AGP Executive Report

Regional Integration & Governance: Senegal’s Lt Gen Birame Diop has been installed as President of the ECOWAS Commission, succeeding Omar Alieu Touray, with priorities including connectivity and the Eco single-currency push. Digital & Data Policy: A Sierra Leone Telegraph piece argues Africa’s economic future hinges on data sovereignty—unlocking tax and administrative data that sits in silos to improve policy and services. Agribusiness & Food Security: Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister John Dumelo urged West Africa to coordinate across the rice value chain to cut the region’s heavy import bill and create jobs. Mining & Local Value Addition: At Africa Oil Week 2026, Sierra Leone called for a shift toward local mineral processing and downstream industries instead of exporting raw resources. Health & Emergency Response: WHO says DRC’s Ebola response must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000, warning that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked and broken. Housing & Jobs Finance: Sierra Leone approved about US$73.8m in development financing for affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and farmer incomes. Trade & Transport: SolitAir expands its African cargo network with Port Harcourt and Hargeisa routes, strengthening Gulf-to-West Africa freight links. Animal Health Controls: Philippines bans FMD-susceptible animal imports from at least 23 countries including Sierra Leone, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks.

Housing & Agro-Industry Finance: Sierra Leone’s Cabinet has approved about US$73.8m in development financing to boost affordable housing, climate-resilient rice production, food security, jobs and higher farm incomes, including a US$10m BADEA loan for Shelter Afrique shares and US$23.8m for the Rice Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone. Rice Value Chains: A separate update says Sierra Leone is part of a $5m Rice Investment Facility launch at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, with government already spending about $100m on rice zones and agro-processing clusters. Mining & Justice: A High Court in Sierra Leone has remanded businessman Ibrahim Kamara over alleged cannabis possession linked to a Kono mining-company incident, with the case adjourned for further proceedings. Regional Power Integration: The World Bank reports West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links with 4,000km of transmission lines across 15 countries, improving access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Maritime Trade Risk: Shipping in the Black Sea is using improvised ship defenses as drone attacks intensify, with a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker cited among vessels transiting the region. Creative Economy Skills: Foto4Change Visual Storytelling for the Deaf is expanding into Sierra Leone, using cameras and training to open pathways into the creative economy. Transport Safety Call: Residents in Karene’s Kabba area are renewing calls to replace the ageing ferry crossing with a permanent bridge after repeated accidents.

Cabinet Reshuffle: President Julius Maada Bio swore in five new officials, including Karefa A. Kargbo as Finance Minister, as government pushes revenue mobilisation and tighter spending. Agribusiness & Investment: Sierra Leone joined a $5m Rice Investment Facility launch at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, with plans for rice zones, agro-processing clusters, and more private-sector participation. Regional Power: West Africa deepened electricity integration with 4,000km of transmission lines across 15 countries, improving cross-border power trade and expanding access in Sierra Leone and neighbours. Shipping & Security: A Sierra Leone-flagged crude oil tanker was reported among vessels using improvised anti-drone measures as Black Sea attacks intensify, underlining risks for maritime trade. Transport Safety: Residents in Karene District renewed calls for a permanent bridge after decades of accidents and disruptions linked to the Kabba ferry crossing. Health: WHO urged scaling up Ebola response in DRC as deaths pass 3,000, warning that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked. Education & Skills: MTHE bid farewell to 11 students heading to NIST University in India, while Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wrapped its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026 training in coding and 3D design. Justice & Industry: A Kono businessman, linked to a mining company, was remanded over alleged cannabis possession, with the case adjourned to mid-October.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,000 deaths and warns the response must be scaled up, stressing that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked and unsafe burials are fuelling spread. Education & Skills: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education bids farewell to 11 students selected for studies in India under a new bilateral arrangement with NIST University. Agribusiness & Investment: Sierra Leone joins West Africa’s $5m rice investment push at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, with government plans for rice zones, agro-processing clusters, and improved farm-to-market links. Transport & Trade: Stats SL reports transport costs eased in July 2026, with transport inflation down to 37.04% year-on-year, even as transport remains a major driver of overall inflation. Infrastructure & Safety: Residents in Karene District renew calls for a bridge after decades of accidents and disruptions linked to the Kabba ferry crossing. Regional Power: The World Bank says West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links with 4,000km of lines across 15 countries, improving access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Maritime Risk: Shipping in the Black Sea is adopting improvised anti-drone measures as attacks intensify, with a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker cited among vessels transiting the Bosphorus. Creative Economy: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wraps its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026, training youth in coding, web development and 3D design.

