AGP Executive Report

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in Freetown/Lungi, backing a 6,900km corridor to move up to 30bcm of gas annually from Nigeria through 13 West African countries to Morocco and onward to Europe—an energy and industrial integration push that also raises security and cross-border coordination questions. ECOWAS Integration Agenda: The bloc also reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO single currency in 2027 and approved new ECOWAS appointments for the 2026–2030 term, keeping regional governance and investment momentum in focus. Sierra Leone Host Infrastructure: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh clarified that the reported US$124m ECOWAS hosting figure is meant for lasting facilities—an international conference centre, hotel and presidential villas—aimed at boosting future conference and summit capacity. Aviation & Connectivity: Sierra Leone’s ECOWAS summit period saw 2,367 commercial passengers handled smoothly, signaling growing operational capacity for regional travel. Maritime Justice Readiness: Maritime stakeholders flagged upcoming disputes tied to autonomous ships and digital shipping, urging courts and institutions to prepare as legal and liability questions evolve. Local Business & Markets: NASSIT inspected readiness for the Sewa Grounds Market in Freetown, with traders largely secured and construction snag items mostly addressed.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders in Sierra Leone signed the Intergovernmental Agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km corridor meant to move up to 30 bcm of gas yearly through 13 West African countries to Morocco and onward to European markets, with construction expected to start in 2028. ECOWAS Governance & Appointments: The bloc also approved a new leadership slate for 2026–2030, including Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye as Authority Chair and Gen. Birame Diop as ECOWAS Commission President, plus new commissioners and ECOWAS Court judges. Regional Integration Push (ECO Currency): ECOWAS reaffirmed its plan to launch the single ECO currency in 2027, starting with qualifying states under convergence criteria. Sierra Leone Market Readiness: NASSIT and SEMCo inspected the Sewa Grounds Market in Freetown, reporting 99% tenant uptake and progress on snag fixes, while tackling unauthorized street trading. Anti-Corruption & Logistics: The ACC urged private suppliers at an AGL compliance workshop to strengthen ethical procurement and internal compliance to scale integrity across supply chains. Pandemic Preparedness: Sierra Leone began a Year One Pandemic Fund project review in Bo, focusing on early warning, surveillance, and One Health coordination.

