AGP Executive Report

IMF Program Update: An IMF mission says Sierra Leone’s third review under the ECF is on track, citing a 2025 domestic primary surplus of 1.3% of GDP and progress stabilising the exchange rate and inflation, while warning revenue has weakened and spending pressures are rising. Debt & Markets: The Sierra Leone stock market closed higher, adding N99bn as buying interest persisted, even as market breadth stayed mixed. Jobs, Resilience & Fragility: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urged partners to prioritise resilience, stronger institutions and youth employment as global pressures mount on fragile economies. Clean Cooking Strategy: Sierra Leone convened stakeholders to familiarise the National Clean Cooking Strategy, targeting reduced firewood/charcoal use, deforestation and indoor air pollution. Trade & AfCFTA Services: The Trade Ministry held a workshop on AfCFTA trade-in-services regulatory reforms for finance, communications, tourism and business services. Governance & Transparency: ILRAJ demanded full disclosure on a Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning the legal basis and revenue-sharing terms. Sports Administration: SLFA clarified Leone Stars coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s pay narrative, saying the government covers salaries and logistics under a three-year mandate to qualify for AFCON 2027. Environment: NPAA launched Sierra Leone’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to protect and restore mangroves with stronger local stewardship. Political Parties: The PPRC published the Liberation People’s Party (LPP) constitution, rules and regulations for public review ahead of objections submissions.

Governance & Justice: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) convention and the UN Second Optional Protocol aimed at abolishing the death penalty, with the Attorney General saying mediation can cut dispute costs and create jobs for professional mediators. Public Procurement & Infrastructure: The National Public Procurement Authority and Sierra Leone Roads Authority jointly monitored feeder road works in western Freetown, checking site progress, material quality, specifications and timelines under the government’s feeder roads drive. Energy & Housing Finance: Sierra Leone’s Lands Minister met Shelter Afrique leadership in Rabat to push mortgage financing for low-income earners and student hostel development, alongside a new Country Planning Act 2025 to modernise zoning and development controls. Digital Education: The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is exploring a partnership with China’s Legden Holdings (Lenovo) to bring AI, coding and robotics into classrooms. Clean Cooking Agenda: A national clean cooking strategy familiarisation workshop advanced plans to cut firewood/charcoal dependence using LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity. Legal Disclosure: ILRAJ demanded full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal, including legal authority and unredacted financial terms. Sports Business: SLFA clarified Leone Stars coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s pay and contract, saying the government—not SLFA—handles salaries and match logistics.

Cybersecurity & Digital Sovereignty: ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra brings teams from 12 countries, including Sierra Leone, to build practical defences against ransomware and business email scams, with organisers framing cyber capacity as a sovereignty issue. Telecom & Broadband: Nigeria’s NCC says operators have deployed 5,000+ new network sites and extended fibre to 700+ locations, while pushing fibre expansion as fixed broadband subscriptions rise—aimed at easing pressure on mobile networks. Football & Sports Governance: SLFA clarifies Leone Stars coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s pay and contract—three years to qualify for AFCON 2027—with salaries handled directly by government via the NSA and Ministry of Sports. Public Finance: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7bn, with projections to NLe 64.7bn by end-2026, driven by external borrowing and rising interest costs. Infrastructure & Housing: Parliament ratifies international mediation and death-penalty abolition instruments; meanwhile, government pushes affordable housing financing and student hostel plans, including Shelter Afrique discussions. Trade & Transport: NPPA and SLRA jointly monitor feeder road projects in western Freetown, checking quality, timelines and compliance to close implementation gaps. Security & Crime: EU urges stronger action on Sierra Leone over cocaine trafficking and extradition failures as regional drug routes keep shifting.

