AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Showdown: APC has formally rejected Parliament’s passage of Sierra Leone’s 2025 Constitution (Amendment) Bill, calling it unconstitutional and vowing legal and civic action, as Sylvia Blyden warns President Bio that assenting could be overturned by the Supreme Court—keeping the country’s democracy and electoral integrity in the spotlight. Public Finance Pressure: Government has proposed an NLe31.1bn budget for the 2027 fiscal year (about 14.7% of GDP), with recurrent spending dominating and domestic capital budget staying tight, signalling a continued fiscal squeeze. Tax Leak Probe: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission says the ASYCUDA customs system was compromised at the NRA, with over 300bn leones allegedly lost through unauthorised deletion of customs declarations and weak access controls. Ebola Shockwave (Regional): DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in its history, with deaths hitting 2,325 and the case fatality ratio rising to 46%, driven by late detection and overwhelmed response. Agribusiness Supply Boost: Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) hit its highest-ever sorghum supply, delivering 1,004 tonnes in 2026 and raising its 2027 local sourcing target to 1,350–1,400 tonnes. Skills & Accountability: EU-funded training has brought 46 Sierra Leone auditors through intensive report-writing support to strengthen public-sector accountability. Labour & Safety: The Employment Ministry is investigating a Freetown airport construction incident that killed two people and injured two others, with workplace safety and labour regulation compliance under review.

Ebola Update: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in its history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945, according to the latest government figures. Health Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health ran a three-day Ebola simulation in Western Area Urban and Kenema to test early detection, coordination and response systems, even as the country reports no Ebola cases. Port Security & Drugs: Authorities destroyed 396 cartons of tramadol seized at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay, as agencies tighten controls to curb pharmaceutical trafficking through the main seaport. Electricity Costs: Sierra Leone has been ranked as having Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff, at 22.8 US cents per kWh, adding pressure to household budgets. Infrastructure & Trade: SLRA has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone–Guinea–Liberia highway in Kailahun, aimed at boosting cross-border trade and regional integration. Governance & Local Services: VP Juldeh Jalloh continues nationwide consultations on local governance and decentralisation, with a regional tour covering Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko. Politics & Constitutional Tension: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment process remains under scrutiny, with legal questions now feeding into calls for Supreme Court clarity on amendment thresholds.

Politics & Rule of Law: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment fight is heating up, with opposition parties challenging Parliament’s reported passage and arguing the “two-thirds” threshold should be based on all MPs, not just those present and voting—raising fresh questions about electoral integrity and the independence of the electoral system. Finance Leadership Scrutiny: Analysts and critics are questioning President Bio’s appointment of Karefa Kargbo as finance minister, pointing to his NPRC-era political history amid mounting fiscal pressure and public debt concerns. Infrastructure & Trade: SLRA has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone–Guinea–Liberia highway under the Mano River Union programme, aiming to boost cross-border trade and regional integration. Energy Costs: Data shows Sierra Leone has Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff, with households facing steep per-kWh charges that add to cost-of-living strain. Drugs & Port Security: Authorities destroyed 396 cartons of seized tramadol at the TOCU headquarters, underscoring tighter controls at Freetown’s main port. Local Governance Push: VP Juldeh Jalloh continues nationwide consultations on decentralisation and service delivery, including engagements in Bo and plans to deepen district-level discussions. Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone is preparing bankable projects for WAIIS 2026 to attract financing and create jobs, with ministries urged to present a coherent, investor-ready portfolio.

