AGP Executive Report

Public Transport Update: Sierra Leone’s SLPTA boss Isaac Ken Green says all 50 Waka Fine buses will be on the roads before year-end, citing maintenance and spare-part challenges but promising a common workshop and more driver training. Customs & Trade Facilitation: The NRA has started consultations at Jendema Border ahead of launching the ASYCUDA World customs system, aiming for faster, more transparent clearance and stronger revenue collection. Governance & Courts: ECOWAS Court of Justice swore in five new judges, reinforcing regional legal oversight. Local Administration Debate: Sierra Leone’s Lawyers’ Society urges government to withdraw statutory instruments creating new districts and cities, warning of weak consultation and parliamentary process concerns. Energy & Investment Spotlight: A new push to develop Sierra Leone’s oil and gas sector is gaining attention, with major international players reportedly advancing reconnaissance, evaluation and exploration activities. Ports & Cost Pressure: West African port congestion is worsening, with delays affecting trade flows and raising shipping surcharges—an issue hitting Freetown and regional partners. Mining Jobs at Risk: Marampa Mines is reportedly preparing restructuring that could cut about 925 jobs amid weak iron ore prices. Regional Identity for Trade: ECOWAS public sensitisation campaigns are underway to boost acceptance of the ENBIC biometric identity card by December 2026, supporting smoother border movement for travellers and traders.

Politics & Governance: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr says the SLPP will be voted out in the 2028 elections, arguing citizens’ suffering will drive change despite legal and internal party challenges. Energy & Investment: Sierra Leone’s petroleum push is drawing new interest, with Shell, Eni, Marginal Energy and FA Oil activity in offshore blocks, alongside plans linked to the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline. Public Procurement: Sierra Leone will host the 2026 African Public Procurement Network (APPN/RACOP) conference in Lungi (24–27 Nov), spotlighting procurement reforms, transparency, and digital e-GP tools. Trade, Finance & Jobs: Marampa Mines is reportedly preparing to cut about 925 jobs as it restructures amid weak iron ore prices and high freight costs. Security & Justice: Two Chinese nationals in Freetown face charges over an alleged US$54,825 tyre fraud case. Ports & Youth Employment: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority pledges support for the “Big Five Game Changers” in 2027, including youth jobs and port infrastructure. Agribusiness: The Agriculture Ministry links smallholder farmers with input suppliers and agribusinesses through a Bo B2B engagement under the Feed Salone agenda. Fuel Costs: Citizens call on President Bio to reduce fuel prices as transport fares and living costs bite harder.

Digital Regulation & Cyber/AI: ICT regulators from Sierra Leone and other countries met in Nairobi to strengthen rules for AI, digital platforms, next-gen networks, cybersecurity, consumer protection, competition, online safety, data governance and inclusion. Governance & Institutions: A Sierra Leonean op-ed argues the country’s “sum of errors” comes from weak institutions that fail to turn local talent into results at home. EU Budget Support Dispute: Sierra Leone pushed back on claims that an EU €18m 2026 aid delay is linked to Dutch extradition talks, saying the Commission cited procedural and financing timing issues. Anti-Corruption/Legal Pressure: Dutch media alleges convicted drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”) uses Sierra Leone as a base to move billions, while authorities deny links and say searches are underway. Agribusiness & Jobs (Feed Salone): The Agriculture Minister toured poultry investments and inspected projects aimed at expanding chick supply, layers and employment under Feed Salone. Ports & Trade Facilitation: SLPHA outlined 2027 priorities aligned to the Big Five Game Changers, including port infrastructure, youth jobs, women’s empowerment and support for agriculture and food security. Labour & Workplace Safety: HRCSL and the Labour Ministry investigated the alleged death of an employee at Miro Forestry in Mile 91. Football & Local Economy: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister and clubs highlighted new pitch and league momentum, pointing to match-day jobs and business activity.

