private-sector growth. World Bank Partnership: World Bank leadership reaffirmed support for Sierra Leone’s agenda, stressing that outcomes must be measured against disbursements, while discussing fiscal discipline and domestic revenue mobilisation. Skills for Jobs: Sierra Leone outlined a youth employment and skills vision at the Youth Knowledge Forum in Rabat, focusing on practical training, digital transformation and entrepreneurship. EU TVET Rollout: IOM Sierra Leone began onboarding partners for the second cohort of EU-funded TVET training to support returnees and vulnerable youth with market-relevant skills. Tourism & Livelihoods: An opposition MP demanded written guarantees for Cabbage Beach vendors after planned erosion-control works tied to a new ocean club project raised fears of displacement. Regional Investment Push: China signalled readiness to support participation by Chinese private firms in WAIIS 2026, as Sierra Leone’s investment drive gathers momentum. Governance & Oversight: The SLFA Finance Committee held its first formal meeting in years, pledging stronger financial oversight and clean audit practices.

World Bank Partnership: Sierra Leone’s President Bio met World Bank VP Ousmane Diagana, reaffirming support for infrastructure, energy access and human capital, with a push to measure results against disbursements. Youth & Skills: Sierra Leone outlined a jobs-focused youth agenda at the Youth Knowledge Forum in Rabat, including upgrading technical institutes into community colleges, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using mobile training units. Judicial Protection: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged stronger, gender-sensitive enforcement of women’s reproductive health rights under the Maputo Protocol, stressing access to justice. Sports Finance Oversight: The Sierra Leone Football Association Finance Committee resumed work to strengthen budget scrutiny, transparency and audit practices ahead of FIFA/CAF compliance needs. Tourism & Informal Trade: An opposition MP demanded written guarantees for Cabbage Beach vendors after planned erosion-control fencing and pilings tied to a new ocean club project raised fears of displacement. Diplomacy & Trade: Sierra Leone’s WAIIS 2026 preparations gained momentum as a Chinese ambassador met a Sierra Leone envoy to explore greater private-sector participation. Regional Tech Finance: Korea Eximbank held KOAFEC talks with Sierra Leone and other African finance officials, spotlighting AI and digital infrastructure cooperation and support for Korean firms entering local markets. EU-Funded Training: IOM Sierra Leone began onboarding partners for the second cohort of EU-funded TVET training for returnees and vulnerable youth, targeting practical skills for employability. Cybercrime Law Debate (Liberia): A legal analysis in Liberia separated what the 2019 press freedom law changed from what the 2025 cybercrime law does, warning against mixing the two in public debate. Telecom Security (US-Africa): Reuters reported the Trump administration plans a near-$100m EXIM loan to Africell to back “trusted” mobile network tech as Washington counters Huawei expansion. Russia Influence Watch: Reports say Russia plans to expand “Russian Houses” across Africa, including Sierra Leone, as part of a broader cultural and educational influence push.

Women’s Employment Skills Gap: A new policy note argues technical training alone won’t get women into formal wage jobs; soft skills, internships, and real employer links are missing. World Bank Partnership: World Bank Africa VP Ousmane Diagana reaffirmed support for Sierra Leone’s development agenda, stressing results that translate into measurable outcomes. Youth Skills & Jobs: Sierra Leone outlined a Rabat forum plan focused on technical skills, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive access to opportunities. Land Reform Push: The Lands Ministry says it’s modernising land administration with digital records, stronger development controls, and formal title registration. Port Congestion Emergency: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress calls Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion a national emergency and urges faster completion of Gento Port. SLFA Oversight: SLFA’s Finance Committee resumes work to strengthen budget review, transparency, and audit practices. WAIIS 2026 Private Sector: Sierra Leone and China discussed boosting Chinese private sector participation in the West Africa investment summit. Diplomatic Document Probe: Sierra Leone launches an investigation into alleged misuse of official diplomatic documents tied to a U.S. visa denial case. Russian “Soft Power” Expansion: Reports say Russia plans more “Russian Houses” across Africa, including Sierra Leone, amid Ukraine and rights concerns. Palm Oil Investment: A $20m Jolaks financing deal aims to expand palm oil processing and grow market opportunities for smallholder farmers.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: Sierra Leone’s government raised petrol to NLe40 and diesel to NLe45, citing global oil prices—critics say the pump-price formula needs full public breakdown. Power Supply: BEL warned of possible load shedding tonight as demand strains the grid, with interruptions likely in parts of the country. Port & Trade Logistics: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress called Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion a national emergency and urged faster completion of the Gento (Kent Harbour) Logistics Port to cut delays and costs. Youth Skills & Jobs: Government is upgrading Technical Institutes into community colleges and expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning; Sierra Leone also presented its youth employment vision at a global forum in Morocco. Land Reform: Lands ministry outlined plans for digital land records, stronger development controls, and formal title registration to reduce disputes and unplanned settlements. Agri-Finance: A $20m Jolaks financing deal could expand palm oil processing and strengthen market access for smallholder farmers. Digital Learning & Identity: UNDP mission delegates from Sierra Leone studied India’s digital public infrastructure, including digital identity and payments. Sports Funding: SLFA disbursed a second round of regional football funding, boosting annual support to US$50,000 per Regional FA. Business Expansion: Indigenous road contractor PaviFort won praise in The Gambia for a 50km urban roads project, reinforcing regional trade and construction opportunities.