Constitutional Showdown: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment dispute is heating up after APC rejected Parliament’s “two-thirds” threshold interpretation, arguing the Supreme Court should clarify whether the rule means two-thirds of all MPs or two-thirds of MPs present and voting. Port Security & Drugs: Authorities destroyed 396 cartons of tramadol seized at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay, a fresh push to tighten controls at the main maritime gateway. Local Governance Push: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh continued nationwide consultations on decentralisation in Bo, with plans to deepen engagement at district level and strengthen coordination with local institutions. Health Preparedness: The Health Ministry ran a three-day Ebola preparedness simulation in Western Area Urban and Kenema to test surveillance, emergency operations and response coordination. Aid Pressure: UK Aid cuts are set to slash bilateral support to Sierra Leone sharply, raising concerns for health services and other public programmes. Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone is preparing bankable projects for WAIIS 2026 to attract financing and create jobs, with MoPED stressing commercial viability and coordination. Youth & Jobs: International Youth Day events launched youth initiatives including a Youth Employment Portal and grants to chiefdom youth councils for livelihood and digital projects. Agriculture Tech: The Agriculture Ministry is upgrading an IVR system to connect farmers directly with officials under the Feed Salone agenda.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health ran a three-day Ebola simulation (12–14 Aug) in Western Area Urban and Kenema to test early detection, district/national emergency operations centres, and coordination under IDSR and incident management. Health Funding Shock: Britain plans steep cuts to bilateral aid to Sierra Leone, with health and other public services facing major reductions as UK shifts from grants toward investment and systems support. Local Governance Push: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh launched a two-week regional tour (Kenema, Bo, Makeni, Port Loko) to strengthen decentralisation and service delivery, including listening sessions with Paramount Chiefs. Investment Pipeline for WAIIS 2026: MoPED says Sierra Leone is building a portfolio of “bankable” projects ahead of WAIIS 16–18 Nov, aiming for commercially viable deals and better coordination across ministries. Digital Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry is upgrading its Agricultural IVR platform so farmers can reach officials directly, cutting communication costs under the Feed Salone agenda. Youth & Jobs Momentum: 15 chiefdom youth councils received EU-funded grants for self-led livelihood and digital initiatives, while government also launched youth employment and youth peace/security action plans. Telecom Fraud Response: Orange Sierra Leone launched a scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious calls and report mobile money scams. Sports Finance: SLFA provided $15,000 total support ($5,000 each) to East End Lions, Star Sport Academy and Mogbwemo Queens ahead of CAF campaigns. Construction Safety Concern: Labour Ministry opened an investigation into a Lungi airport construction-site incident involving FB Group after reports of deaths and injuries.

Local Governance Push: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh kicks off a two-week regional tour in Kenema, Bo, Makeni and Port Loko to strengthen decentralisation and improve service delivery, with listening sessions involving Paramount Chiefs and council stakeholders. Youth & Jobs Agenda: International Youth Day events in Lungi see the launch of youth cooperation and employment initiatives, including a Youth Employment Portal, plus grants to 15 Chiefdom Youth Councils under the EU-funded YAGGS project to drive livelihood, entrepreneurship and digital activities. Agriculture Digitisation: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is upgrading its Agricultural Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system so farmers can reach officials directly, cutting communication costs and speeding up problem identification at grassroots level. Telecom Fraud Response: Orange Sierra Leone rolls out a new scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious calls and promotions and report mobile money scams. Mining & Investment Outlook: Leone Asset Management says its Sierra Leone platform, JP Anderson, is advancing infrastructure and development plans in Bo and exploring a wider Southern Province economic corridor strategy. Energy & Critical Minerals: ELEKTROS continues to market hard-rock lithium and EV charging technology, linking its Sierra Leone minerals push to broader electrification and grid-resilience needs. Constitutional Tension: APC rejects the constitutional amendment process, arguing the Speaker’s interpretation on the two-thirds threshold is wrong and calling for Supreme Court intervention. Disaster Lessons: A renewed look at the August 14 mudslide tragedy asks whether Sierra Leone has truly acted on lessons around land-use planning, drainage, enforcement and early warning. Protected Areas Enforcement: NPAA demolishes structures at Aberdeen Creek in the Ramsar-listed Sierra Leone River Estuary to stop encroachment in an environmentally sensitive zone. Education Crisis Funding Call: West African partners urge stronger government ownership and innovative financing to tackle the education crisis in conflict-affected areas, citing Sierra Leone’s Accelerated Education Programmes as a model.