Public Finance: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7bn, with external debt still the bigger share, and projections point to further rise to NLe 64.7bn by end-2026. Affordable Housing & Student Accommodation: Government is pursuing financing support for mortgage and student hostel delivery, including a Shelter Afrique push for low-income homeownership and new hostel partnerships. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Liberia secured US$125m from the World Bank for energy, digital integration and road connectivity—an example of the region’s push to unlock growth through core services. Procurement & Roads: NPPA and SLRA jointly monitored feeder road projects in western Freetown, checking progress, material quality and compliance to improve accountability. Education Tech: MBSSE is exploring a partnership with a Chinese firm to bring AI, coding and robotics into schools. Digital Learning Finance: Sierra Leone’s deputy minister urged dedicated digital investment funds to scale skills and learning across Africa. Housing Law Reform: A new Country Planning Act 2025 is set to modernise zoning and empower local councils for safer, better-planned development. Debt & Governance Watch: Parliament ratified international mediation and death-penalty protocol instruments, reinforcing justice-sector reform. Drug Control: Tapentadol misuse linked to “kush” remains a major health alarm, with seizures and calls for stronger action.

Public Finance: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7bn (US$2.61bn), with external debt still the bigger share (NLe 42.9bn) and the debt-to-GDP ratio at 39.8%; the Ministry projects end-2026 debt rising to NLe 64.7bn as new external loans and domestic borrowing continue. Infrastructure & Investment: Liberia secured US$125m from the World Bank for energy, digital transformation and road connectivity—covering WARDIP 2, RESPITE and SECRAMP—highlighting how regional connectivity and power access are being financed. Trade & Business Environment: Freetown City Council signed an MoU with the Sierra Leone Police to enforce the #DortiMusGo waste management drive, requiring residents and businesses to use FCC-approved collectors and pay via approved mobile money channels. Energy & Skills: Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister urged dedicated digital investment funds at Ghana’s digital education round table, pushing financing for digital learning, TVET and workforce readiness. Events & Tourism: A new Lungi multi-purpose complex is nearing completion, including a 1,500-seat auditorium and five-star hotel, aiming to boost conference hosting and investment travel. Governance & Risk: EU lawmakers urged tougher action on Sierra Leone over cocaine trafficking and extradition failures, including possible suspension of development cooperation and a sanctions regime.

Ebola Preparedness & Public Health: Sierra Leone’s Ebola lessons are being revisited as reports from the DRC and Uganda raise fresh questions about travel checks and outbreak readiness, with renewed calls for strict safety protocols and faster detection. EU Sanctions & Drug Trafficking: APC’s Abdul Kargbo warns Sierra Leone could face EU action, including possible sanctions and aid suspension, over cocaine trafficking allegations and extradition failures. Waste Management & Enforcement: Freetown City Council and the Police sign an MoU to enforce the #DortiMusGo waste management push, requiring residents and businesses to use approved collectors and pay via official channels. Infrastructure Finance: Government secures US$125m World Bank financing for energy, digital integration and road connectivity, including solar power and regional corridor upgrades. Telecom Investment: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector attracts over $400m since 2021, with fibre backbone expansion and improved service quality. Agriculture & Border Surveillance: Agriculture receives equipment to strengthen border surveillance and disease diagnosis at key entry points, aiming to protect food security and trade. Housing Deal: MoU signed for affordable housing units for civil and public servants, with land and tax incentives and a push for quick legal approvals. Energy & Jobs: TVET reform talks focus on aligning skills training with labour market needs, including agribusiness-focused curriculum upgrades. Environment & Reforestation: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama plant 5,000 trees at the National Park for World Environment Day. Social Protection: NASSIT seeks stronger collaboration to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s large informal sector.