Energy & Infrastructure: ECOWAS leaders in Lungi, Sierra Leone signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a nearly 6,900km Nigeria–Morocco corridor expected to move up to 30bcm of gas annually through 13 coastal countries, with construction pencilled in for 2028 and first deliveries projected for 2031—an industrialisation push backed by NNPC and Morocco’s ONHYM. Regional Integration & Finance: ECOWAS reaffirmed its plan to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, with qualifying states adopting first and others supported to join later, while also welcoming the “ECO” name registration for trademark protection. Anti-Corruption & Business Compliance: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission urged private suppliers to strengthen integrity and compliance, rejecting bribery and conflicts of interest at an Africa Global Logistics supplier workshop. Public Health Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency began the Year One Annual Implementation Review of the Pandemic Fund Project in Bo, focusing on early warning, surveillance, governance, and the One Health approach. Markets & Urban Trade: NASSIT’s board inspected the Sewa Grounds Market readiness in Freetown, noting 99% tenant uptake and progress on construction snag items, while calling for action against unauthorised street trading. Aviation & Logistics Links: MWAA officials discussed expanding Dulles Airport routes in Asia and Africa, highlighting new airline services and the role of logistics partnerships in growing cargo and passenger flows. Governance Transition: ECOWAS chairmanship moved from Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio to Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, alongside commissioning of a regional conference centre and logistics depot to support peace, emergency response, and regional operations.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP): ECOWAS heads of state signed the Intergovernmental Agreement in Freetown/Lungi, formally advancing the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline. The deal sets a legal and institutional framework for a ~6,900km route delivering up to 30bcm of gas annually across 13 Atlantic countries, with 15bcm aimed at Morocco and Europe via the Maghreb-Europe link. Regional Energy & Industry Push: Nigeria’s Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo said the project moves from vision to implementation and is meant to boost energy security, industrial growth, and regional integration. ECOWAS Appointments: The bloc also approved new statutory and specialised leadership for 2026–2030, including commissioners and judges for the ECOWAS Court of Justice, plus heads for WAHO and other institutions. Sierra Leone Infrastructure for Integration: Sierra Leone commissioned the ECOWAS Logistics Depot and the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi to support diplomacy, peace operations, and emergency response. Lungi Bridge Call: A political scientist urged President Bio to prioritise the Lungi Bridge to unlock the conference centre’s economic impact. ECOWAS Single Currency: Leaders reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO in 2027, starting with member states meeting convergence criteria. Port Security: Ten men were remanded over alleged theft of a detained shipping container at Freetown Port, highlighting ongoing logistics and enforcement concerns.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders in Freetown signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a roughly 6,800km project meant to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas yearly across 13 countries, with 15 bcm earmarked for Morocco and Europe; the pact also sets up a project company in Casablanca and a governing authority in Abuja, clearing the way for investor mobilization and a final investment decision. Regional Leadership Rotation: Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio formally handed ECOWAS chairmanship to Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye during the 69th summit, with Bio urging implementation over speeches and stronger regional cooperation on food security, climate resilience, trade and accountable governance. Industrial Push & Investment Logic: Nigeria’s petroleum minister Ekperikpe Ekpo and other leaders framed the pipeline as a shift from exporting raw gas to powering regional industrial growth and energy security. Trade & Community Impact: Sierra Leone’s Mano Junction–Bumpeh road deterioration in Kenema District is disrupting transport, raising costs for traders and affecting fuel deliveries. Agriculture Skills: Sierra Leone’s extension officers (Kambia and Tonkolili) completed training to boost climate-resilient rice farming through practical field demonstrations and farmer-centred support. Regional Solidarity on Xenophobia: ECOWAS leaders backed Ghana’s AU petition over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, while Nigeria urged a united ECOWAS front to escalate the matter to the AU.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders in Freetown signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a roughly 6,000–6,800km project estimated at about $27bn, expected to start construction in 2028 and target first gas deliveries in 2031, with next steps including a Casablanca-based project company and an Abuja-based governing authority. Regional Logistics & Trade: Sierra Leone wrapped up the 69th ECOWAS summit and commissioned the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi to boost peace support, humanitarian response and emergency readiness, while NDMA and SLPHA also renewed plans to coordinate port expansion with disaster preparedness. ECOWAS Leadership Shift: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected ECOWAS Chairman, taking over from Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, as leaders push reforms amid security and integration pressures. Roads Hit Costs: Traders and residents in Kenema District urged urgent rehabilitation of the Mano Junction–Bumpeh road, saying its deterioration is raising transport costs and disrupting fuel distribution. Policy & Oversight: Sierra Leone’s Parliament summoned SLENA management over operations and funding gaps, and opposition MPs questioned the cost of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre ahead of ECOWAS meetings. Social Tension at Regional Level: Nigeria urged ECOWAS to take South Africa’s xenophobic attacks to the African Union, citing evacuations of 1,490 citizens and calling for a united continental response.

Port & Disaster Readiness: NDMA and SLPHA agreed to tighten coordination between port expansion and national disaster preparedness, citing rising cargo traffic at Freetown Port and temporary congestion relief via the Hastings Inland Container Depot while Koya’s ICD is built. ECOWAS Logistics & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone wrapped up the 69th ECOWAS summit in Lungi, commissioning the ECOWAS Logistics Depot to boost peace support, humanitarian response and logistics coordination, alongside the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre. Energy Infrastructure: ECOWAS leaders signed an intergovernmental framework for the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, setting up next steps like a Casablanca project company and an Abuja-based governing body. Parliament Oversight: An APC parliamentary leader said lawmakers will scrutinise the cost of the Julius Maada Bio conference centre for value-for-money and transparency. Agribusiness & Food Security: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice modernisation deal for Kambia’s Rokupr, targeting better seed production, irrigation, machinery and farmer capacity through 2030. Digital & Creative Industry: Sierra Leone’s music sector is increasingly using AI as a production aid with calls for ethical use, while a cybersecurity expert plans to bring drone forensics and AI-driven investigation skills back home. Health Infrastructure: China donated ICT equipment to support Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project, now over 90% complete. Media Governance: Parliament reviewed SLENA operations, noting continued coverage despite procurement funding delays.