Maritime Security & Trade: Reuters reports Sierra Leone-flagged tankers are using makeshift anti-drone gear as Black Sea attacks intensify, highlighting fresh risks for shipping and regional oil/grain flows. Rail & Heavy Equipment Deals: BEML shares rose after securing an additional ~₹180.6 crore order for Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, while the firm also points to earlier African orders including pilot deployment in Sierra Leone—good news for industrial procurement and local logistics. Regional Power Integration: The World Bank says West Africa has added over 4,000km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, improving cross-border electricity trade and expanding access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Tax & Business Compliance: Sierra Leone’s NRA has started rolling out new Smart GST machines to 10,000 GST-registered businesses to improve electronic records and cut revenue leakages. Roads, Floods & Costs: Makeni suffered serious flooding after heavy rains, disrupting roads and businesses, while separate data shows transport prices in Sierra Leone eased in July—an important signal for everyday commerce. Skills for Industry: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wrapped up its Next Gen Summer Camp, training youth in coding, web development and 3D design—fuel for future tech and service industries. Environment & Livelihoods: UNDP signed US$511,000 low value grants with 12 CSOs for biodiversity, climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods across Sierra Leone.

Electricity & Power Sector: Nigeria’s electricity subsidy bill hit N1.928trn in 2025, with tariff freezes keeping end-user rates below cost-reflective levels, according to NERC—highlighting mounting fiscal pressure as unpaid/under-recovered power costs grow. Transport & Cost of Living: In Sierra Leone, transport prices fell 2.94% month-on-month in July 2026 and annual transport inflation eased to 37.04%, even as transport remains a major driver of overall inflation due to its weight in the CPI basket. Tax & Business Compliance: Sierra Leone’s NRA began rolling out Smart GST machines to 10,000 GST-registered businesses, aiming to improve electronic transaction records, compliance, and reduce revenue leakages. Markets & Trade: Freetown’s Sewa Ground Market is fully occupied (100%) ahead of its Sept 1 opening, after a 50% rental price cut to help traders move off the streets. Gender & Agriculture: Sierra Leone’s MoGCA and MAFS signed an MoU to integrate gender equality and GBV safeguarding into food system resilience work, targeting barriers faced by women in agriculture and food production. Maritime Skills: IMO and Ghana’s maritime authority launched a regional training push to strengthen seafarer certification assessment standards across West Africa. Environment & Livelihoods: UNDP signed US$511,000 grants with 12 CSOs for biodiversity, climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods, running Sept 1, 2026–July 31, 2027.

Tax & Compliance: Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority has started rolling out new Smart Goods and Services Tax (GST) machines to 10,000 GST-registered businesses to improve electronic transaction recording, compliance, and reduce revenue leakages. Trade & Logistics: SolitAir expands its African freighter network by adding Port Harcourt (Nigeria) and Hargeisa (Somaliland), extending its middle-mile cargo reach across 20 destinations in 16 countries. Education Reform: Sierra Leone’s education reform debate turns to a hard question on educator welfare—how to demand quality while protecting teachers’ professional and socioeconomic wellbeing. Women & SMEs: UNDP begins verification of women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production value chain under the EWASME project, aiming to unlock finance and market access. Environment & Conservation: UNDP signs US$511,000 grant agreements with 12 CSOs for biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable livelihoods. Protected Areas: NPAA steps up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation, and encroachment. Media Safety: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) launches a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment and abuse. Business Infrastructure: Sewa Ground Market in Freetown is fully occupied ahead of its Sept 1 opening after a 50% rental price cut.

Tax Tech & Revenue: Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority has started rolling out new Smart GST machines to 10,000 GST-registered businesses, aiming to improve electronic recording, compliance, and reduce revenue leakages by pushing accurate GST receipts. Digital Education & Paperwork Reform: The University of Sierra Leone has dropped hard-bound dissertation submissions in favour of electronic-only submissions, cutting costs and waste while modernising academic administration. Local Manufacturing for Credentials: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is engaging the Government Printing Department to produce degree certificates locally, targeting faster issuance after graduation and stronger document security. Trade & Markets: Sewa Ground Market in Freetown is now 100% occupied ahead of its Sept 1 opening, after a 50% rental price cut to help traders move off the streets and reduce congestion. Women, SMEs & Food Systems: UNDP has begun verification of women-led SMEs in post-rice production under EWASME, while MoGCA and the Agriculture ministry signed an MoU to embed gender equality and GBV safeguards into food system resilience work. Protected Areas & Mining Enforcement: NPAA arrested 17 people over illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park, and also stepped up protection efforts at Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Energy & Infrastructure Safety: Residents reported an electricity pole fire along Krootown Road, renewing calls for regular inspection and maintenance of Freetown’s power network. Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment and abuse, with clear reporting and accountability standards.