Mining & Exports: Sierra Leone’s gold exports surged 410.6% in the first half of 2026, reaching a key new growth pillar even as total mineral exports fell 8.2% on weaker diamond and mineral sands shipments, with President Bio warning that commodity concentration still leaves the economy exposed. Energy & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading its Agricultural Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to give farmers a direct, cheaper channel to report challenges and get support under the Feed Salone agenda. Youth & Jobs: Government marked International Youth Day by launching youth employment and coordination initiatives, while 15 chiefdom youth councils received EU-funded grants for local entrepreneurship, livelihood and digital projects. Governance & Public Finance: President Bio has summoned an emergency parliamentary sitting to approve presidential nominees across key ministries and agencies. Telecoms & Consumer Protection: Orange Sierra Leone rolled out a new scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious numbers and report mobile money and impersonation fraud. Environment & Enforcement: The National Protected Area Authority continued demolitions at Aberdeen Creek in a Ramsar-protected wetland area to stop encroachment.

Energy & Investment: Liberia’s dry-season power crisis is pushing a solar-plus-storage roadmap, while Sierra Leone’s own energy access debate continues as the country looks beyond mini-grids and toward more resilient supply. Mining & Commodities: Sierra Leone’s gold exports surged 410.6% in H1 2026, even as total mineral exports fell 8.2% on diamond and mineral sands weakness—highlighting both momentum and the need to diversify away from iron ore concentration. Oil & Gas Prospects: President Bio says Sierra Leone is positioning for possible offshore oil and gas production after a $225m deal push and renewed interest in the basin, with drilling still the key test. Ports & Trade Facilitation: SLPHA launched a multi-agency operation to decongest Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay, aiming to cut container delays by removing unroadworthy trucks and tightening documentation checks. Health & Development: Last Mile Health won the 2026 Hilton Humanitarian Prize for expanding community primary healthcare across Sierra Leone and three other countries. Governance & Business Climate: President Bio summoned an emergency parliamentary sitting to approve presidential nominees, including key finance, foreign affairs, employment and energy/mining-related appointments. Constitutional Tensions: Legal groups and media stakeholders are trading sharp arguments over the Constitution (Amendment) Bill’s voting threshold and process. Safety & Labour: Two workers reportedly died in a mudslide at the FB Group construction site in Lungi, underscoring ongoing risks on major projects. Regional Security: NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, focusing on “intelligent border management” balancing security, trade and mobility. Sports & Youth: Sierra Leone’s Under-19s thrashed Mozambique in ICC qualifier action, while youth-focused initiatives marked International Youth Day with an SDG push.

Oil & Gas Watch: President Bio says Sierra Leone is positioning for possible offshore oil and gas production after a proposed $225m investment linked to improved seismic work, with drilling needed to confirm commercial viability. Mining Update: Gold exports surged 410.6% in H1 2026 to US$651.7m total mineral exports, even as diamonds and mineral sands fell—renewing calls for diversification away from iron-ore concentration. Port & Trade: SLPHA leads a multi-agency push to decongest Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay, removing unroadworthy trucks and tightening checks to cut cargo delays. Health & Development: Last Mile Health wins the 2026 Hilton Prize, receiving $3m to expand community primary healthcare across Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi and Sierra Leone. Youth & Skills: Moyamba marks International Youth Day 2026 with a focus on local youth actions for the SDGs, while a national debate and essay competition set for August targets youth leadership and critical thinking. Sports: Sierra Leone’s Under-19s beat Mozambique by eight wickets in the ICC Africa Division 2 qualifier in Kigali. Energy Access Debate: A new analysis warns mini-grids may not be the universal answer, urging policymakers to rethink energy access priorities.

Port Decongestion: SLPHA DG Yankuba Askia Bio is leading a multi-agency push to decongest the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town, removing unroadworthy trucks and tightening licence checks to speed container clearance and reduce delays for importers and consumers. Youth & Agriculture Jobs: The Office of the Chief Minister’s Delivery Clinic has set a 12-month implementation agenda for Feed Salone, targeting bottlenecks like financing, procurement, customs and contractor oversight to move projects from plans to farm-level results. Social Protection Leadership: NASSIT has completed a leadership handover, with Chernor Mamoud Jalloh taking over as Director General as Mohamed Fuaad Daboh ends his seven-year tenure, with a renewed focus on protecting contributors and pensioners. Cybersecurity Push: The National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre warns citizens to “stop, think and verify” against mobile scams, and says activating or selling improperly registered SIM cards can bring fines up to Le25,000 and possible imprisonment. Energy Access: Sungrow says its RESPITE solar-plus-storage project is now connected to the grid, aiming to lift Sierra Leone’s electricity access rate from 16% to 36% and reduce long outages driven by limited transmission capacity. Football Development: SLFA opens applications for its third CAF C Diploma coaching course (Aug 24–Nov 4), aiming to strengthen grassroots coaching capacity nationwide.

