AGP Executive Report

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.

Decentralisation & Local Governance: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh kicks off the second leg of the Government’s regional decentralisation tour this weekend with consultations in Makeni and Port Loko, aiming to strengthen grassroots institutions, coordination and public service delivery. Port & Trade Facilitation: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh warns police at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers, as a multi-agency decongestion push targets faster cargo movement. Finance & Fiscal Reform: Sierra Leone formally hands over the Finance Ministry from Sheku Bangura to Kelfala Kargbo, with Kargbo pledging fiscal reforms and tighter delivery of government targets. Water & Business Continuity: Guma Valley Water Company announces a disruption in parts of Freetown (Aberdeen and Lumley Beach Road) due to damage to a main pipe, while also rolling out 2,120 water meters to improve billing and accountability. Women-Led SMEs & Digital Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launch a programme to support 34,000 women-led enterprises across five countries using digital lending and business training. Regional Courts & Rule of Law: Sierra Leone renews its push for Professor Charles C. Jalloh’s ICJ bid, while the Lawyers’ Society files a Supreme Court challenge over the 2025 Constitution Amendment Bill process. Elections & Political Risk: A court injunction is reported to be paralyzing Sierra Leone’s main opposition APC’s top leadership functions, raising uncertainty for internal party elections.

Government Finance Shake-up: Sierra Leone’s new Finance Minister Kelfala A. F. Kargbo took office after Sheku Bangura’s handover, pledging fiscal reforms and closer work with MDAs. Public Finance for Development: Cabinet approved about US$73.8m in financing to boost affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and jobs, including BADEA support for Shelter Afrique and an AfDB-backed rice agro-processing zone. Revenue Enforcement: The National Revenue Authority sealed Mineret Company over about US$1m in tax arrears and signalled further actions against other non-compliant firms. Water & Urban Services: Guma Valley Water Company began installing 2,120 water meters across Freetown to improve billing and accountability, with active customers prioritised. Trade & Ports Oversight: Parliament heard SLPHA transferred $19m to government over three years and received updates on port upgrades and safety patrol vehicles. Mining Value Addition: Sierra Leone urged local mineral processing and regional value chains at Africa Oil Week 2026 in Accra. Regional Food Security: John Dumelo called for stronger West African collaboration to cut rice imports, citing Sierra Leone’s role in joint efforts. Health Watch: WHO urged scaling up Ebola response in DRC as deaths surpassed 3,000, warning transmission chains still need to be found and broken. Business & Investment Platform: Unstoppable Africa 2026 will bring African leaders and investors to New York on Sept 20–21 under a theme focused on powering business and scaling economies.

Finance Leadership Handover: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance held an official handover as outgoing minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura passed the portfolio to Karefa A. F. Kargbo, with Kargbo pledging tighter fiscal performance and collaboration with MDAs to deliver government targets. Cabinet Support: Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay praised Bangura’s professionalism and promised MoPED’s continued backing for the new finance team, especially around budget alignment with national priorities. Government Financing for Jobs and Food Security: Cabinet approved about US$73.8m in development financing to boost affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and jobs, including a BADEA loan for Shelter Afrique shares and an African Development Fund rice agro-processing zone phase. Revenue Enforcement: The National Revenue Authority sealed Mineret Company Limited over a reported US$1m tax debt and warned of further enforcement against other non-compliant businesses. Port Oversight: Parliament’s oversight team learned SLPHA transferred $19m to government over three years, alongside port capacity upgrades and added safety patrol vehicles. Legal Matters: A High Court remanded businessman Ibrahim Kamara in Kono over alleged cannabis possession, while another case saw a court hear claims of online sexual communication with a decoy child. Trade and Logistics: SolitAir expanded its African cargo network with new destinations Port Harcourt and Hargeisa, strengthening Gulf-to-Africa freight links. Health Funding Pressure: A report says US health financing cuts could hit Sierra Leone by about 71% by 2030, raising concerns for co-financing demands and health priorities. Ebola Watch: WHO urged scaling up the Ebola response in DR Congo as deaths pass 3,000, warning that transmission chains still need to be found and broken.

Ebola Watch: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is now the country’s worst on record, with deaths surpassing 3,000, and warns response must be scaled up as transmission chains remain hard to track. Regional Food Investment: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh joins a $5m rice investment facility launch at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, pitching rice zones, agro-processing clusters and road links to unlock private sector funding. Health Financing Skills: ECA’s African Center of Statistics trains Sierra Leone and other countries to build the economic case for health spending, helping ministries and statisticians link health budgets to jobs, households and national accounts. Labour Rights Pressure: CHRDI demands accountability over alleged labour law violations at the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, saying it wrote to the SLCAA in late July but received no formal response. Education Pathways: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education bids farewell to 11 students heading to India’s NIST University under a reduced study package negotiated with the partner. Power & Trade Links: World Bank reports West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity integration with 4,000km of lines, improving access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Transport Safety: Makeni faces serious flash flooding after heavy rains, disrupting roads and damaging businesses, renewing calls for better drainage. Immigration Policy Update: A US court lifts a pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Sierra Leone, after ruling the policy exceeded authority. Governance & Elections: Sierra Leone’s High Court issues an interim injunction affecting former APC executive members, restraining them from acting in executive roles while allowing limited functions like signing cheques for staff.