Market & Trade: Sewa Ground Market in Freetown is now 100% occupied ahead of its September 1, 2026 opening, after rental prices were cut by 50% to pull traders into a more organised space and reduce street trading and congestion. Energy & Power Losses: Nigeria’s NERC says N1.36trn of electricity was lost and unpaid for in 2025, with billing and collection efficiency gaps across distribution companies. Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, with clear reporting and accountability standards. Protected Areas & Mining: NPAA and partners arrested 17 people for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park, while also stepping up protection for Tiwai Island wildlife amid poaching and encroachment threats. Agribusiness & Jobs: UNDP has started verifying women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production under the EWASME project, aiming to improve access to finance, markets and skills. Security & Infrastructure: Police recovered a pistol, ammunition and synthetic kush during a raid in Goderich, and residents report an electricity pole fire along Krootown Road, renewing calls for regular grid inspection. Local Industry & Logistics: Leone Rock Metal Group says new locomotives have arrived to boost reliability across its rail and port system feeding Sierra Leone’s iron ore exports.

Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, with clear standards for prevention, reporting and accountability after a 2025 survey showed women faced higher rates of verbal, online and physical abuse. Protected-Area Enforcement: NPAA stepped up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment, while a separate operation arrested 17 suspects for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Local Food Procurement: The RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice for military feeding, aiming to rotate reserves and channel money back to farmers. Youth & SME Support: UNDP began verification of women-led SMEs in post-rice production under the EWASME project, and MoPED with UNICEF discussed youth employment, local production of nutrition products and investment mobilisation. Infrastructure & Power Safety: Leone Rock Metal Group received new locomotives to boost iron ore logistics, and residents reported an EDSA electricity pole fire in Freetown, renewing calls for regular network inspection. Education & Credentials: University of Sierra Leone moved dissertations to electronic-only submissions, and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education plans local production of degree certificates to cut delays.

SME Support for Women in Sierra Leone: UNDP has started verifying women-led SMEs in post-rice production under the EWASME project, aiming to improve access to finance, markets and skills for processors, packagers and distributors. Media & Advertising Standards: SLACPRP met the Independent Media Commission to push for stronger ethical advertising rules, tackling misleading claims and improving responsible communication across traditional and digital media. Education Administration Reform: The University of Sierra Leone ended hard-bound dissertation submissions, moving to electronic-only to cut costs and waste. Faster Degree Certificates: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is engaging the Government Printing Department to produce degree certificates locally, reducing delays while strengthening security against forgery. Local Food Procurement for the Military: RSLAF bought over 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice to rotate reserves and boost farmers’ markets. Protected Areas Crackdown: NPAA, with police and the RSLAF, arrested 17 people for illegal mining and unlawful entry in Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Power & Safety Alert: Residents reported an EDSA electricity pole fire along Krootown Road, urging regular inspection of the distribution network. Mining Logistics Investment: Leone Rock Metal Group received new locomotives to improve efficiency and reliability across its rail and port system. Youth & Investment Partnerships: MoPED and UNICEF discussed collaboration on youth employment, local production (including nutrition products) and investment mobilisation. ECOWAS Investment Push: Sierra Leone’s foreign minister urged Saudi private-sector engagement ahead of the ECOWAS Investment Forum in November 2026. Community Development Planning: MoPED says pilot chiefdom development plans have been validated in Maforki, with a 10-year blueprint focused on agriculture, livelihoods, water, health and skills.

Women-Led SME Boost: UNDP has started verifying women-led small and medium-sized enterprises in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production value chain under the EWASME project, aiming to improve access to finance, markets and skills for hundreds of businesses. Responsible Advertising Push: SLACPRP met the Independent Media Commission to discuss advertising standards, ethical and misleading claims, and how to strengthen guidelines across traditional and digital media. Digital Education Reform: The University of Sierra Leone has dropped hard-bound dissertation submissions in favour of electronic-only submissions, cutting costs and waste. Faster Degree Certificates: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is engaging the Government Printing Department to produce degree certificates locally, targeting reduced delays and stronger security against forgery. Local Food for the Military: The RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice for soldiers, with the deal designed to rotate reserves and channel money back to farmers. Mining Crackdown: NPAA, with police and RSLAF support, arrested 17 people for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Industry Logistics Upgrade: Leone Rock Metal Group received new locomotives to improve efficiency and sustainability across its rail and port system linking Tonkolili to Pepel. Electricity Safety Concern: An EDSA electricity pole reportedly caught fire along Krootown Road in Freetown, prompting calls for regular inspection and maintenance of distribution infrastructure. Youth & Investment Planning: MoPED and UNICEF discussed collaboration on youth employment, local production (including nutrition products), early childhood development and investment mobilisation. Protected Areas Enforcement: The week also saw intensified efforts to curb environmental damage and protect Sierra Leone’s natural resources.

