AGP Executive Report

Lungi Bridge Investment Clarity: Sierra Leone’s Information Minister Chernor Bah says the government is seeking U.S. private-sector investment to build the long-delayed Freetown Lungi Bridge, not direct U.S. government funding—aiming to unlock construction and new commercial opportunities. U.S. Diplomatic Push for Deals: U.S. Ambassador-designate Daniel Travis told senators Sierra Leone’s energy, infrastructure and critical minerals are central to a trade-and-investment agenda, with an emphasis on “transformational deals” for American firms. Youth & Skills Partnerships: The Ministry of Youth Affairs is exploring expanded cooperation with Saudi Arabia on youth development, skills training, entrepreneurship and education. Digital Security for Critical Services: MoCTI unveiled draft Sector-Specific Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for energy, health, education and defence/security under the Cyber Security and Crime Act. Local Governance & Jobs: The EU and Freetown City Council launched the SURGE project to strengthen municipal management, improve service delivery, and support women and youth through initiatives like King Jimmy Market reconstruction. Road Corridor Pressure: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urged urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, the Mathehun Bridge collapse, disrupted ferries and rising transport costs. Teachers’ Pay Demand: SLTU called for improved salaries and conditions ahead of school reopening, pushing the Wages and Compensation Commission to address pay disparities.

ECOWAS ECO Push: ECOWAS leaders again reaffirmed plans to launch the single currency in 2027, but analysts warn the long-stalled project still faces big hurdles around economic divergence and monetary control. Digital Resilience: Sierra Leone’s MoCTI unveiled draft Sector-Specific Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for Energy, Health, Education and Defence/Security, aiming to harden critical services against cyberattacks and outages. Road Corridor Pressure: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urged Government to release funds and clear contract bottlenecks for the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, bridge collapse and ferry disruption that are raising transport costs and blocking access to healthcare. Teachers’ Pay: SLTU is pushing for a salary review ahead of school reopening, saying teachers’ pay falls far short of what they need and that pay disparities are driving some out of the classroom. Municipal Governance: The EU and Freetown City Council launched the SURGE project to strengthen local administration, improve service delivery, and support jobs for women and youth, including work linked to King Jimmy Market. Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister led the delegation at the WHO Africa health summit, focusing on workforce, financing, emergency preparedness and health data systems. Poverty & Jobs Watch (Regional): World Bank reporting on Ghana highlights that even with recovery, poverty remains high and growth hasn’t yet translated into enough quality jobs—an issue Sierra Leone will watch closely as it plans its own development path.

Sierra Leone Infrastructure Watch: Lawmakers are pressing for government backing of the Kent Harbour and Port Project, arguing extra port capacity is needed to ease quay congestion and boost trade and revenue. Local Governance: The Ministry of Local Government has nullified the purported removal of Nimikoro Chiefdom Speaker Sahr Abdulai Komassi, calling it unauthorised and illegal, and reaffirming him as the lawful speaker. Freetown Business & Services: The Water Ministry has intensified checks on private water companies after a five-day monitoring exercise across 41 facilities, flagging uneven compliance and calling for corrective action. Public Health & Food Safety: Garbage piles near the Waterloo dumpsite are encroaching on the Bomeh Main Highway, raising concerns about hygiene, traffic and food handling risks. Human Capital & Policy: Sierra Leone’s MP Mariama Zombo was named among the country’s 50 Most Influential Women, citing her role in child protection and passage of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024. Regional Economy Context: World Bank updates on Ghana highlight a common theme for West Africa—growth not yet translating into jobs and living conditions—while transport and energy reforms remain urgent.

Court & Justice: Liberia’s Monrovia City Court rejected a bid to move former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor from police custody to home confinement or a medical facility, citing her stability and limiting magistrates’ reach in humanitarian detention for serious felony cases. Water & Regulation: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry stepped up checks on private water producers after a five-day monitoring exercise across 41 facilities in Freetown and the peninsula, flagging uneven compliance on hygiene, treatment systems and records. Public Health & Waste: Garbage piles near the Bomeh Main Highway are worsening traffic and raising health concerns as informal produce offloading grows around the Waterloo dumpsite. Urban Governance: Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police intensified door-to-door waste sensitisation under the DortiMustGo campaign, while police also moved to clear makeshift stalls on Krootown Road to ease congestion. Energy & Rural Jobs: A PIND CEO said agri-processing is the “anchor load” needed to expand rural mini-grids, linking power access to jobs and livelihoods. Finance & Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance completed final consultations on a revised Public Financial Management Act, aiming to strengthen fiscal oversight and modernise treasury and digital systems. Trade & Borders: ECOWAS opened a temporary joint border post at Bo-Waterside to support coordinated customs, immigration and security while construction of the permanent facility continues. Business Climate (Regional): A Global Finance GDP-PPP ranking again put Nigeria and many African states at the bottom, underscoring ongoing cost-of-living pressure across the region.