Ebola Watch: WHO chief Tedros says the Ebola response in DR Congo must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000, warning that unsafe burials and untracked transmission chains are still fuelling spread. Labour Rights & Aviation: CHRDI demands accountability over alleged labour law violations at Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority, saying it wrote to the SLCAA Director General on July 31 and has received no formal response. ECOWAS Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Francess Piagie Alghali takes up the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security role, as the bloc moves into a new administrative cycle amid Sahel instability. Power & Integration: The World Bank reports West Africa has built over 4,000km of cross-border transmission lines, expanding electricity access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Ports & Trade: Parliament reviews SLPHA performance, noting US$19m transferred to government over three years and upgrades that now allow larger ships, with visits to proposed seaport sites. Floods Disrupt Business: Makeni faces flash flooding after heavy rains, with roads and shops hit and renewed calls for stronger drainage. Transport & Connectivity: SolitAir expands its African cargo network with Port Harcourt and Hargeisa routes, aiming to bridge Gulf trade with underserved hubs. Legal/Politics: Sierra Leone’s High Court issues an interim injunction restraining former APC executive members from acting in executive roles. Safety Tragedy: A Waterloo house fire kills three children, renewing pressure for stronger fire prevention and emergency response.

ECOWAS & Finance: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow has been appointed Director-General of GIABA for a four-year term, taking over from Liberian Edwin W. Harris, as West Africa pushes harder on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing. Regional Power & Trade: The World Bank says West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links by over 4,000km, helping utilities trade power and improving access for millions across Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and others. Ports & Revenue: Sierra Leone’s Parliament reviewed SLPHA performance, with the authority reporting US$19m transferred to government over three years and upgrades that now allow larger vessels, including Panamax ships, to call. Migration & Jobs: IOM Sierra Leone wrapped up a youth-focused project to curb irregular migration, handing over livelihood support to beneficiary communities in Kambia and Newton. Politics & Courts: Sierra Leone’s High Court issued an interim injunction restraining former APC executive members from acting as executives, while two lawyers accused of defrauding a businessman of US$114,000 were committed to stand trial and granted bail. Tech & Skills: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone completed its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026, training children aged 7–15 in coding, web development and 3D design.

Opposition Court Battle: Sierra Leone’s High Court has ordered the APC to hold nationwide delegates’ elections within 21 days, while restraining former APC executives from acting as national officials—though they can still sign cheques for party staff and contractors. Anti-Fraud Case: Two barristers accused of defrauding a businessman of US$114,000 over three Toyota 4Runner vehicles have been committed to stand trial and granted bail of NLe5 million each. Tax Tech for Businesses: The National Revenue Authority has started distributing new Smart GST machines to 10,000 GST-registered businesses to improve electronic transaction records, compliance, and reduce revenue leakages. Community Development Policy: MoPED is advancing Sierra Leone’s first Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) policy, aiming to complete it by December 2026 with a framework to strengthen capacity and coordination. Labour Skills Link-Up: Sierra Leone’s Labour Ministry is exploring deeper cooperation with China on labour administration, skills development, employment creation, and institutional capacity. Education Reform Debate: A commentary argues Sierra Leone’s education quality push must go beyond digital exams and sanctions, stressing accountability must also protect educators’ professional and socioeconomic well-being. Regional Trade & Security: ECOWAS has ushered in new leadership as General Birame Diop assumes office, pledging renewed engagement with Sahel states and stronger peace and security cooperation. Maritime Capacity: Ghana and the IMO have launched a regional training programme to strengthen seafarer certification assessment and exam integrity across West Africa.

Tax Reform & Revenue: Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority has started rolling out 10,000 Smart GST machines to GST-registered businesses nationwide, aiming to improve electronic recording, compliance and reduce revenue leakages. Markets & Trade: Sewa Ground Market in Freetown is now fully occupied ahead of its September 1 opening, after a 50% rental price cut to help traders relocate from the streets. Community Development Policy: MoPED is advancing Sierra Leone’s first Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) Policy, with a push to complete the framework by December 2026 to strengthen CBO capacity and coordination. Education Integrity: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union says exam malpractice is driven by factors including a growing betting culture, misuse of technology, poor conditions of service, poverty and favouritism in employment. Environment & Conservation: NPAA has intensified protection efforts for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment, and urging community reporting and cooperation. Regional Politics: ECOWAS’ new Commission President, General Birame Diop, says the bloc must rebuild unity and reopen meaningful engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Health & Safety: UNDP Sierra Leone signed US$511,000 grant agreements with 12 civil society organisations to support biodiversity, climate resilience and renewable energy initiatives.