EU Aid Freeze & Fuel Costs: Sierra Leone faces a major funding shock as the EU suspended €18m in 2026 budget support over the Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers extradition dispute, while government officials insist the delay is procedural and tied to financing-cycle triggers; at home, citizens are also calling on President Bio to cut fuel prices as inflation pressures rise. Ports & Trade Jobs: The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority says it will back the “Big Five Game Changers” in 2027 with port infrastructure upgrades, more youth hiring, and women’s empowerment, linking port activity to Feed Salone and food security. Agribusiness Push: Agriculture Minister Henry Musa Kpaka toured poultry investments and inspected Feed Salone-linked facilities, while a Bo B2B engagement connected smallholder farmers to input suppliers and agribusiness partners. Banking & Digital Security: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, strengthening information security as digital banking expands. Governance & Local Structures: The Lawyers’ Society demands withdrawal of statutory instruments creating new districts, cities and councils, citing missing consultation and parliamentary steps. International Spotlight: U.S.-based Sierra Leonean Chidi Blyden was appointed Executive Director of Harvard’s Center for African Studies.

EU Aid Freeze & Diplomatic Fallout: The EU suspended €18m of Sierra Leone’s 2026 budget support over alleged non-cooperation in the Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers extradition dispute, with a further €22.5m in 2027 at risk; Freetown says the delay is procedural and tied to financing-agreement timing. Fuel Prices Pressure: Citizens urged President Bio to cut fuel costs as traders and transport operators face rising living expenses, with inflation reported higher in recent months. Ports & “Big Five” Agenda: The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority outlined 2027 priorities—port upgrades, youth jobs, women’s participation, and trade facilitation to support Feed Salone and food security. Labour Rights Probe: HRCSL and the Labour Ministry investigated the alleged death of an employee at Miro Forestry in Mile 91, with monitoring commitments pending the report. Governance & Local Councils Legal Challenge: The Lawyers’ Society demanded withdrawal of statutory instruments creating new districts/cities and councils, citing missing consultation and parliamentary steps. Digital Banking Security: SLCB secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system. Sports & Business Investment: East End Lions completed a new artificial-turf pitch ahead of the 2026/27 season, while Pawani Group began Kingtom Oval dressing-room renovations for the Bravely T20 Premier League.

EU Aid Freeze Hits Sierra Leone’s Budget Support: The EU suspended €18m in 2026 assistance after Sierra Leone rejected extradition cooperation tied to Dutch fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, with a further €22.5m in 2027 at risk; Government Pushes Back: Freetown says the delay is “technical,” citing procedural timing and financing-agreement amendments, while the Chief Minister also dismissed “suspension” claims as misinterpretation; Ports & Trade Push: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority says it will align its 2027 priorities with the “Big Five Game Changers,” focusing on port infrastructure, youth jobs, women in maritime, and Feed Salone supply chains; Digital Banking Security Upgrade: SLCB earns ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, strengthening information security for a more digital banking push; Energy Governance for West Africa: REGIS-WA kicked off to harmonise regional energy data and governance, supporting cross-border clean energy integration; Labour & Business Accountability: HRCSL and the Labour Ministry probe an employee death at Miro Forestry, while the Employers Federation meets the Labour Ministry on implementing labour laws; Governance & Legal Tensions: Lawyers’ Society demands withdrawal of statutory instruments creating new districts and councils, citing consultation and parliamentary-process concerns; Freetown Business Disruptions: Police warn communities against vandalising EDSA cables and public utilities, linking it to service outages and safety risks.