Water Safety & Regulation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has intensified checks on private water producers in Freetown, inspecting 41 facilities across central, western and eastern areas plus the peninsula to assess water quality, hygiene, filtration, UV treatment, chlorine residuals, storage tanks and waste handling, with findings showing mixed compliance and calls for corrective action. Public Finance Reform: The Ministry of Finance has completed final stakeholder consultations on a revised Public Financial Management Act, aiming to modernise fiscal governance ahead of Cabinet and Parliament, with emphasis on treasury management, fiscal planning, oversight, fiscal risk control and digital systems. Urban Economy & Compliance: Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police stepped up door-to-door waste sensitisation under the DortiMustGo campaign, while separate police action demolished makeshift stalls and removed street traders from Krootown Road to ease congestion and enforce sanitation rules. Regional Trade & Borders: ECOWAS opened a temporary joint border post at Bo-Waterside to support coordinated customs, immigration and security while the permanent ECOWAS Bo-Waterside–Jendema facility is built, targeting faster legitimate trade and movement. Health & Workplaces: A CAMA survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging businesses to move from awareness to sustained workplace protection.

ECOWAS Security & Logistics: ECOWAS is preparing to deploy a regional stabilisation force in 2027, with equipment already being moved and readied at a logistics centre in Freetown after Nigeria provided key support. Trade & Payments: PAPSS is expanding across Africa, including Sierra Leone, to cut the cost and delays of cross-border transfers by enabling real-time payments in local currencies. Infrastructure Watch: The U.S. says Sierra Leone has an agreement with Acrow Corporation to build the long-awaited Lungi Bridge, though local officials have not yet independently confirmed details. Public Finance Oversight: Sierra Leone’s PAC has ordered physical verification and deeper checks into Kambia District Council projects after audit queries, focusing on weak documentation, revenue issues and community participation gaps. Health & Regional Capacity: Ebola concerns in the DRC are driving calls for a global health system that puts Africa at the centre, while maritime training in the region is being strengthened to keep certification standards high. Local Business & Fraud Risks: Sierra Leone’s mobile money fraud and WhatsApp takeover scams are highlighted as growing threats to households and businesses. China-Sierra Leone Trade: China’s ambassador reports bilateral trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, with exports and talks to expand beyond fishing.

Trade & Investment: China-Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30%, with exports to China rising over 40% and bilateral trade up almost 38% in the first half of 2026, as Ambassador Zhao Yong flags new growth targets and talks to expand beyond fishing into palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Public Finance Oversight: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee orders physical verification and deeper checks into Kambia District Council projects after audit queries, including payments without proper documents, weak own-source revenue, excess funds, and unpaid withholding tax to the NRA. Infrastructure & Connectivity: U.S. Ambassador-designate Daniel Travis says Sierra Leone has agreed with Acrow Corporation to build the Lungi Bridge, aiming to link Freetown directly to the airport—though financing and timelines are not yet officially disclosed. Energy & Cost Pressure: Reports of a persistent power crisis continue, with outages and restoration challenges affecting communities and businesses. Banking & Recognition: Rokel Commercial Bank CEO Dr Walton Gilpin wins African Banker of the Year 2026, drawing staff congratulations and renewed focus on Sierra Leone’s financial sector. Governance & Compliance: A magistrate commits an alleged US$210,000 gold fraud case involving Admire Bio Jalloh and husband to the High Court after rejecting a no-case submission.

West Africa Energy Pricing: A Sierra Leone-linked energy expert says the push for a West African Petroleum Product Pricing Framework is meant to move the region from “price taker” status to setting its own reference prices, citing the impact of Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery and global supply gaps. Banking & Capital Markets: Trustco Group’s JSE N$5m fine and public censure remain enforceable after a tribunal dismissal over a Category 1 transaction carried out without required shareholder approval. Women in Leadership & Digital Rights: LEAP Africa ends its 5th cohort for young women with a Nairobi boot camp selecting 31 participants including Sierra Leoneans; meanwhile, MRCG convenes stakeholders to strengthen protections for women facing online abuse and improve women’s digital rights. Water & Infrastructure: Government outlines a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7bn, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase underway. Justice & Operations: CARL-SL reports fuel shortages disrupted inmate transport to court, risking delays in trials. Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone marks World Entrepreneurship Day with SME online training and capacity-building for trainers and MSMEs.