Port & Trade: Sierra Leone Labour Congress says congestion at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay is now a national emergency and is pushing for faster completion of the Kent Harbour/Gento Logistics Port to cut delays for importers and traders. Fuel & Transport Costs: Government raised petrol to NLe40 and diesel to NLe45 per litre, while a separate report questions the maths behind the pump-price formula; with global oil near $100, transport fares were also adjusted upward on provincial and cross-border routes. Agribusiness Finance: A $20m Jolaks financing package (via Proparco/ARIA) aims to expand palm oil refining capacity, potentially boosting demand for smallholder crude palm oil. Food Security & Jobs: WFP and Government launched the 2026/27 home-grown school feeding programme with 1 million kg of locally sourced rice for over 250,000 pupils. Tax & Revenue: IMF and NRA pledge tighter collaboration on tax compliance and revenue mobilisation, targeting leakages in the informal sector. Regional Integration: ECOWAS moved to fast-track the ECO single-currency process, directing its Commission to convene the President’s Task Force. Governance & Delivery: MoPED is set to turn APRM recommendations into a National Program of Action through a 7–11 Sept Freetown workshop, while VP Juldeh Jalloh wrapped a decentralisation tour in Port Loko.

Fuel & Transport Costs: Sierra Leone’s government set new pump prices—petrol at NLe40.00 and diesel at NLe45.00 per litre—while promising subsidies to cushion the full impact; soon after, the Ministry of Transport raised provincial and cross-border fares by about 12.5%, with routes like Freetown–Kailahun and Freetown–Kono seeing clear upward adjustments. Revenue & Tax Administration: The IMF and Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority pledged tighter collaboration on tax compliance and revenue mobilisation, with focus on plugging leakages in the informal sector and strengthening GST enforcement. Economic Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray urged ambassadors to be more results-driven—prioritising investment, trade promotion, consular protection and digitised performance targets. Local Food for Schools: The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme for 2026/27 kicked off with procurement of 1 million kg of locally produced rice for over 250,000 pupils across five districts. Water Regulation: NWRMA stepped up enforcement against unregulated raw-water abstraction, visiting businesses and institutions to verify permits and compliance. Regional Politics & Peace: ECOWAS commended Sierra Leone for facilitating former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return after charges were discontinued, citing reconciliation and unity. Business & Learning Tech: Google warned students not to use AI as a shortcut to learning, saying it should support critical thinking while teachers remain central. Health & Development: ECA launched work to help countries measure the economic value of health spending, with Sierra Leone among participants.

Fuel Prices & Transport: Sierra Leone increased nationwide pump prices from Sept 8—petrol to NLe40.00/litre and diesel to NLe45.00/litre—while the government says it will absorb part of the cost via subsidies to protect consumers and keep Waka Fine fares unchanged. Water Regulation: NWRMA is stepping up enforcement against unregistered and unregulated raw-water abstraction, with compliance visits targeting businesses and institutions across Sierra Leone. ECOWAS & Regional Currency: ECOWAS has ordered its Commission to fast-track work toward the ECO single currency, following progress reviews ahead of the proposed July 1, 2027 rollout. Politics & Reconciliation: ECOWAS commended the Sierra Leone government for facilitating former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return after charges were discontinued, framing it as a step toward unity and lasting peace. Trade & Investment: UAE’s trade minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi met Sierra Leone’s trade minister to push bilateral ties, focusing on agribusiness, mining and private-sector growth. Health & Ebola Watch: A new report warns the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could become a global epidemic, while a Phase II oral drug trial (NV-387) has been registered for the current outbreak. Judicial Rights: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged stronger enforcement of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights across Africa, stressing real-life impact on women facing hardship and limited access to services. Sports: Bo Rangers permanently transferred captain Saidu Bah Kamara to Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC after a dominant domestic run.

