AGP Executive Report

Water Reform: SALWACO rolls out a new “SERVICE” brand strategy to improve customer-centred water delivery, equity, reliability and accountability. Cybercrime & Mobile Money: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister and Information Minister Chernor Bah push for arrests after a WhatsApp/Orange Money scam attempt, while opposition figure Sylvia Olayinka Blyden vows to reform mobile money identity systems to curb fraud. Electoral Oversight: Parliament Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas appoints APC MP Aminata Sesay to an ad hoc committee to oversee the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). Early Childhood Nutrition: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh urges higher investment in the first 1,000 days, linking maternal and child nutrition to long-term resilience and growth. Development Coordination: CRS launches a digital Coordination and Visualization Platform to map projects and reduce duplication across Sierra Leone. Water Infrastructure Deal: Government explores partnership with Egyptian firm METIPRO to modernise water infrastructure, including seawater desalination options. Regional Business & Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad sign an interline agreement to expand single-ticket connectivity across Nigeria, West Africa and the Middle East. Regional Stability Funding: ECOWAS FRSD plans targeted support after a technical mission to assess fragility drivers in Sierra Leone.

Cybersecurity & Finance Fraud: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh and Information Minister Chernor Bah renewed calls to arrest WhatsApp scammers after Bah said he was targeted via Orange Money, warning the public not to share verification codes or send money without video-call confirmation. Banking & Consumer Trust: Political commentator Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden pledged that an APC government would reform mobile money identity systems on day one, echoing wider moves to strengthen financial integrity. Regional Integration & Transport: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across Nigeria, West/Central Africa and the UAE, boosting connections to cities including Freetown and Monrovia. Development Planning: CRS launched a digital Coordination and Visualization Platform to map projects, cut duplication and improve monitoring across Sierra Leone. Water Infrastructure: The Water Resources ministry is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water supply, including possible desalination options. Energy & ECOWAS: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans for the ECO single currency in 2027 and endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline framework, while energy expert Dan Kunle urged Nigeria to pause further commitments over commercial risks. Legal Education: The Council of Legal Education released a supplementary shortlist of 93 FBC applicants for the 2026 Sierra Leone Law School entrance exam on 31 July. Sports (Local Pride): Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr celebrated her son Jordan Aki-Sawyerr carrying Sierra Leone’s flag at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

ECOWAS Summit in Freetown: West African leaders reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, with a phased rollout for countries meeting inflation, debt and monetary stability criteria, while key issues remain around the future central bank and how to align members still using the CFA franc. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS also endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a $25–27bn, 6,900-kilometre project aimed at moving gas across 13 coastal states to Morocco and onward to European markets—an energy and trade bet with major implications for power and investment. Sierra Leone Cybersecurity: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh and Information Minister Chernor Bah escalated calls to arrest WhatsApp scammers after a failed fraud attempt, urging telecoms and security agencies to track offenders and make cybercrime “costly.” Development Planning Push: Catholic Relief Services launched a digital Coordination and Visualization Platform to improve how projects are mapped, coordinated and monitored across Sierra Leone. Water Infrastructure Talks: Sierra Leone’s Water Resources ministry is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water systems, including options like seawater desalination and work around the Rokel River Basin. Banking & Business: Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) backed the Voice Achievers Award in London, highlighting its push to strengthen leadership and economic growth across Africa and the diaspora.

Commonwealth Games Boost: The British High Commission in Freetown sent best wishes to Team Sierra Leone in Glasgow, where 24 athletes are competing, including Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s son Jordan Aki-Sawyerr, a first-time triple jumper flag bearer. Mobile Money Security: Political commentator Sylvia Olayinka Blyden says an APC government would reform the mobile money identity framework on day one to curb fraud, after she criticised Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh’s handling of a WhatsApp scam attempt targeting Minister Chernor Bah. Cybercrime Crackdown: Bah and Sengeh both called for stronger action against phone-based scams, including tracking scam numbers and making cyber fraud “costly” through arrests and prosecutions. Development Planning Upgrade: Catholic Relief Services launched a digital Coordination and Visualization Platform to map projects, reduce duplication, and improve monitoring across Sierra Leone. Water Infrastructure Partnership: The Water Resources ministry is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water supply, including options like seawater desalination. Regional Finance & Stability: ECOWAS’ Regional Fund for Stabilisation and Development sent a technical mission to identify where targeted support is needed to strengthen community resilience. Air Connectivity Deal: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline agreement to sell single tickets linking Abu Dhabi with 20+ Air Peace destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Freetown and Monrovia. Legal & Trade Governance: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified seven international treaties to strengthen intellectual property and improve access for persons with disabilities.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh and Minister Chernor Bah are pushing for the immediate arrest of people behind a WhatsApp scam attempt that targeted Bah via Orange Money, with officials warning the public not to share verification codes or send money without proper confirmation. Regional Stabilisation Funding: ECOWAS’ Regional Fund for Stabilisation and Development (FRSD) is sending a technical mission to identify where Sierra Leone can get targeted support to strengthen community resilience and reduce fragility. Aviation Connectivity Deal: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement enabling single-ticket travel between Abu Dhabi and 20+ Air Peace destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, boosting business and travel links. Legal Sector Updates: Sierra Leone’s Council of Legal Education released a supplementary shortlist of 93 FBC applicants for the 2026 Law School entrance exam, while the High Court ordered the Sierra Leone Bar Association to publish voter lists and audited accounts ahead of its AGM. Trade/Customs Allegations: Sonoco Sierra Leone faces scrutiny over claims that duty-free imported iron rods were diverted into Sierra Leone’s commercial market instead of the declared project use. ECOWAS Money Matters: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans for a single currency, the ECO, with phased rollout based on inflation, debt and monetary stability criteria.