ECOWAS Logistics & Conference Push: Sierra Leone has commissioned the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, with President Bio calling the depot a strategic boost for peace support, humanitarian response, and rapid regional readiness. Regional Summit Readiness: The facilities are being readied for the 69th ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government meeting, with senior officials inspecting venues and Parliament’s Speaker backing the legislative work needed to domesticate regional protocols. Parliament Oversight: A parliamentary committee has summoned Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) management over operations and finances, noting budget approval but no procurement funds released, while highlighting expanded correspondent coverage. Digital & Creative Industry: AI is being positioned as a creative assistant for Sierra Leone’s music industry, while a Sierra Leonean cybersecurity researcher abroad plans to return with drone forensics and AI-driven investigation skills. Agribusiness Deal: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice production agreement to modernise seed, irrigation, and processing in Kambia under the Feed Salone agenda. Fuel Price Relief: NPRA says fuel subsidies remain in effect (15–31 July 2026) to keep regulated petrol and diesel pump prices below market levels. Health Infrastructure Support: China donated ICT equipment to support a 600-bed hospital project now over 90% complete.

ECOWAS Logistics & Conference Push: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, and President Bio have commissioned the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, with the depot set to boost regional preparedness for peace support, humanitarian aid, and emergency response. Parliament Steps In: A Parliamentary Committee on Information and Civic Education summoned SLENA to review operations and finances, urging stronger reporting and institutional support despite procurement funding delays. Digital & Creative Industry: Sierra Leone’s music sector is using AI as a creative assistant with calls for ethical safeguards, while a Sierra Leonean cybersecurity expert preparing to return home is focusing on drone forensics and AI-driven crime scene work. Health Infrastructure: China donated ICT equipment to support Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project, now over 90% complete. Agribusiness Deal: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice production agreement to modernise seed, irrigation, and processing in Kambia. Fuel Price Relief: NPRA says fuel subsidies remain in effect (15–31 July) to keep pump prices stable and urges reporting of overcharging. Regional Politics Watch: Speaker Thomas led the parliamentary delegation to the ECOWAS mid-year summit in Lungi, while journalist Thomas Dixon questioned the consistency of President Bio’s ECOWAS-focused efforts.

ECOWAS Summit Logistics: President Julius Maada Bio inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, stepping up final readiness for the 2026 ECOWAS Heads of State Summit and its incoming leaders. Healthcare & ICT: China donated computers, printers and other ICT equipment to support Sierra Leone’s 600-bed ultra-modern hospital project, now over 90% complete, to boost operations and service capacity. Budget Support & Reforms: AfDB ended a 10-day appraisal mission and renewed engagement on budget support after a three-year pause, with focus on fiscal efficiency, mining and transport reforms, audits and critical minerals strategy. Agribusiness Investment: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice production agreement (K-Ricebelt) to modernise seed production, irrigation, machinery and farmer capacity in Kambia (2026–2030). Digital Security Skills: A Sierra Leonean cybersecurity researcher in India plans to return with drone forensics and AI-driven investigation expertise to strengthen national cybercrime response. Fuel Prices: NPRA said fuel subsidies remain in effect (15–31 July 2026) to cushion consumers, with reporting urged against overcharging. Maritime Justice Training: Sierra Leone is set to join regional judges at Nigeria’s International Maritime Seminar for Judges (22–24 July) aimed at improving dispute adjudication across the sector. Creative Industries: Actors Guild Sierra Leone met Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to explore partnerships that grow arts, culture and tourism while supporting civic and youth programmes.