APC Court Ruling: Sierra Leone’s High Court ordered the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) to hold nationwide delegate elections within 21 days, while allowing key officials to keep providing administrative support for party operations. Market Watch: Sewa Ground Market in Freetown is fully occupied ahead of its September 1 opening after a 50% rental price cut, aiming to reduce street trading and congestion. UNDP & Environment: UNDP Sierra Leone signed US$511,000 grant agreements with 12 civil society organisations to support biodiversity, climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods. SME Support: UNDP has started verifying women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone under the EWASME project, focused on post-rice production businesses. Education Integrity: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union says exam malpractice is driven by betting culture, misuse of technology, poor conditions of service, poverty and favouritism. Tourism & Regional Unity: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen tourism business associations across West Africa, while ECOWAS also moves into a new chapter under its new Commission leadership. Sports & Business Mobility: Sierra Leone forward Mohamed Kanu joins Liberian top-flight NPA Anchors, adding to cross-border player movement. Conservation: NPAA stepped up protection efforts for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary amid illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment.

Poverty Watch: The World Bank says 56.4% of Ghanaians remain in poverty, warning that regional disparities are widening even as headline growth improves. Education Integrity: Sierra Leone’s Teachers’ Union President Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo links exam malpractice to betting culture, misuse of technology, poor teacher conditions, poverty and favouritism in employment. School Supply Push: Education Minister Conrad Sackey counters claims of shortages, citing distribution of 523,717 literacy books and 13,500 teacher guides nationwide. Protected Areas: NPAA steps up protection of Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation, encroachment and bushfires. SME Support: UNDP begins verification of women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production under the EWASME project. Jobs & Youth: MoPED and UNICEF discuss youth employment, local production and investment mobilisation. Local Procurement: RSLAF buys 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice for military feeding, aiming to rotate reserves and cut imports. Digital Learning: University of Sierra Leone drops hard-bound dissertation submissions in favour of electronic-only. Certificates Faster: Technical and Higher Education plans local production of degree certificates via the Government Printing Department to reduce delays. Tourism Integration: ECOWAS adopts a framework to strengthen regional tourism business associations across West Africa.

ECOWAS Peacekeeping Books: ECOWAS has unveiled four publications on its peacekeeping and peacemaking work, including “Fighting Bushfires,” documenting interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau from 1990 to 2003, with recommendations aimed at improving future conflict response. Education Materials Dispute: Sierra Leone’s Education Minister Conrad Sackey pushed back on claims of inadequate school materials, citing nationwide distribution of 523,717 literacy books and 13,500 teacher guides, with about US$850,000 invested in foundational learning. Wildlife Protection: The NPAA has intensified efforts to protect Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, flagging illegal hunting, poaching, forest degradation, agricultural expansion and encroachment as key threats. Women-Led SMEs Support: UNDP has started verifying women-led SMEs in post-rice production under the EWASME project, funded by the IsDB and co-funded via We-Fi, targeting access to finance and markets. Certificates and Digital Shift: The University of Sierra Leone ended hard-bound dissertation submissions in favour of electronic-only filings, while the Technical and Higher Education Ministry is exploring local production of degree certificates to cut delays. Local Food for the Military: RSLAF has bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice for military feeding, aiming to rotate reserves and strengthen farmers’ market access. Information Sector Coordination: The Information Ministry convened leadership meetings with six agencies to improve coordination and performance across Sierra Leone’s information ecosystem.

OIC Diplomacy & Economic Focus: Nigeria reaffirmed commitment to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and urged a stronger, practical focus on Africa’s security and development—an angle Sierra Leone is also leaning into as its foreign minister seeks Saudi private-sector investment ahead of the ECOWAS Investment Forum. Local Food Security for Defence: Sierra Leone’s armed forces bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice for military feeding, with government saying the deal rotates reserves and boosts farmers. SME Support Push: UNDP has started verification of women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production under the EWASME project, aiming to expand access to finance and markets. Education & Skills Administration: The University of Sierra Leone moved dissertations to electronic-only submissions, while IPAM set resit exam dates and fees for 2025/26 students. Information Sector Coordination: The Information Ministry convened six agencies to tighten performance, coordination and follow-up across Sierra Leone’s media and civic education bodies. Infrastructure & Industry: Leone Rock Metal Group received new locomotives to improve efficiency and reliability across its rail-to-port iron ore logistics. International Events in Freetown/Lungi: Sierra Leone is preparing to host two major information conferences in September, including UNESCO’s universal access to information day and the ICIC. Cross-Border Human Impact: Sierra Leone confirmed 17 nationals among the dead in a Conakry landfill landslide, with survivors also identified through embassy-led efforts.