ECOWAS Integration Push: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, with a phased rollout based on inflation, debt and monetary stability, while key issues remain around the future central bank and countries still using the CFA franc. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS member states endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in Sierra Leone, a major $25–$27bn, multi-country project aimed at boosting gas supply and power generation across West Africa and linking to Morocco/Europe. Aviation Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement enabling single-ticket travel to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, strengthening UAE–Africa business links. Sierra Leone Governance & Business Climate: Parliament ratified seven international intellectual property and access treaties, strengthening creator rights and cross-border cooperation. Legal/Accountability: Sierra Leone Bar Association faces court orders to publish eligible voter lists and audited accounts ahead of its AGM. Security Planning: Sierra Leone Police began a two-day strategic action planning workshop for local unit commanders to improve service delivery and crime prevention.

ECOWAS & Energy Deal: West Africa’s bloc has endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in a major regional push for energy security and industrial growth, with the 6,900-kilometre project backed as a long-term investment corridor. Aviation & Trade Links: Air Peace and Etihad Airways signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket journeys linking Lagos and Accra to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, boosting connectivity for business and diaspora travel. Legal & Governance: Sierra Leone’s High Court ordered the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) to publish the voter list and provide audited accounts ahead of its AGM, tightening transparency requirements for the bar’s leadership. Business Climate: President Bio welcomed the revived Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce leadership at State House, signalling renewed private-sector support for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit. Consumer Protection: NCPC and NPRA launched fuel pump checks in Bo after short-selling complaints, using calibrated jerrycans to verify dispensing accuracy. Skills & Jobs: UNESCO highlighted a Korean-backed vocational programme (BEAR) helping young people in Sierra Leone and across Africa turn training into small businesses. Regional Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General met the Netherlands’ justice minister in Ghana to strengthen cooperation against transnational organised crime and illicit financial flows. Fintech Focus: A new Sierra Leone fintech analysis points to growing momentum in digital payments and financial inclusion, with attention shifting to interoperability and stronger regulation.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline at the Freetown summit, backing a $25bn, 6,800km corridor meant to move 30bcm of gas annually through 13 West African countries before linking into Morocco and Europe. Air Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket journeys across 20 destinations in Nigeria, West and Central Africa, with Etihad feeding into Air Peace networks via Lagos and Accra. Women’s Property Rights: Sierra Leone’s North-Eastern Province Court of Appeal ruled that married women can claim property acquired during marriage where contribution or common intention is shown, setting a stronger precedent for matrimonial disputes. Fuel Pump Scrutiny: Sierra Leone’s NCPC and NPRA launched fuel station checks in Bo after short-selling complaints, using calibrated jerrycans and planning wider coverage to other cities. Water Sector Reform: The SALWACO Act review reached a key milestone after a technical working group meeting, moving reforms toward stakeholder validation and government approval. Digital Finance Focus: A new analysis highlights how fintech is reshaping Sierra Leone’s financial resilience and inclusion, with attention shifting toward interoperability and stronger regulation. Skills for Jobs: UNESCO spotlighted South Korea-backed vocational training in Sierra Leone and across Africa, linking skills in areas like agriculture and processing to small business creation. Justice Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s AG met the Netherlands’ justice minister in Ghana to strengthen cooperation against transnational organised crime and illicit financial flows. ECOWAS Hosting Costs Clarified: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister said the US$124m linked to hosting ECOWAS meetings is an investment in lasting infrastructure, including a new conference centre, hotel and villas. Business Appointments: Torreon Mining Corporation announced new directors and a COO appointment, as it advances gold and copper projects in Mexico.