WAMZ Convergence Watch: Liberia says it has met 3 of 4 West African Monetary Zone criteria for the second straight year, with fiscal deficit, central bank financing and reserves on track, leaving only average inflation to be closed by end-2026. Regional Politics: Nigeria facilitated the safe, dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after over two years in Nigeria, following Sierra Leone’s withdrawal of treason proceedings tied to the 2023 coup attempt—an ECOWAS-led diplomatic reset. Social Security Digitisation: NASSIT plans to launch a mobile app to let pensioners and contributors pay, update records, check benefits and access services via Orange Money, Africell Money and QMoney, plus USSD for offline users. Tourism & Heritage: Liberia broke ground for Providence Island as a heritage and tourism destination, aiming to package its abolition-era history for possible UNESCO status. Business & Trade at Borders: Jendema border traders and travellers praised improved immigration services at the Sierra Leone–Liberia Mano River Bridge under a new station head, citing faster, more respectful processing. Finance & Careers: Sierra Leone’s Miss World representative Mariyam Lorba Konneh returned to Freetown after her pageant run, with her banking-and-finance background and entrepreneurship highlighted.

Diplomatic Reset: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio met ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma in Freetown after Nigeria facilitated his safe return following more than two years in Abuja, with treason charges dropped to support peace and reconciliation; Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the move capped a regional ECOWAS-led confidence-building process. Pension Digital Push: NASSIT says it will launch a mobile app to let pensioners and contributors pay, update records, view statements, and access benefits via Orange Money and other channels—aimed at cutting queues and travel costs. Border Trade Improvements: At the Mano River Bridge in Jendema, cross-border traders and travellers praised a new push for more professional immigration services under the station head posted in late 2025. Climate & Waste-to-Energy: Freetown is expanding biodigesters to convert organic waste into biogas for cooking and market cold rooms, linking sanitation gains to lower fuel bills and better trader productivity. Business Crime Watch: Sierra Leone Police declared businesswoman Darlinda Weststrate wanted over an alleged US$5,600 false pretences case. Tourism Spotlight: Government plans a grand homecoming for Miss Sierra Leone 2026 Mariyam Lorba Konneh after her Miss World appearance, positioning the event as a boost for culture and tourism.

Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria facilitated the safe, dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria, with Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu accompanying him on President Bola Tinubu’s instruction; Nigeria says the move closes a regional ECOWAS-led confidence-building process aimed at easing tensions between Koroma and President Julius Bio. Legal & Business Risks: Sierra Leone Police declared 58-year-old businesswoman Darlinda Weststrate wanted over an alleged US$5,600 false pretences case, urging public tips to CID Ross Road. Water & Cost of Living: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary shutdown of Freetown’s main supply to repair a key transmission pipeline at Pogodon, with restoration targeted by 7:00pm. Social Policy & Global Advocacy: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and partners helped drive UN General Assembly adoption of a resolution making November 27 the International Day to end child, early and forced marriage, with India co-sponsoring. Trade & Women’s Protection: MARWOPNET trained border stakeholders on reporting mechanisms to protect cross-border women traders from sexual exploitation and abuse, involving security and revenue agencies. Agriculture Finance: Sierra Leone is seeking a US$100m commitment from ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development for a proposed US$500m rice value-chain facility, following roundtable discussions at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026.