Waste & Enforcement: Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police signed an MoU to enforce the #DortiMusGo waste management drive, requiring residents and businesses to register with approved collectors and pay via approved channels, with illegal dumping and burning in drains and waterways prohibited. Skills & Jobs: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held talks on TVET reform, including plans to modernise curricula, strengthen industry links, and upgrade an agriculture institute into a Centre of Excellence. Infrastructure Finance: Government secured US$125m from the World Bank for energy, digital integration and road connectivity, covering WARDIP 2, RESPITE and SECRAMP. Public Health & Care: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula support to remote communities, while President Bio celebrated Mercy Ships’ extended partnership to sustain healthcare capacity. Housing for Workers: Sierra Leone and So Afri Loge signed an MoU in Dakar to build affordable housing for civil and public servants, moving toward a joint venture agreement. Trade & Border Security: Agriculture received equipment to strengthen border surveillance and disease diagnosis at key entry points, and telecom investment topped $400m since 2021. Governance & Oversight: Parliament launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma’s alleged illegal fees and contracts, and the National Investment Board is reviewing Sierra Leone Bar Association AGM postponement concerns. Energy & Rural Growth: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to boost renewable power, entrepreneurship and connectivity.

Telecom Investment: Sierra Leone’s communications sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with 14 of 16 districts linked to the fibre backbone, coverage up 90%, and service quality improving by 88% as 5G rolls out. Energy & Rural Jobs: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, promising cleaner power for entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, and skills development. Social Protection for Informal Workers: NASSIT and Egypt’s embassy discussed extending social security to Sierra Leone’s informal sector, where about 90% of the workforce lacks retirement and invalidity benefits. Housing for Public Servants: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with So Afri Loge in Dakar to build affordable housing for civil and public servants, with land and tax incentives and a push toward joint venture approval. Border Security & Food Safety: The Agriculture Ministry received equipment to strengthen surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya, and Jendema, boosting disease diagnosis and trade data collection. Governance & Accountability: Parliament launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma over alleged illegal fees and government contracts. Public Health & Water: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major risk, with many African countries among the worst performers. Infrastructure Delivery: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, aimed at positioning Sierra Leone for major regional and international events. Public Safety Incident: SLRTC launched an investigation into the Kissy Bus Depot fire that destroyed six buses. Crime & Trade: A major cocaine shipment case again puts Sierra Leone in the spotlight after Spain-linked claims about a Sierra Leone-based operation. Public Opinion: A CHRDI poll shows more confidence in APC than SLPP on economy and security ahead of 2028.

Energy & Rural Growth: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned and handed over the Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, built by The Energy Nexus Network with GOAL Sierra Leone and Conservation Society Sierra Leone, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid—aimed at reliable renewable power, entrepreneurship support, digital connectivity and skills for rural communities. Parliament Oversight: Parliament launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma’s business dealings, probing alleged illegal container fees, cargo tracking charges, and a 2021 National Revenue Authority contract for electronic cash registers plus a disputed Bo lorry park acquisition. Social Protection & Health: NASSIT, with the Egyptian Embassy, pushed to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal sector (nearly 90% of the workforce), while the Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to boost obstetric fistula outreach and rehabilitation. Telecom & Investment: The communications ministry said Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, citing fibre backbone coverage, improved network quality and 5G rollout plans. Housing Deal: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with So Afri Loge for affordable housing for civil and public servants, with land and tax incentives and a push toward joint venture and parliamentary approval. Transport & Risk: SLRTC/SLPTA opened an investigation into the Kissy Bus Depot fire that destroyed six buses, with National Fire Force and NDMA to determine causes and prevention steps. Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warned that deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply, with rising contamination risks and higher treatment costs. Public Finance & Governance: The National Investment Board is reviewing a Sierra Leone Bar Association AGM postponement issue after a formal application raised possible default under the Companies Act. Public Health Tech: A portable CRISPR-based mpox assay developed and field-tested during Sierra Leone’s 2025 outbreak points to faster point-of-care viral detection. Climate Reality: A climate-focused piece highlights worsening rainfall and flood impacts on livelihoods, warning Sierra Leone faces major GDP losses without faster adaptation.