ECOWAS Summit Momentum in Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone hosted the 69th ECOWAS Authority session in Freetown/Lungi, with President Julius Maada Bio handing over the chairmanship to Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye and urging member states to prioritise food security, climate resilience, regional trade and accountable governance. ECOWAS Single Currency Push: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, with a phased rollout tied to convergence conditions. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, backing the Nigeria–Morocco $25bn project expected to move up to 30bcm of gas annually across multiple West African states. Women’s Property Rights Ruling: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal strengthened married women’s rights to matrimonial property, setting a precedent based on contribution and common intention. Fuel Pump Crackdown: NCPC and NPRA launched fuel pump checks in Bo after short-selling complaints, using calibrated jerrycans and reporting discrepancies. Skills for Jobs and Small Business: UNESCO highlighted a South Korea-backed vocational programme (BEAR) training youth in agriculture and food processing, including a Sierra Leone beneficiary who started a cassava business employing others. Justice Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General met the Netherlands’ justice minister in Ghana to deepen cooperation against transnational organised crime and illicit financial flows. Business & Jobs: The U.S. Embassy in Freetown opened a vacancy for a Residential Housing Coordinator, with applications due 29 July.

World Youth Skills Day: The ILO urged sustained investment in youth skills in Sierra Leone and across West Africa, warning that digitalisation, AI and the green transition demand more technical, digital, entrepreneurial and green training to cut unemployment. ECOWAS Summit Cost Clarified: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr David Sengeh said the US$124m linked to hosting ECOWAS meetings was for long-term infrastructure—an international conference centre, hotel and presidential villas—aimed to be ready by November 2026. Women’s Property Rights: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal strengthened married women’s rights, ruling that property acquired during marriage can be shared where there is proof of financial contribution or common intention. Maritime Justice for New Tech: Nigeria’s maritime seminar for judges highlighted upcoming disputes from autonomous ships and digital shipping, with calls for judiciary readiness as liability and insurance questions evolve. African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS signed the intergovernmental agreement backing the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, targeting 30bcm annual capacity and deeper regional energy integration. Anti-Corruption Push: EFCC and West African anti-graft bodies began operationalising a regional protocol to boost cross-border intelligence sharing, joint investigations and asset recovery. Business & Culture: Orange Sierra Leone hosted a major B2C football final viewing in Freetown, while Africell named Drizilik as brand ambassador to deepen youth-focused engagement. Sports Finance Shock: Bo Rangers withdrew from the CAF Champions League over financial constraints despite winning the domestic league.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders meeting in Sierra Leone signed an intergovernmental agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km corridor meant to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas yearly through 13 West African countries to Morocco and onward to European markets, with the deal setting a legal framework but not a final investment decision. Regional Anti-Corruption Push: ECOWAS anti-graft agencies have started operationalising a new cross-border protocol to boost intelligence sharing, joint investigations and asset recovery, with EFCC/NACIWA leadership saying the focus is now implementation. ECOWAS Single Currency: The bloc reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO in 2027, with initial adoption for members meeting convergence criteria and support for others to join later. Local Market Readiness: NASSIT’s board inspected the Sewa Grounds Market in Freetown, reporting 99% tenant take-up and urging action against unauthorised street trading to enable a smooth transition. Public Health Oversight: Sierra Leone began the Year One Annual Implementation Review of the Pandemic Fund project in Bo, reviewing early warning, surveillance, governance and One Health coordination. Business & Culture: Africell Sierra Leone named Drizilik as its new brand ambassador, linking telecom growth with local music and youth engagement. Legal Rights Update: The Court of Appeal set a precedent on women’s matrimonial property rights, recognising beneficial ownership where financial contribution or common intention is shown.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline at the Freetown summit, setting the legal and institutional framework for a ~6,900km corridor expected to move up to 30bcm of gas annually and start construction in 2028. Regional Currency Push: ECOWAS reaffirmed its plan to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, with qualifying states first and others supported to join later, alongside steps to protect the “ECO” name under regional intellectual property rules. ECOWAS Leadership Rotation: Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio handed ECOWAS chairmanship to Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, while the bloc also approved new appointments for the 2026–2030 term, including commissioners and ECOWAS Court judges. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: West Africa’s anti-graft agencies began operationalising a new regional anti-corruption protocol to enable cross-border investigations, intelligence sharing and asset recovery. Xenophobia Response: ECOWAS leaders urged a united African stance against xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with Nigeria reporting evacuations of over 1,490 citizens and pushing the issue to the African Union agenda. Local Business & Culture: Africell Sierra Leone named Drizilik as its new Brand Ambassador, betting on music and youth engagement to deepen subscriber connections. Infrastructure & Trade: A Sierra Leonean expert urged prioritising the Lungi Bridge to unlock economic gains from the newly commissioned Julius Maada Bio conference facilities. Humanitarian/Health: Cure Blindness Project released its 2025 Impact Report, citing 315,000+ sight-restoring surgeries across its network and renewed focus on training local clinicians and partner facilities.