ECOWAS Summit Readiness: President Julius Maada Bio inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, stepping up final preparations for the 2026 ECOWAS Heads of State Summit and its expected high-level delegations. Health & ICT for Infrastructure: China donated computers, printers and ICT equipment to support Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project, now over 90% complete, to help prepare for operations and strengthen service capacity. Budget Support Returns: The AfDB resumed engagement on Sierra Leone’s budget support after a three-year pause, with a 10-day appraisal mission reviewing reforms and prior actions for the 2026 disbursement. Digital Security Skills: A Sierra Leonean cybersecurity researcher in India is set to return with drone forensics and AI-driven cybercrime investigation expertise aimed at boosting national digital security and forensic capability. Food & Agriculture Investment: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice production agreement to modernise rice cultivation in Kambia under the K-Ricebelt/K-Ricebelt Project (2026–2030). Fuel Price Relief: NPRA said government subsidies will keep regulated petrol and diesel pump prices stable for 15–31 July 2026, while urging the public to report overcharging. Maritime Legal Capacity: The Nigerian Shippers’ Council and NJI will host an international maritime seminar for judges in Abuja (22–24 July), with Chief Justices and judges from Sierra Leone among participants. Creative Industries Link-Up: Actors Guild Sierra Leone met Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to explore partnerships in arts, tourism promotion and youth empowerment through film and theatre. Regional Trade Push: NEPC urged ECOWAS trade promotion network members to find sustainable funding beyond subscriptions to keep trade integration work moving.

ECOWAS Summit Readiness: President Bio inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, touring the venue and adjoining hotel as preparations intensify for the 2026 ECOWAS Heads of State Summit. Fuel Price Relief: NPRA says Sierra Leone’s government subsidy is keeping regulated petrol and diesel pump prices stable for 15–31 July 2026, with the authority urging the public to report overcharging. Digital Finance & Inclusion: Rokel Bank MD Dr. Walton Gilpin will deliver a special lecture at IPAM on digital trust, customer relationship management, and financial inclusion. Roads for Livelihoods: NaCSA has started rehabilitating the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba to cut travel time and boost access for farmers, traders, and schoolchildren. Skills & Jobs: A Sierra Leone farming programme is helping amputees learn sustainable agriculture and start small commercial plots. Creative Industry Push: Actors Guild Sierra Leone met Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to explore partnerships in arts, tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and public awareness. Connectivity Upgrade: CSquared added capacity to the 2Africa West cable to strengthen regional internet resilience. Regional Trade Support: NEPC urged ECOWAS trade promotion network members to find sustainable funding for activities. Education Funding: FIFA and Global Citizen announced new grants totaling $60m raised so far, including support for Sierra Leone as part of education access efforts.

Fuel Price Relief: Sierra Leone’s NPRA says fuel subsidies are still holding regulated pump prices for 15–31 July 2026, with petrol subsidised at NLe 3.27 per litre and diesel at NLe 4.98, while urging the public to report overcharging. ECOWAS Summit Readiness: President Bio inspected the ECOWAS Summit venue in Lungi, touring the new conference centre and adjoining hotel ahead of leaders’ arrival. Trade Promotion Funding: NEPC is urging ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation members to find alternate, sustainable funding sources beyond subscriptions to keep trade promotion activities running. Digital Banking & Inclusion: Rokel Bank MD Dr. Walton Gilpin will deliver a special lecture at IPAM on digital trust, CRM and financial inclusion. Roads for Farmers: NaCSA has started rehabilitating the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba to cut travel time and boost access for farmers, traders and schoolchildren. Creative Industries: The Actors Guild Sierra Leone met Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to explore partnerships in film, theatre, tourism promotion and youth empowerment. Agriculture for Amputees: A Sierra Leone farming programme is helping people with limb loss build sustainable skills and small commercial plots. Connectivity Boost: CSquared says it added capacity on the 2Africa West cable to strengthen internet resilience across West and Central Africa.