EU Aid Freeze: The EU has suspended €18m in 2026 budget support to Sierra Leone over the government’s refusal to arrest and extradite Dutch fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, with a warning that another €22.5m for 2027 could be withheld if non-cooperation continues. Governance & Accountability: Chief Minister David Moinina Senfeh says viral claims of an EU “suspension” are false, blaming missed budget-support triggers and saying undone conditions will roll into the next cycle. Anti-Corruption & Transparency: ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala represented Sierra Leone at the ICIC/UNESCO access-to-information event in Lungi, pushing transparency and beneficial ownership information as tools against corruption. Labour & Business Conduct: HRCSL and the Labour Ministry opened a probe into the alleged death of a Miro Forestry employee in Mile 91, with commitments to monitor working conditions pending the investigation report. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Agriculture Minister Henry Musa Kpaka toured Tonkolili poultry farms ahead of Feed Salone’s 3rd anniversary and World Food Day, discussing feed costs, financing and market access. Energy & Public Safety: Harbour Police sensitised Freetown communities on vandalism and theft of EDSA cables and public signage, warning of service disruption and electrocution risks. Banking & Digital Security: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, strengthening information security for digital banking. Legal Dispute Over Districts: The Lawyers’ Society demanded withdrawal of statutory instruments creating new districts and councils, arguing required consultation and parliamentary steps were not followed. Water Update: GVWC restored Freetown pipe-borne water after repairs at Mile 13, with supply resuming under the Friday rationing schedule.

EU Budget Support Under Pressure: The European Commission has suspended €18m in 2026 aid to Sierra Leone, saying it wants Freetown to arrest and hand over convicted Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”); the Netherlands warns another €22.5m could be at risk, while Sierra Leone insists the July delay was procedural and not linked to the individual. Public Finance & Transport: Government seeks parliamentary approval to transfer public transport assets to the National Bus Company Limited, with tax and duty exemptions proposed. Digital & Governance Controls: SLRSA cracks down on fraudulent vehicle licences after a cyber intrusion, arresting five suspects and urging licence verification at official offices. Water & Urban Services: Guma Valley Water Company restores Freetown supply after repairs, while also flagging a temporary shutdown for further maintenance. Education & Skills: World Bank donates digital learning materials to EBKUST and other universities to expand blended learning and research capacity. Labour Dialogue: Labour Ministry opens fresh talks with the Employers Federation to strengthen implementation of the Employment Act. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations begin consultations toward a national, member-led association to improve standards and coordination. Maritime Security: Sierra Leone Navy completes EU/Portuguese-backed training to boost capacity against illegal fishing and trafficking.

EU aid pressure on Sierra Leone: The European Commission has suspended €18m in 2026 budget support, with another €22.5m potentially at risk, after Sierra Leone refused to arrest and extradite Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”). Government response: Sierra Leone says the July delay was procedural—tied to an amended financing agreement and reporting-cycle constraints—not linked to the Bolle Jos case. Local impact and advocacy: A Sierra Leonean priest and Caritas urged the government to protect EU assistance reaching vulnerable communities, warning ordinary people could suffer from the suspension. Water and utilities: Guma Valley Water Company restored Freetown’s pipe-borne supply after repairs, while also issuing a separate temporary shutdown notice for further maintenance. Governance and business climate: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations toward a national, member-led association to strengthen the startup ecosystem. Security and maritime trade: The Sierra Leone Navy completed EU- and Portuguese-supported training to boost capacity against illegal fishing and maritime crimes. Media sector: SLAJ opened 2026 membership applications for journalists, with vetting and fee requirements.

EU–Sierra Leone Budget Shock: The European Commission has suspended €18m in budget support to Sierra Leone, with another €22.5m at risk, after Sierra Leone refused to arrest and extradite Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”), though Freetown says the earlier EU delay was procedural and not tied to the case. Maritime Security: Sierra Leone Navy completed EU- and Portuguese-backed training to boost capacity against illegal fishing, human trafficking and other maritime crimes, including surveillance and boarding operations. Bilateral Trade Roadmap: Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray met Morocco’s Nasser Bourita at UNGA81 to agree a new roadmap covering trade, agriculture, fertiliser supply, investment, water, fisheries, mining and capacity building. Water Supply Disruption: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary Freetown shutdown (9am–9pm) for repairs at Mile 13. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations toward a national, member-led association to improve standards and reduce fragmentation as the Startup Act process advances. Public Procurement Integrity: NPPA and BAN signed an MoU to strengthen transparency, accountability and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s procurement system. Police Accountability: Commercial motorbike riders in Bo urged police to investigate alleged extortion and arbitrary arrests by plainclothes officers, and demanded clearer authority for licence checks. Judicial Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary offered Liberia expertise as Liberia moves toward a proposed War and Economic Crimes Court.