WASH Investment Push: Sierra Leone’s government has mapped out a 10-year water, sanitation and hygiene plan needing about US$7bn, with priorities ranging from safe water access and sanitation to stronger institutions and financing—starting with a US$180m World Bank-backed phase. Banking Spotlight: Rokel Commercial Bank’s MD/CEO Dr. Walton Gilpin won African Banker of the Year 2026, with staff associations praising the leadership push for innovation and sector growth. Digital Rights for Women: Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) says women face rising online abuse risks and is calling for stronger protections as it convenes stakeholders to shape practical recommendations. Energy & Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to expand installation work for solar freezer and generator systems. Trade Ties: China-Sierra Leone bilateral trade hit US$2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30% year-on-year, with talks to expand exports like palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Regional Security: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs minister urges deeper Sierra Leone–Ghana cooperation to tackle Sahel-linked threats through ECOWAS frameworks. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reports a fuel shortage disrupted inmate transport to court, risking trial delays and longer pre-trial detention. Entrepreneurship Drive: Sierra Leone marks World Entrepreneurship Day with programmes supporting SMEs to go online, train trainers, and strengthen dialogue between government and business.

ECOWAS Security Build-Up: ECOWAS has started moving Chinese-donated military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, a step that could help set up the bloc’s planned regional counter-terrorism force by mid-2027. WASH Investment Push: Sierra Leone’s government outlined a 10-year water, sanitation and hygiene plan needing about US$7bn, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Digital Rights for Women: Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) held a forum in Freetown calling for stronger protections against online abuse and gendered disinformation affecting women and journalists. Banking Recognition: Rokel Commercial Bank staff associations congratulated MD Walton Gilpin after he won African Banker of the Year 2026. Flood Preparedness: Caritas and Trócaire trained community disaster volunteers in Western Area Urban to improve flood response and emergency coordination. Education Funding Pressure: Sierra Leone Teachers Union urged government to raise the school subsidy from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term. Entrepreneurship Drive: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 with programmes supporting SMEs to go online and expand skills for business growth. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reported fuel shortages disrupting prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays.

Banking & Awards: Rokel Commercial Bank staff associations congratulated MD Walton Gilpin after he won African Banker of the Year 2026, praising leadership that’s strengthened the bank’s standing in Sierra Leone and across Africa. Women & Digital Rights: Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) convened women, journalists and civil society in Freetown to push for stronger protections against online abuse and gendered disinformation. Water & Sanitation Investment: Government outlined a 10-year WASH plan needing about US$7bn to expand safe water and sanitation, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Education & School Funding: Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) urged a jump in school subsidy from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term, citing delays and inadequate support for school operations. Energy & Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to expand renewable energy installations, including solar freezers and generators. Trade & Diplomacy: China-Sierra Leone bilateral trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, with exports to China rising and talks underway to widen product coverage. Justice & Operations: Fuel shortages disrupted prisoner transport to court, raising fears of trial delays and highlighting funding and logistics strain at the Correctional Service. Regional Security: ECOWAS began moving Chinese-donated logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone to support the planned regional counter-terrorism force by 2027. Entrepreneurship: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 with programmes supporting SMEs to go online, train trainers, and strengthen dialogue between government and business.

ECOWAS Security Build-Up: ECOWAS has started moving long-stored Chinese-donated military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, with the Lungi depot now ready—an early step toward deploying a regional counter-terrorism force by 2027. Entrepreneurship & SMEs: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 with programmes including a 100-SME online push, SIYB training of trainers in Bo, and entrepreneurship dialogues aimed at strengthening the business ecosystem. Renewables & Women in Tech: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to install solar freezers and generators, with extra troubleshooting support and pay per completed installation. Trade & Investment Signals: China-Sierra Leone bilateral trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30% year-on-year, with exports to China rising over 40% and talks to expand zero-tariff product categories. Tax Administration Focus: The new NRA Commissioner General, Abu Martin Kanneh, has taken office pledging tighter tax compliance and action on revenue leakages, including in the informal sector. Education Funding Pressure: The SLTU is urging government to raise the school subsidy from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term, citing delays and inadequate support for school operations. Justice System Strain: A fuel shortage disrupted prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays and longer pre-trial detention, according to CARL-SL. Regional Integration Push: VP Juldeh Jalloh opened a symposium on policy coherence, stressing better coordination across ministries to turn development plans into results.

Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 with government-backed programmes including a 100-SME online training drive, SIYB training of trainers in Bo, and entrepreneurship dialogues to link entrepreneurs with investors and partners. Renewables & Jobs: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to expand installation of solar freezers and generators, with extra troubleshooting skills and pay per completed job. Trade & Investment: China-Sierra Leone bilateral trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30% year-on-year, with exports rising over 40%; talks are underway to broaden exports to palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Tax Administration: New NRA Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh took office pledging tighter tax compliance and reduced leakages, including focus on the informal sector and improved GST compliance. Governance & Finance Appointments: Parliament approved 12 presidential nominees, including the new Finance Minister Karefa Kargbo, after vetting on tax obligations, assets and policy vision. Justice System Strain: A fuel shortage disrupted inmate transport to court, risking trial delays and longer pre-trial detention. Digital Security: Orange Sierra Leone launched a mobile scam alert tool via *505# and customer care 111 to help subscribers verify and report fraud.

Mobile Money & Consumer Protection: Sierra Leone’s ICT ministry is designing a coordinated framework to tackle mobile money fraud, with sector players working on shared prevention and response protocols. Digital Commerce Rules: Government is moving to close a seven-year legal gap by translating the electronic transactions framework into enforceable regulations to better protect businesses, consumers and investors. Anti-Fraud Tools: Orange Sierra Leone rolled out a Scam Alert tool that lets subscribers verify suspected scams and report fraud via *505#, an official portal, or customer care at 111. Investment & Trade Diplomacy: The U.S. says it will use trade, investment and development financing tools as Sierra Leone negotiates a Critical Minerals Agreement, pointing to the MCC compact and DFC investments. Local Governance & Delivery: VP Juldeh Jalloh set a new policy coordination agenda to improve implementation and move ministries away from working in silos. Tourism & Urban Economy: Tourism officials assessed the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre for a UN gastronomy forum, while Freetown’s Mayor launched construction of the King Jimmy Market under the SURGE project. Sports Business: East End Lions strengthened their midfield with Ghanaian and local loan/free signings ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Digital Commerce & Regulation: Sierra Leone has started closing a seven-year legal gap affecting its fast-growing digital commerce sector, with MoCTI and MTI convening banks, telcos, mobile money operators and private-sector groups to turn the Electronic Transactions Act into workable rules and enforcement. Mobile Money Fraud: The government is also designing a coordinated framework to tackle mobile money fraud and strengthen consumer protection as digital payments expand. US–Sierra Leone Minerals Talks: The U.S. says it will use trade, investment and development tools—including MCC and DFC financing—to support reforms as Sierra Leone negotiates a Critical Minerals Agreement. Education Credentials: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online via its digital certificate platform. Health Watch (Ebola): WHO and Africa CDC warn the DRC Ebola outbreak is worsening, with fatality rates above 46% and pressure on health systems rising. Local Economy & Heritage: Freetown’s Mayor Aki-Sawyerr launched construction of the King Jimmy Market under the SURGE project, aiming to modernize a historic market space. Sports & Talent: East End Lions strengthened their midfield with Ghanaian and local loan/free signings ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Power & Energy: Sungrow has commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE Solar-plus-Storage project, the country’s first major national-scale grid-connected power generation in nearly a decade, adding 35MWh storage and 8 PowerTitan ESS units to help tackle unreliable supply. Urban Economy: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has launched construction of the King Jimmy Market in the Central Business District under the SURGE project, with EU and City Council funding support. Digital Finance Security: The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, with regulators and operators, is developing a national roadmap to combat mobile money fraud and strengthen Sierra Leone’s digital financial ecosystem. Tax & Revenue Leadership: The National Revenue Authority has appointed Ing. Edmond Benjamin Nonie as Deputy Commissioner General 2, citing his energy-sector and investment experience. Gender Governance: MoGCA and UN Women launched the Gender Accountability Framework and the 2025 GEWE Act implementation report, supported by the World Bank and other partners. Youth & Education: Four universities—FBC, IPAM, MMTU and UNIMAK—have advanced to the grand final of the Suad Baydoun National Debate and Essay Competition. Public Services & Labour: UASA has issued a 21-day strike notice over non-implementation of reviewed Conditions of Service for public tertiary academic staff and a demand for a 100% salary increase. Trade & Infrastructure Finance: EBID approved over $500m for projects across Guinea, Ghana and Sierra Leone, including roads, healthcare, renewable energy and private-sector development. Business & Markets: A report ranks Sierra Leone’s leone among Africa’s weakest currencies in August 2026, highlighting pressure on import costs and household purchasing power. Civic Concerns: Calls are growing for government action on child begging at Freetown beaches, urging child-protection measures alongside enforcement.