Energy Deal at ECOWAS Summit: Sierra Leone signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the US$25bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a ~6,900km Nigeria–Morocco project backed by ECOWAS to move up to 30bcm of gas annually across 13 countries, with first deliveries targeted for 2031 and construction expected to start later. Regional Governance & Leadership Rotation: President Julius Maada Bio handed ECOWAS chairmanship to Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye after commissioning the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and an ECOWAS logistics depot in Lungi. Xenophobia Push to AU: ECOWAS endorsed Ghana’s petition to the African Union over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with leaders urging a united regional stance against intolerance and violence. Local Business Pressure: Bottom Mango Market traders in Freetown allege a foreign businessman is threatening eviction from a long-used market right of way, despite claims they pay annual table taxes and buy council tickets. Sports Finance Watch: Bo Rangers’ CAF Champions League participation hangs on raising about US$250,000, with uncertainty over whether they can represent Sierra Leone.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders in Freetown signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a roughly $25bn project expected to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas yearly across 13 countries, with first deliveries targeted for 2031 and construction pencilled in from 2028. Regional Integration & Governance: President John Dramani Mahama used the 69th ECOWAS summit to urge member states to implement decisions fully, back the ECOWAS Compact, and invest in science, digital transformation and youth empowerment. ECOWAS Leadership Transition: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected ECOWAS chair, succeeding Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, while Birame Diop was named ECOWAS Commission president for 2026–2030. Xenophobia Response: ECOWAS endorsed Ghana’s petition to the African Union over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana pushing for a united continental response and reparatory justice commitments. Sierra Leone Institutions: Sierra Leone’s Parliament hosted the ECOWAS Commission president to strengthen ties between regional institutions and national legislatures, linking democracy, peace and security to practical cooperation. Agriculture Support: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry trained 40 rice extension officers in Kambia and Tonkolili on climate-smart practices, soil fertility, pest management and farmer field schools.

ECOWAS Leadership Shake-up: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, succeeding Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, while Biram Diop was appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission—setting a new tone for a bloc facing security, political and integration pressures. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders signed an intergovernmental agreement backing the $25–$27 billion Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, with plans for a project company in Casablanca and a governing authority in Abuja, aiming to move up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 countries. Xenophobia Condemnation: Nigeria’s Tinubu urged ECOWAS to speak with one voice against Afro-phobic attacks in South Africa, calling for escalation to the African Union and coordinated action to protect Africans. Sierra Leone at the Centre: Sierra Leone wrapped up the 69th ECOWAS Summit in Lungi, highlighting unity and commissioning of an ECOWAS Logistics Depot to boost logistics and emergency response. Port & Disaster Readiness: NDMA and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority agreed to better coordinate port expansion with disaster preparedness, including temporary congestion measures at Hastings. Jobs & Livelihoods: With formal work scarce, Sierra Leonean women are increasingly turning to rickshaw (kekeh) driving to survive and fill transport gaps. Governance & Accountability: Sierra Leone’s opposition says it will scrutinise the cost and value for money of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre ahead of ECOWAS business and diplomacy use.

ECOWAS Summit in Freetown: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima has arrived in Sierra Leone to represent President Tinubu at the 69th ECOWAS Ordinary Session, with leaders set to tackle peace and security, democratic governance, trade and economic integration at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre. Regional diplomacy: Ghana and Nigeria used the summit to push for stronger continental action against Afrophobia/xenophobia in South Africa, including backing Ghana’s AU petition and calling for rule-of-law responses instead of mob violence. Local politics and governance: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone after treason charges were discontinued, with analysts pointing to ECOWAS’s role in dialogue and reconciliation. Public spending scrutiny: Opposition APC MPs say they will review the cost and value-for-money of the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre ahead of the summit. Women and livelihoods: With formal jobs scarce, more women are turning to informal work like kekeh/rickshaw driving to survive. Education and skills: Over 120 pupils graduated from DSTI’s digital education programme in Makeni, highlighting growing demand for digital literacy.