Electricity Finance: Sierra Leone’s power sector faces a cash crunch as the IMF says government must add US$42.5m this year to help EDSA pay Independent Power Producers and avoid supply disruptions. Roads & Trade: NaCSA has started rehabilitation of the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba, aiming to cut travel time for farmers and traders and boost access to services. Regional Integration (ECOWAS Summit): An IPAM lecturer says ECOWAS progress should be judged by practical outcomes—faster border clearance, safer corridors, cheaper essentials, and better electricity and healthcare access. Creative Industries: The Actors Guild Sierra Leone met Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to push film, theatre and arts partnerships for tourism, youth empowerment and civic awareness. Digital Connectivity: CSquared added capacity on the 2Africa West cable to strengthen internet resilience across West and Central Africa. Petrol Costs Watch: Fuel landing costs in Nigeria rose about 15% amid Middle East tensions, a reminder of how quickly regional shocks can hit prices. Health Security: China CDC experts joined an international Ebola response coordination platform in Uganda, with the team previously involved in Sierra Leone’s Ebola work. Visa & Mobility: Botswana released its 2026 visa-free list, including Sierra Leone among the African countries granted easier entry. Mining/Industry Signals: Tusker Minerals’ rutile exploration target in Cameroon highlights continued investor interest in mineral sands supply chains.

Electricity Finance: Sierra Leone’s power sector faces a fresh US$42.5m gap as the IMF says government must transfer more to EDSA to keep Independent Power Producers paid and avoid supply disruptions. Roads & Trade: NaCSA has started rehabilitation of the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba, aiming to cut travel time and boost farm and market access. Digital Connectivity: CSquared added capacity on the 2Africa West submarine cable to strengthen West and Central Africa’s internet resilience. Energy Regulation Learning: Kenya’s petroleum regulator EPRA is studying Ghana’s downstream pricing and licensing model, with Sierra Leone’s regulator having sent officials for similar lessons. Agritech & Innovation: A-IDEA at ICAR-NAARM hosted a 46-member delegation including Sierra Leone to learn how agritech incubators commercialise solutions for farmers. Health Data Systems: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence approach with Sierra Leone and other countries to reduce dependence on externally managed systems. Pharma Expansion Signals: Nigeria’s MeCure Industries secured approval to lift its capital raise to N50bn to expand production and push into West Africa, including Sierra Leone. Governance & Infrastructure Debate: Opposition voices criticised government spending on the Lungi International Conference Centre, arguing funds should prioritise direct citizen investment. Safety Concern: A woman in Liberia was electrocuted after touching a fallen high-tension line—renewing grid safety worries in the region. Visa Access Watch: Botswana published its 2026 visa-free list for African travellers, including Sierra Leone.

Fuel & Transport Costs: Imported petrol landing costs in Nigeria jumped about 15% in two weeks to around N1,135.73/litre as Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz tightened supply expectations, even as the 30-day average import parity price eased. Roads & Agriculture Access: NaCSA has started rehabilitation of the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba, aiming to cut travel time and boost movement of farmers, traders and schoolchildren, with KfW co-financing. Power Sector Funding: The IMF says Sierra Leone may need an extra US$42.5m this year to help EDSA meet payments to Independent Power Producers and avoid electricity supply disruptions. Health & Regional Systems: WAHO marks 39 years, pushing stronger ECOWAS cooperation, sustainable financing and tech-driven preparedness for West Africa’s health threats. Inclusive Education: WESOFOD-SL, with support from Trócaire, distributed learning materials and improved access for children with disabilities in five Pujehun primary schools. Digital Connectivity: CSquared announced capacity on the 2Africa West cable to reduce landing-station concentration risk and improve resilience for West and Central Africa. Investment & Industry Finance: MeCure Industries’ shareholders approved a higher N50bn rights issue to fund working capital and West Africa expansion after a 177% profit jump in 2025.