AGP Executive Report

Local Projects: Pujehun District Council screened four proposed health and education projects for environmental and social risks ahead of World Bank-backed construction. Residents and market women are also urging authorities to rehabilitate the badly deteriorated Gbondapi Road, which they say is driving up transport costs and disrupting trade. Workplace Safety: The Labour Ministry is investigating the fatal grader accident that killed FG Gold worker Fatmata Mustapha at Baomahun, examining how it happened and whether safety failures were involved. Regional Connectivity: Air Sénégal is considering a 2027 Dakar–Monrovia service via Conakry and Freetown, subject to regulatory approval. Investment: ECOWAS’s 2025 reports say Sierra Leone and other member states have modernised investment laws, but still face infrastructure gaps and currency volatility. Organisers say 26 projects worth over $10 billion have been shortlisted for November’s investment summit in Freetown; the wider pipeline is expected to reach $15 billion. Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts Sierra Leone’s growth will rise from 4% in 2026 to 4.4% in 2027, still just below the regional average.

Regional Investment: ECOWAS’s 2025 investment report names Sierra Leone among 10 member states that submitted data, noting reforms to investment laws alongside regional challenges such as infrastructure gaps and foreign-exchange volatility. Research and Growth: Attorney General Alpha Sesay has given universities and research centres until December to establish or update intellectual-property policies and technology-transfer offices. The IMF projects Sierra Leone’s economy will grow 4.4% in 2027, up from 4% in 2026 but below the regional forecast. West Africa Summit: Organisers say 26 projects worth more than $10 billion have been shortlisted for review ahead of the November investment summit in Freetown; the proposed $15 billion pipeline is not funding already secured. National Dialogue: The Bintumani unity conference is set for October 26–27, with leaders expected to discuss turning commitments on peace and cohesion into action. Infrastructure: Four climate-resilient bridges are planned across Tonkolili, Karene, Bo and Moyamba districts under a $74 million World Bank-supported project. Power: The $417 million Nant plant is expected to begin generating electricity in September 2027, adding 108.4 megawatts to national capacity.

Research and Innovation: Attorney General Alpha Sesay gave universities and state research centres until December to update intellectual-property policies and technology-transfer offices, helping turn local ideas into commercial products. Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts 4.4% growth for Sierra Leone in 2027, up from 4% in 2026 but slightly below the regional average. National Dialogue: The peace commission is preparing journalists for the Bintumani unity conference on October 26–27, where leaders are expected to discuss rebuilding trust across political and social divides. Regional Investment: Organisers say 26 projects worth more than $10 billion have been shortlisted for review ahead of November’s Freetown investment summit; the proposed $15 billion pipeline is not yet committed funding. Infrastructure: Four climate-resilient bridges are planned across Tonkolili, Karene, Bo and Moyamba under a $74 million World Bank-backed project. Census Preparations: Statistics Sierra Leone says all 29,000 tablets for the December census have arrived, with national mapping complete. Football: Wilberforce Strikers beat champions Bo Rangers 3–1 to move top of the Premier League.

Regional Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray joined ECOWAS-AES talks in Dakar, where the blocs agreed to form working groups and develop a framework for future cooperation. Investment Drive: Tony Elumelu is backing a proposed $15 billion West African infrastructure pipeline ahead of a summit in Sierra Leone next month. Organisers shortlisted 26 projects worth more than $10 billion from 170 proposals; the pipeline is not yet committed funding. Power Supply: President Julius Maada Bio inspected the US$417 million Nant power plant in Freetown. Developers say the 108.4-megawatt facility is on track to start generating electricity in September 2027. Rural Connections: The government signed contracts for four climate-resilient bridges in Tonkolili, Karene, Bo and Moyamba districts, under a US$74 million World Bank-supported project. Census Preparations: Statistics Sierra Leone says it has received all 29,000 tablets for the 2026 census, with national mapping complete and staff training underway. Football: Star Sport Academy lost 2-0 to Morocco’s RS Berkane in Monrovia, leaving the Sierra Leonean champions with a tough task in the Champions League return leg.

Power and Roads: President Julius Maada Bio inspected Freetown’s US$417 million Nant Power Plant, expected to start generating 108.4 megawatts in September 2027. Separately, contracts were signed for four rural bridges under a US$74 million World Bank-backed project. Regional Investment: Organisers have shortlisted 26 projects worth more than US$10 billion for a West African investment pipeline expected to reach US$15 billion ahead of a November summit in Sierra Leone. Digital Census: Statistics Sierra Leone says all 29,000 tablets for the December census are in hand, with national mapping complete; the Statistician General also praised political parties’ support for the exercise. Development Finance: MoPED is developing frameworks to attract diaspora funds and blended finance for national priorities. Cocaine Network Allegations: A Guardian investigation alleges a European cocaine trafficker’s network has gained deep influence in Sierra Leone, including claims of links to senior figures; the allegations have not been independently established here.