EU Budget Pressure: The European Commission has suspended €18m in budget support to Sierra Leone, citing Freetown’s refusal to arrest and extradite Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”); the Netherlands says another €22.5m could also be blocked. Government Response: Sierra Leone insists the July delay was procedural—linked to an amended financing agreement and reporting-cycle constraints—not connected to the Bolle Jos judicial dispute. Water & Business Continuity: Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) announced a temporary 12-hour water shutdown across Freetown on Oct 1 (9am–9pm) for urgent repairs at Mile 13. Procurement Integrity: NPPA and the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) signed an MoU to boost transparency, accountability and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s public procurement system. Tax Compliance Push: NRA, with UNDP support, engaged Freetown businesses on tax compliance, Electronic Cash Registers and the Block Management System. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations toward forming an independent, member-led national association to strengthen standards and reduce fragmentation. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Danabelsandy launched a community-led climate-resilient agriculture project supporting 210 farmers. Health Systems Upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sent a delegation to India to improve hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity.

Tax Reform & Compliance: Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority (NRA) met Freetown businesses with UNDP support to push tax compliance, Electronic Cash Registers and the Block Management System, while the NRA chief urged Customs staff to step up domestic revenue mobilisation. Education Funding Overhaul: Government plans to scrap the per-pupil capitation grant and move to a cost-based model that targets real school running costs and reduces incentives for headcount fraud. Health Systems Upgrade: The Health Ministry sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity, including factory testing with a medical systems supplier. Local Government Reshuffle: Sierra Leone gazetted new districts (Bandajuma, Kpanguima) and reorganised councils, giving legal effect to decentralisation plans. Budget Planning: MoPED presented its proposed Le40.7bn FY2027 budget and 2027–2029 strategic plan to the Finance Ministry. ECO Currency Watch: ECOWAS confirmed a phased ECO launch in July 2027 for core countries including Sierra Leone, but key governance and framework issues remain unresolved. Business & Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery reshuffled its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage to include Sierra Leone. Skills & Jobs Focus: Defence Ministry seeks NLe7.59bn for 2027 to recruit personnel and strengthen border security, surveillance and military healthcare. Partnerships for Development: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh highlighted Harvard collaboration on health and education outcomes, including maternal mortality gains in key districts.

Tax Reform & Compliance: Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority, with UNDP support, met GST-registered businesses in Freetown to push tax compliance, Electronic Cash Registers and the Block Management System—aiming to make services easier and improve transparency. Revenue Mobilisation: NRA Commissioner-General Abu Martin Kanneh urged Customs staff to step up domestic revenue collection as government needs grow. Education Funding Overhaul: Government plans to scrap the per-pupil capitation grant and move to a cost-based model that targets real school running costs and location needs, with a study underway to curb headcount fraud. Local Government Restructuring: Sierra Leone gazetted new districts and reorganised local councils, including Bandajuma and Kpanguima, plus new Freetown and Lungi city councils. Land Administration: A World Bank mission engaged Port Loko communities and land committees on progress and challenges in land title registration reforms. ECOWAS Currency Watch: ECOWAS confirmed a July 2027 ECO launch in phases including Sierra Leone, but key monetary governance issues remain unresolved. Business & Industry: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe reshaped its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage to include Sierra Leone. Skills & Youth: MAFS and MBSSE convened 16 Freetown school pupils to tackle food security ideas through the World Food Prize Youth Institute.