Critical Minerals & EV Investment: ELEKTROS Inc. says Wall Street’s renewed tech enthusiasm is boosting demand across AI, data centres, electric vehicles and energy storage, keeping its Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and EV charging patent at the centre of its growth pitch. Constitutional Governance: ILRAJ warns Parliament’s reported passage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill may breach the two-thirds voting requirement, urging clarity before further steps. Public Finance Oversight: The Ministry of Finance begins consultations to review the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, with IMF technical support, aiming to modernise budgeting, procurement and oversight. Youth & Jobs: Government delivery planning for Feed Salone is set for September 2026–August 2027, targeting bottlenecks like procurement, customs and contractor oversight to turn farm investment into jobs and income. Social Protection Leadership: NASSIT leadership changes as Chernor Mamoud Jalloh takes over from Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, with a focus on sustaining contributors’ and pensioners’ security. Cyber & Mobile Fraud: Authorities warn SIM-card sellers/activators face fines up to Le25,000 and possible jail, while citizens are urged to “stop, think and verify” before sharing mobile verification details. Transport Costs: Freetown commuters complain fuel-price hikes are driving fare increases without clear official route adjustments. Energy Access: A solar-plus-storage project (RESPITE) is reported as a major grid-connected step to raise electricity access and reduce long outages. Sports Development: SLFA opens applications for a third CAF C coaching diploma course starting August 24.

Cybersecurity Crackdown: Sierra Leone’s National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre warns citizens to “stop, think and verify” to avoid mobile scams, stressing never to share WhatsApp verification codes or two-step PINs. Telecom Enforcement: The same warning says SIM card dealers and anyone activating or selling improperly registered SIMs could face fines up to Le25,000 and possible jail. Energy & Power Access: A solar-plus-battery project (RESPITE) is reported as a major national-scale grid connection after nearly a decade, aiming to lift electricity access from 16% to 36% and reduce long outages. Public Finance Reform: The Ministry of Finance has started consultations to review Sierra Leone’s Public Financial Management Act, 2016, with IMF support, targeting better forecasting, procurement, reporting and oversight. Constitution Debate Tension: Legal arguments and public criticism continue around the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, with opposition insisting amendments need two-thirds of the full Parliament, not just those present. Transport Costs: Freetown commuters complain fuel price hikes are driving fare increases and route changes without clear official adjustments. Football Development: SLFA opens applications for its third CAF C Diploma coaching course (Aug 24–Nov 4), pushing grassroots coaching capacity. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Mogbwemo Queens are drawn for WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifiers, while tourism pieces pitch Sierra Leone’s “untold” natural and cultural appeal for investment and visitors.

Power & Electrification: Sungrow says its RESPITE solar-plus-storage project is the first major national-scale grid-connected power project in nearly a decade, aiming to lift Sierra Leone’s grid access from 16% to 36% and tackle long outages driven by a single 161kV line and seasonal Bumbuna hydropower swings. Energy Sector Leadership: EGTC Director General Milton Gegbai has died in Freetown after a brief illness, with the Ministry of Energy expected to announce funeral arrangements and interim leadership. Public Finance Reform: The Ministry of Finance has started consultations to review Sierra Leone’s Public Financial Management Act, 2016, with IMF technical support, targeting updates to budgeting, procurement, oversight and accountability. Transport Costs: Freetown commuters are complaining that rising fuel prices are pushing up fares and shortening routes without clear, official fare adjustments. Politics & Governance: President Bio urges Parliament to pass disputed electoral reforms, while constitutional amendment debate continues amid claims of procedural breaches and arguments over the required two-thirds threshold. Mining/Investment Hype: ELEKTROS keeps spotlighting Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium, critical minerals strategy and its EV charging patent as investor interest grows. Regional Development Finance: EBID approved over $510m across West Africa for transport, healthcare, renewable energy and private-sector development. Sports: Mogbwemo Queens have been drawn for CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU A qualifiers in The Gambia.