Census Preparations: Statistics Sierra Leone chief Andrew Johnny says political parties are backing public participation in the upcoming census, a shift from the 2021 exercise. Development Finance: MoPED is developing diaspora-finance and blended-finance frameworks to attract funding for national priorities. Women and Youth: Port Loko leaders and civil society groups have pledged support for a WAADO project promoting livelihoods and leadership for women, young people and people with disabilities. Regional Investment: A West African summit planned for Sierra Leone in November has shortlisted 26 projects worth more than $10 billion, with organisers targeting a $15 billion pipeline. Mining Prospects: The Africa Finance Corporation is exploring iron-ore and uranium investments, citing the region’s potential, including Sierra Leone’s. Drug Trafficking Allegations: A Guardian investigation alleges a Dutch cocaine fugitive’s network reached deep into Sierra Leone; its claims include alleged links to senior officials and should be treated as allegations. Digital Learning: Government and UNICEF plan to expand digital learning hubs and school internet access.

Critical Minerals: Africa Finance Corporation is exploring iron-ore and uranium investments, with Sierra Leone among four West African countries whose combined iron-ore output could rank among the world’s top three within a decade. The AFC hopes to announce investment plans in the next six to 12 months. Regional Investment: A proposed $15 billion West African project pipeline, led by President Julius Maada Bio and Tony Elumelu, is set to be presented to investors at a November summit in Sierra Leone. Organisers say 26 projects worth more than $10 billion have been shortlisted; financing is not yet secured. Parliament: Lawmakers are due to consider agricultural financing agreements, a trade deal with the UAE and new land-planning regulations at a sitting summoned by President Bio. Women’s Resilience: First Lady Fatima Bio welcomed Senegal as the seventh country to join an African campaign supporting women and girls facing climate change and conflict. Digital Learning: Government and UNICEF plan to expand digital learning hubs and connect more schools to high-speed internet. Election Technology: Sierra Leone’s electoral commission joined ECOWAS counterparts to review guidelines for responsible AI use in elections.

Parliament: MPs are due to meet today in Freetown to consider major agreements, including African Development Fund support for a rice-processing zone, IDA financing for agricultural value chains and a trade deal with the UAE. Investment Drive: President Julius Maada Bio and business leaders are backing a $15 billion West African investment portfolio, with 26 proposed projects worth more than $10 billion so far. Sierra Leone will host the summit on November 17–18. Agriculture: The government is also seeking investors for a $760 million plan focused on rice, poultry, cassava and oil palm to boost food production and processing. Digital Learning: The government and UNICEF plan to expand digital learning hubs and connect more schools to high-speed internet, building on hubs that have already trained thousands of young people. Election Technology: Sierra Leone’s electoral commission is helping develop ECOWAS guidelines for responsible AI use in elections, including safeguards and human oversight. Local Governance: The Decentralisation Secretariat says new local councils need sustainable funding, stronger local revenue collection and support from government and development partners.

National ID Fees: MP Alpha Ben Mansaray is urging the government to cut the standard identity-card fee from NLe 165 to NLe 50, arguing the current cost burdens low-income and rural residents. Investment: West African leaders and investors are advancing a $10 billion project pipeline ahead of the November investment summit in Sierra Leone. Local Government: The Decentralisation Secretariat says new councils need reliable local revenue, government grants and development-partner support to deliver services. Public Safety: Geoscientists have called for an investigation into reported Freetown tremors, saying no direct link to a recent offshore earthquake has been established. Health: Government talks with UNECA focused on sustainable health financing, while MoPED reaffirmed cooperation with MSF, including support for its Kenema hospital and health academy. Agriculture: Sierra Leone is seeking investors for a $760 million plan focused on rice, poultry, cassava and oil palm to boost production and processing. Digital Business: Entrepreneur Mohamed Barry has launched Konekta, an app connecting customers with local businesses, services and property listings.

Agriculture: Sierra Leone is seeking investors for a $760 million agrifood plan focused on rice, poultry, cassava and oil palm to boost production, food security and processing. Freetown Tremors: Geoscientists have called for a scientific investigation after shaking was reported in parts of the city. They say there is no confirmed link to a powerful offshore earthquake and urge residents not to spread claims of an imminent quake. Health Financing: Health spending is about 6% of the national budget, below the 15% Abuja target. The government is discussing reforms with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, including expanding insurance for informal workers, who make up over 80% of the workforce. Healthcare Partnership: Planning officials and Médecins Sans Frontières are working to align the group’s 220-bed Kenema hospital and healthcare academy with national priorities. Cocaine Network Allegations: A Guardian investigation alleges a major trafficking network had links to influential figures and institutions in Sierra Leone. The claims remain allegations, not proof of wrongdoing by every person or institution named. Digital Business: Sierra Leonean entrepreneur Mohamed Barry has launched Konekta, an app bringing local businesses, services, products and property listings together.