Public Health & Transport: SLRTC has launched an investigation into the Kissy Bus Depot fire that destroyed six buses, with the National Fire Force and NDMA expected to determine the cause and prevention steps. Social Protection: NASSIT is pushing to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal workers, citing that about 90% of the active labour force lacks retirement or invalidity benefits. Housing & Jobs: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with So Afri Loge in Dakar to deliver affordable housing for civil and public servants, with land and tax incentives and a fast-track push toward a joint venture agreement. Telecom Investment: The communications ministry says Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, boosting fibre backbone coverage, network reach, and service quality, with 5G rollout plans. Agriculture & Trade Security: The Agriculture ministry received border surveillance and diagnostic equipment to strengthen monitoring at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya, and Jendema. Water & Climate Risk: GVWC warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply and raising contamination risks. Healthcare Partnerships: President Bio marked Mercy Ships’ partnership results and says a new ten-year framework will sustain healthcare support. Public Safety & Governance: The National Investment Board is reviewing a Sierra Leone Bar Association AGM dispute after an indefinite postponement. Crime & Economy: International reporting alleges a Dutch fugitive linked to a record 30-ton cocaine shipment had a Sierra Leone base, renewing scrutiny of trafficking networks.

Telecom Investment: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with 14 of 16 districts now on the national fibre backbone and major gains in coverage and service quality, as the Ministry of Communications highlights progress toward wider digital access. Agriculture & Borders: The Ministry of Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema, aiming to speed up detection of pests, contamination and illegal trade. Women & Social Support: The Gender Ministry and FCC are partnering with the Freetown City Council on the “Freetown Caring City Project” to support unpaid caregivers, improve access to services, and reduce risks of SGBV. Public Finance & Governance: The National Investment Board is reviewing a Sierra Leone Bar Association dispute after an AGM was indefinitely postponed, with the regulator treating it as a possible default under the Companies Act. Economy & Security Trust: A CHRDI poll says more Sierra Leoneans have least confidence in the SLPP than the APC on managing the economy and national security, reflecting mounting hardship. Energy & Environment: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply, with rising contamination risks and higher treatment costs. Trade & Business: A Nigeria-Sierra Leone trade fair is planned for July 27–Aug 9, 2026 in Freetown to boost market access for Made-in-Nigeria products.

Ebola Update: WHO says the DRC’s confirmed Ebola cases have been revised down to 344, with 60 deaths reported, while extra precautions include contact-tracing after a suspected case travelled via the UAE; Public Safety & Justice: Sierra Leone Police will commission three projects—upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling a modern forensic lab at TOCU to strengthen investigations; Anti-Drug Scrutiny: Spanish authorities allege a Dutch fugitive with a Sierra Leone base helped mastermind a record 30-ton cocaine shipment seized off West Africa, raising fresh questions about oversight; Governance & Professional Bodies: The National Investment Board is intervening in a Sierra Leone Bar Association dispute after an AGM was indefinitely postponed, with the matter under consideration; Infrastructure & Regional Trade: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, positioning it for major regional summits; Energy & Youth Mobility: A youth EV pilot was welcomed but flagged risks around electricity reliability, skills, governance and road conditions; Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water catchments and raising contamination risks; Mining & Investment Dialogue: Sierra Leone joined global talks on rare earths and critical minerals at SPIEF 2026, pushing for local value addition and stronger supply-chain cooperation.

Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation, unregulated settlement growth and encroachment are degrading Freetown’s catchments, raising treatment costs and public health risks. Human Rights & Justice: Liberia’s INCHR urges lawmakers to pass bills establishing Economic and War Crimes Courts, including an Anti-Corruption Court—aimed at ending impunity. Human Trafficking Probe: A grand jury in Monrovia indicts 11 people over trafficking and exploitation of 57 victims in Liberia, after allegations of bribery undermining the case. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director for Southern Africa operations, with prior experience including financing in Sierra Leone. Electricity Access: AfDB launches the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor power projects; it highlights progress on the CLSG interconnection and household electrification. Local Business & Livelihoods: CCSL and Christian Aid support displaced women in Malen Chiefdom with Village Savings and Loan groups to restart small businesses. Public Safety: Sierra Leone Police plans to commission three projects, including a modern forensic lab at TOCU and upgrades to Masingbi Police Station. Climate Diplomacy: Visa barriers are forcing Sierra Leone and other vulnerable countries to send smaller delegations to UN climate talks in Bonn.

Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police will commission three major projects this month, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional headquarters and unveiling the first modern forensic laboratory at TOCU in Rogbangba Junction. Women’s Livelihoods & Peace: CCSL and Christian Aid support displaced women in Malen Chiefdom with 21 Village Savings and Loan groups, helping them restart small businesses after land conflict linked to oil palm expansion. Agriculture & Food Security: Green Scenery Sierra Leone assessed 45 farmers in Pujehun for an agroecology and vertical farming pilot, with 25 expected to be selected after final verification. Digital Economy Governance: Sierra Leone’s ICT minister says Africa should move from isolated digital public infrastructure projects to interoperable regional digital ecosystems to boost trade and financial integration. Trade & Investment Signals: First Bank CEO Olusegun Alebiosu met Parliament’s Speaker to present investment proposals for Sierra Leone, seeking support for ratification. Revenue Watch: Government collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns, widening the gap versus targets. Cocoa Export Boost: EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski says Sierra Leone is now the EU’s third-largest organic cocoa supplier, urging more EU investment to scale jobs and trade. Regional Power Gains: World Bank reports West Africa’s power programme expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and strengthened cross-border power trade. Domestic Finance & Mortgages (Regional): Nigeria’s affordable mortgage push via MREIF delivered N128bn to 1,859 families, highlighting demand for long-term housing finance. Right to Information: Transparency International chapters launched a West Africa report on access-to-information laws, pointing to implementation gaps affecting citizens and journalists in Sierra Leone and beyond. Domestic Dispute in the Spotlight: “Loko Woman” was invited for questioning by police over an alleged domestic violence complaint filed by “Loko Man.”

Electricity & Jobs: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, strengthened utility finances, and is preparing a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Mining & Critical Minerals: Sierra Leone is exploring cooperation with Russia on rare earth minerals after discovering relevant deposits, with training and geological data work linked to a 2024 MoU involving RosGeo and ALROSA. Trade & Agriculture: Sierra Leone’s cocoa is gaining traction in Europe, with the EU ambassador saying the country is now the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa, while urging more EU investment and better port capacity. Domestic Revenue: Sierra Leone collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, with income tax leading, but mining and fisheries recorded zero returns—raising concerns for resource-sector mobilisation. Banking & Investment: First Bank CEO Olusegun Alebiosu met Parliament Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas to present investment proposals, seeking support for ratification. Water Sector Partnerships: SALWACO is pushing partnerships with Catholic Relief Services to implement its 2026–2030 plan, targeting infrastructure, service delivery, revenue and stronger collaboration. Governance & Rights: Transparency International’s regional research highlights implementation gaps in Right to Information laws across Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone. Judiciary Health: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has started building its first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff wellbeing.

World Bank Power Push: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access programme is boosting supply and cross-border trading, with 4,000km of transmission lines built across 15 countries and about 3 million people gaining access between 2019 and 2025, including Sierra Leone. EU Cocoa Boost: Sierra Leone is now the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa, with the EU ambassador urging more European investment to expand jobs and trade capacity, including port improvements. Domestic Revenue Watch: Sierra Leone collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, led by income tax and GST, but mining and fisheries recorded zero returns—raising pressure on extractives performance. Banking & Investment: First Bank CEO Olusegun Alebiosu met Parliament Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas to present investment proposals, while another First Bank Group delegation discussed blended financing for roads, electricity, water and industrial infrastructure with President Bio’s government. Digital Skills for Growth: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Cyber Circuit university edition to train students on securing Sierra Leone’s digital future. Governance Accountability: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets and publish progress for citizens. Judiciary Health Facility: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary began construction of its first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff wellbeing. Public Order & Safety: Police invited “Loko Woman” for questioning over an alleged domestic violence case, as the public dispute continues.