Constitutional Reform Showdown: Sierra Leone’s Parliament is locked in a tense fight over the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, with President Bio urging lawmakers to pass disputed electoral reforms now—lowering the presidential threshold from 55% to 50%+1 and introducing proportional representation and a 30% women’s quota—while the APC argues the two-thirds requirement must be based on the entire membership of MPs, not just those present. Energy Sector Loss: EGTC Director General Milton Gegbai has died in Freetown after a brief illness, a blow to Sierra Leone’s power generation and grid stability efforts. Digital & Business Moves: Orange Sierra Leone CEO Aïcha Touré is on a nationwide listening tour to improve service delivery and network experience, engaging customers and local leaders across several regions. Youth, Skills & Innovation: WATAF convened nearly 400 participants across West Africa to push digital VAT reforms and boost domestic revenue mobilization. Human Capital & Culture: Sierra Leone’s Miss World representative Mariyam Lorba Konneh has departed for Vietnam ahead of the 75th Miss World Festival, while President Bio also honoured outgoing World Bank country manager Dr. Abdu Muwonge with the GCOR national award. Environment & Waste: Young innovators in Bo are tackling electronic waste and plastic pollution by turning e-waste into solar lamps and recycling plastics into backpacks.

Constitutional Reform Deadlock: President Julius Maada Bio urged Parliament to pass disputed electoral reforms now, including lowering the presidential win threshold from 55% to 50%+1, introducing proportional representation, and reserving 30% of political leadership roles for women—while the APC resists key changes. Banking Access Boost: The Bank of Sierra Leone extended commercial bank hours in the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and Cline Town areas to 8:30am–8:00pm to improve service delivery and support revenue mobilisation. Energy Sector Loss: EGTC Director General Milton Gegbai died in Freetown after a brief illness, a major blow to Sierra Leone’s power grid leadership. Digital Skills for Jobs: YAD/ITC/KOICA programme in Kenema graduated 80 youth after nine months of digital literacy training plus workplace internships, targeting youth employability. Youth, Waste and Clean Tech: A Bo innovator is turning electronic waste into solar lamps and later recycling plastics into backpacks to tackle e-waste and pollution. Regional Trade/Finance Watch: WATAF convened nearly 400 participants across 16 countries to push digital VAT reforms for stronger domestic revenue in West Africa. Energy/Mining Investor Hype: ELEKTROS continued promoting Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and its EV charging patent to attract broader investor attention. Governance & Oversight: A firm is being sought to review Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District finances (2022–2025) after audit findings on internal controls.

Banking Access Boost: The Bank of Sierra Leone says commercial banks in the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and Cline Town areas will extend operating hours to 8:30am–8:00pm, aiming to improve service delivery and support revenue mobilisation. Digital Economy & Trust: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation concluded a National Digital Public Infrastructure dialogue, with Bank of Sierra Leone and NCRA pushing secure digital identity and citizen-first platforms. Tax Compliance Push: NRA and SICPA wrapped up a Product Tracing System workshop for excise taxpayers, focusing on tax stamps and compliance to curb illicit trade. Youth for Jobs: YAD/Youth Resource Academy graduated 80 youth in Kenema after nine months of advanced digital literacy training and internships under the Ready Salone SkYE Fund. Mobile Money Fraud Fight: The Ministry of Communication intensifies action against mobile money fraud as Parliament demands accountability. Energy Gap Highlighted: New data estimates nearly 6 million Sierra Leoneans lacked electricity access in 2025, underscoring the scale of the challenge. Regional Business Climate: ECOWAS convened an automotive industry forum in Abuja to speed up industrial transformation and reduce import dependence. Constitutional Reform Debate: APC and other voices continue to weigh in on proposed changes to Sierra Leone’s presidential election threshold and electoral framework. Corporate/Investment Hype: ELEKTROS again promoted its Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and U.S. EV charging patent to investors, keeping the critical-minerals narrative in the spotlight.