Regional Security: Sierra Leone’s Chief of Defence Staff, outgoing chair of ECOWAS defence chiefs, called for continued Nigerian support for regional security cooperation. Nigeria’s defence chief reaffirmed backing for ECOWAS initiatives. Health Funding: Parliament has pledged to advance sustainable healthcare financing after talks with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, while the National Public Health Agency is mapping mental health services to identify gaps and improve coordination. Constitutional Case: Accountability group CARL-SL urged Sierra Leoneans to debate the constitutional amendment challenge responsibly and respect the Supreme Court’s independence as it hears the case. Community Support: A new savings programme backed by Iceland will help women, young people and people with disabilities build businesses and access community loans in five districts. Coastal Livelihoods: Sand extraction at Mahera Beach is threatening the coast and tourism, even as local women rely on the trade to support their families. Peace and Development: President Julius Maada Bio used the Geneva Peace Forum to call for greater investment in preventing conflict before it erupts. Parliament has also been summoned to resume sitting, as the country counts down to its first fully digital census.

Peace Diplomacy: President Julius Maada Bio urged world leaders at the Geneva Peace Forum to invest more in preventing conflict, proposing a commitment to track early warnings and action. He also said women and young people must shape peace decisions. Health Financing: Parliament has pledged support for reforms with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, including working with government agencies to turn proposals into action. Political Tensions: Former Attorney General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara was released after five days in detention over a dispute at the Supreme Court, as arguments continue over the constitutional amendment process. Digital Census: Sierra Leone has begun a 50-day countdown to its first fully digital census, with enumeration due to start on December 2. Coastal Livelihoods: Sand mining at Mahera Beach supports local families but is damaging the coastline and tourism; nearly 50,000 cubic metres are extracted each year. Mental Health: A new national mapping assessment aims to identify gaps in mental health and psychosocial support services and guide future work.

Parliament: President Bio has summoned MPs to resume sittings on Friday, with the Finance Ministry asked to submit development-policy operations for ratification. Digital Census: Sierra Leone has begun a 50-day countdown to its first fully digital census, with enumeration starting December 2 and officials urging nationwide participation. Coastal Livelihoods: Mahera Beach loses nearly 50,000 cubic metres of sand a year, damaging the coast and tourism while women who depend on the trade shoulder much of its economic burden. Health Financing: The government and the UN Economic Commission for Africa are exploring sustainable funding reforms, including a basic package of free health services and contributory insurance. Peace and Inclusion: Speaking in Geneva, Bio said women and young people must help shape peace decisions, not simply attend negotiations. Trafficking: Sierra Leone remains on the U.S. State Department’s Tier 2 list; investigations and prosecutions increased, but convictions fell and victim services remain limited. Energy: Sierra Leone’s Energy Ministry has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Oil Sustainability Program to advance sustainable energy access.

Health Financing: Health Minister Austin Demby and the UN Economic Commission for Africa are working on reforms that could provide essential care free at the point of use, backed by insurance and stronger domestic funding. Community Health: A China-Sierra Leone medical outreach in Waterloo provided free care and donated medicines and supplies. Press Freedom: SLAJ condemned the alleged assault of Hope FM manager Ishmail Stanley Bangura at an APC office in Makeni and called for the return of two phones; police are investigating. Constitutional Dispute: The Supreme Court’s hearing on constitutional amendments has been repeatedly adjourned amid political tension, while former Justice Minister Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara was granted bail after his contempt detention. Food Production: Sierra Leone’s poultry sector remains heavily reliant on imports: local output meets only about 15% of egg demand, underscoring the challenge of delivering food sovereignty. Energy Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s Energy Ministry signed a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Oil Sustainability Program to advance sustainable energy access; a separate agreement aims to support clean cooking with LPG.

Health Financing: The UN Economic Commission for Africa has begun five days of talks with Sierra Leone’s government to support health-sector reforms and increase sustainable domestic funding, with the aim of easing the burden of out-of-pocket costs. Girls’ Rights: Girls in Kabala urged stronger action against child marriage and female genital mutilation at a UNFPA-backed symposium, highlighting how both practices can disrupt education and limit future opportunities. Community Healthcare: Police opened a clinic in Tankoro, Kono District, to serve officers and nearby residents, with plans to expand its services. Regional Cooperation: Sierra Leone joined seven West African countries in Banjul to advance border demarcation, security and cross-border cooperation. Football: Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah made his Bundesliga debut for Augsburg, playing 81 minutes in a 2–2 draw with Bayern Munich. Food Production: A new analysis says local poultry farms are growing, but imports still dominate, underscoring the challenge of turning Feed Salone’s food-sovereignty goals into a stronger domestic industry.

Political Tensions: Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara was detained during a Supreme Court hearing on the constitutional amendment challenge and later granted bail. The case has heightened tensions between the APC and SLPP, whose officials traded accusations over the incident. Girls’ Rights: Girls in Kabala called for stronger action against child marriage and female genital mutilation, urging communities to protect their education and choices. Economy: The Bank of Sierra Leone raised its policy rate to 17.25% as inflation reached 15.66% in August; reserves covered just 1.8 months of imports. Education: The government declared public university lecturers’ strike unlawful and ordered staff back to work by Monday, while negotiations continue. Community Health: Police opened a clinic in Kono to serve officers and nearby residents. Digital Security: Hackers targeted 44 websites using Sierra Leone’s .sl domain; authorities said the threat had been neutralised. Regional Business: Four Sierra Leonean startups showcased their ideas at the ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja. Development Partnership: Sierra Leone and Germany reviewed delays in customs clearance, tax refunds, residence permits and road maintenance.