Politics & Governance: Sierra Leone’s former president Ernest Bai Koroma is set to return home after treason charges over the 2023 coup attempt were dropped, with Vice President Mohamed Jukdeh Jalloh announcing the weekend plan amid preparations for the 2028 election. Human Rights & Social Policy: Sierra Leone-led efforts helped the UN General Assembly adopt a resolution making November 27 the International Day to Eliminate Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with India co-sponsoring; First Lady Fatima Maada Bio is pushing for sustained global action. Legal & Immigration: Former ECOWAS Parliament speaker Sidie Mohamed Tunis demands investigation into alleged misuse of official documents to secure a US visa, after concerns raised during a visa interview in Freetown. Water & Urban Services: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary Freetown water shutdown for urgent pipeline repairs, with restoration expected the same evening. Local Economy & Trade Protection: MARWOPNET trained border stakeholders on reporting mechanisms to protect cross-border women traders from sexual exploitation and abuse. Infrastructure & Education: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex to expand research and postgraduate teaching. Port & Anti-Corruption: Makeni’s Chief Minister warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during port decongestion.

UN Diplomacy: Sierra Leone led a UN General Assembly resolution adopted by consensus to set November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with India co-sponsoring and Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and child-rights advocate Bhuwan Ribhu pushing the agenda. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary shutdown of Freetown’s main supply to repair a key transmission pipeline at Pogodon, with restoration targeted by 7:00pm. Port & Trade Discipline: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh warned police at Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during the port decongestion drive. Education & Human Capital: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex at its Panderu Town campus, while GEED Foundation donated school supplies to 300 children in Freetown wharf communities. Agribusiness Finance: Sierra Leone is seeking US$100m from EBID for a wider US$500m rice value-chain facility after commitments discussed at the Africa Food Systems Forum. Justice & Security: A Freetown magistrate denied bail to a businessman accused of illegal firearms possession, keeping him in custody pending further hearing. Global Spotlight: Miss World 2026 representative Mariyam Lorba Konneh heads to the grand finale in Vietnam with an anti-drugs, addiction and poverty advocacy message.

Child Marriage Push at UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio helped secure a UN General Assembly resolution establishing November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Sierra Leone leading the initiative and urging countries to translate the spotlight into stronger laws, funding and enforcement. Disaster Preparedness: NDMA’s Erica Konneh called for early warning systems that are inclusive and reach women, children, persons with disabilities and remote communities, as Sierra Leone participates in the Africa Early Warnings Forum. Agriculture Investment Drive: Sierra Leone is seeking US$100m from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development for a wider US$500m rice transformation facility, building on Feed Salone investments in irrigation, processing and market infrastructure. Local Governance Consultations: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh will hold decentralisation consultations in Makeni and Port Loko, focusing on how national policies translate into local service delivery. Port Integrity Warning: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh warned police against soliciting bribes at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay as cargo decongestion efforts continue. Education Support: GEED Foundation donated school supplies to 300 children in Freetown’s wharf communities to complement Free Quality Education. Higher Education Expansion: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex at its Panderu Town campus, with plans for an ICT training and innovation hub. Justice Update: A Freetown magistrate denied bail to a businessman accused of illegal firearms possession, keeping him in custody pending further hearing. Land & Carbon Rights Concern: A new report flags community land access and benefit-sharing concerns around Sierra Leone’s Tonkolili and Port Loko forestry carbon project.

Child Marriage Push at the UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio helped secure UN General Assembly adoption of a resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day to Eliminate Child, Early and Forced Marriage, aiming to keep pressure on laws, education and enforcement. Rice Investment Drive: Sierra Leone is seeking to lock in US$100m from EBID for a wider US$500m West Africa Rice Investment Facility after commitments discussed at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026. Land & Carbon Revenue Concerns: A new rights-focused report flags land access and benefit-sharing risks in Tonkolili and Port Loko tied to a forestry carbon project, questioning community awareness and “degraded lands” claims. Port Decongestion & Bribery Warning: The Chief Minister warned police against demanding bribes from truck drivers at Queen Elizabeth II Quay as cargo movement is being decongested. Court Tightens Bail for Firearms Case: A Freetown magistrate denied bail to a 55-year-old businessman accused under the Arms and Ammunition Act, keeping him in custody pending further hearing. Women-Led Business Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme to support 34,000 women-led enterprises across five countries, combining lending with training. Regional Governance Consultations: VP Juldeh Jalloh begins the second leg of a decentralisation tour in Makeni and Port Loko to review how national policy translates into local delivery. Legal Challenge to Constitutional Amendment: The Lawyers’ Society filed a Supreme Court action challenging the 2025 Constitution (Amendment) Bill’s passage procedures and voting threshold.