Football & Accountability: Sierra Leone’s U-20 media head Hawa Dauda urged the SLFA and Government to act after Leone Stars’ losses, warning that if six points aren’t recovered, the team should be withdrawn from international competitions. Local Government & Planning: Government gazetted new districts Bandajuma and Kpanguima and set up reorganised local councils and city councils for Freetown and Lungi, giving legal effect to decentralisation plans. Public Finance: Ministry of Finance scheduled October 5–8 budget consultations with local councils for the 2027–2029 MTEF, starting with Pujehun/Kailahun/Kono and ending with Freetown and Western Area Rural. Land & Property Rights: A World Bank mission engaged Port Loko land governance structures under the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project, focusing on community land committees and land rights registration challenges. Transport & Cost of Living: Stakeholders questioned SLPTA’s Waka Fine bus availability, with the DG promising more documentation after reports of far fewer buses visible than claimed. Revenue Mobilisation: NRA’s Commissioner General began an internal customs tour, stressing discipline and the need for stronger customs support as Government seeks more revenue. Environment & Tourism Access: Cabbage Beach fence disputes escalated again, with authorities ordering removal after public safety concerns and protests. Energy & Waste Management: Sierra Leone moves toward its first solar waste management pilot after Spain benchmarking on end-of-life panels and batteries. Water Infrastructure: Guma Valley seeks Le32.538m for FY2027 to expand water access, including boreholes and supply interventions, alongside near-complete treatment and distribution works.

Public Finance & Revenue: Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority kicks off an internal familiarisation tour at Customs House, urging staff to back revenue mobilisation as government needs “more money than ever.” Transport & Urban Service Delivery: SLPTA faces fresh scrutiny over Waka Fine bus availability, with stakeholders questioning whether reported operational numbers match what commuters see on the roads. Governance & Information Integrity: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh calls for stronger international cooperation on access to reliable information as Sierra Leone hosts the ICIC+IDUAI conference on information integrity in the digital age. Infrastructure & Water: Guma Valley Water Company seeks Le32.538m in FY2027 support for boreholes, water supply upgrades and expansion across the Western Area. Energy & Circular Economy: Sierra Leone moves toward its first solar waste management pilot after Spain benchmarking to set up systems for end-of-life panels and batteries. Land & Business Environment: Lawyers for SLPP aspirant Musa Tarawally signal court action over a party notice warning the public and business community against transacting with him under the SLPP name. Public Space Dispute: The Cabbage Beach fence controversy escalates again, with authorities ordering removal after protests and an arrest during attempts to dismantle the barrier.

Diaspora Wealth Push: Liberia’s President Boakai told the diaspora in the US to shift from “poverty reduction” to “wealth creation,” citing rising reserves and domestic revenue growth. Digital Child Safety: A Türkiye-hosted UN panel in New York urged stronger international standards for protecting children online as AI outpaces safeguards. Ebola Surge in DRC: DRC Ebola cases passed 8,000, with deaths at 3,901, as WHO and Africa CDC warn the outbreak remains uncontrolled. Conservation Finance: Liberia relaunched the €4.7m Taï-Grebo-Krahn biodiversity project after a seven-year pause, refocusing on Grebo-Krahn National Park. Sierra Leone Digital Sovereignty: Sierra Leone says its digital ID now covers 93% of the population and is scaling payments and data exchange to build local control of digital public infrastructure. Fuel Tech for Accountability: Tango Brook expanded its digital fuel-management platform to deploy across Sierra Leone and other African markets to cut fuel leakages and improve spending controls. Information Integrity: SLAJ reaffirmed universal access to accurate information as Sierra Leone marks International Day for Universal Access to Information. Tourism Health Walk: Freetown’s World Tourism Day health walk mobilised tourism stakeholders to link healthy living with environmental sustainability. Cabbage Beach Fence Fallout: Government ordered the Cabbage Beach fence removed again after protests and a tourist rescue incident.