Education Digitisation: The University of Sierra Leone has dropped the requirement for hard-bound dissertation copies, moving to electronic-only submissions from Aug. 28 to cut costs and waste. Credentials & Security: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is engaging the Government Printing Department to produce degree certificates locally, aiming to reduce delays while strengthening anti-forgery safeguards. Teacher Welfare: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union says a government pledge to promote about 3,000 teachers is still unimplemented, citing ongoing welfare and working-condition concerns. Power Safety: Residents report an electricity pole fire along Krootown Road in Freetown on Aug. 28, with calls for regular inspection and maintenance of the distribution network. Mining Enforcement: Seventeen people were arrested for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities inside Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with charges expected after investigations. Local Food Procurement: The RSLAF has bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice under an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to rotate reserves and strengthen farmers’ markets. Youth & Jobs: MoPED and UNICEF discussed new collaboration areas including youth employment, local production of nutrition products, and investment mobilisation. Mining Logistics: Leone Rock Metal Group says new locomotives have arrived to boost efficiency and reliability across its rail and port system from Tonkolili to Pepel. Protected Areas & Environment: The NPAA operation highlights intensified enforcement to protect Sierra Leone’s natural resources.

Local Industry & Skills: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education says it will start producing university degree certificates locally with the Government Printing Department, aiming to cut months-long delays after graduation while adding stronger anti-forgery security. Education Workforce: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union says a government pledge to promote about 3,000 teachers is still unimplemented, keeping pressure on welfare and working conditions. Agribusiness & Food Security: The RSLAF has bought over 9,000 bags of locally produced rice under a deal with the Ministry of Agriculture, designed to rotate strategic reserves and give farmers a steady market. Youth & Investment: MoPED and UNICEF discussed new collaboration on youth employment, local production (including nutrition products), early childhood development, and investment mobilisation. Mining & Environment: Seventeen people were arrested for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities inside Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with charges expected after investigations. Energy & Safety: An EDSA electricity pole reportedly caught fire along Krootown Road in Freetown; residents say community youths extinguished it before firefighters arrived, renewing calls for regular network inspections. Transport & Trade Links: Leone Rock Metal Group says it has received new locomotives to boost efficiency and sustainability across its rail-to-port iron ore logistics. Foreign Investment Push: Sierra Leone’s new foreign affairs minister is urging Saudi private-sector investment ahead of the ECOWAS Investment Forum in November, focusing on energy, digital transformation, skills, and market access. Development Planning: MoPED outlined fresh investment and coordination plans, including 10 bankable projects and chiefdom-level development planning pilots validated in Maforki and Marampa.

Mining & Rail Logistics: Leone Rock Metal Group says it has received new locomotives to boost reliability and efficiency across its Tonkolili–Pepel railway and port operations, reinforcing its integrated iron ore export system. Local Planning & Agriculture: Maforki Chiefdom has validated a 10-year development plan under Sierra Leone’s chiefdom-level planning pilot, prioritising agriculture, livelihoods, education, healthcare, clean water, and youth and women’s economic opportunities. Investment & Development Pipeline: MoPED has unveiled fresh plans to attract investment and mobilise resources, including 10 “bankable” projects spanning the blue economy, tourism, fisheries, sea transport and agriculture, plus community planning pilots in Maforki and Marampa. Digital Resilience: Sierra Leone’s MoCTI has released draft Sector-Specific Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for Energy, Health, Education and Defence/Security, with support from the World Bank and KPMG. Roads & Trade Access: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD are urging urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, the Mathehun Bridge collapse, ferry disruptions and deteriorating bypass routes.

ECOWAS at 50: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa reignited debate in Abuja over who truly restored peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone, arguing ECOMOG’s African troops—not foreign powers—were decisive. Sierra Leone Infrastructure & Investment: Information Minister Chernor Bah says the U.S. role in the Lungi Bridge will be via private-sector investment, not direct government funding, as Sierra Leone negotiates better deals amid rising U.S. interest in critical minerals. Digital Resilience: MoCTI unveiled draft Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for Energy, Health, Education and Defence/Security under the National Digital Transformation Agenda, with World Bank support. Roads & Trade Access: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urged urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie corridor, citing stalled works, bridge collapse, ferry disruptions and rising transport costs. Energy Costs: NERC says Nigeria had Africa’s cheapest electricity tariff in 2025, while Sierra Leone’s tariff was among the higher rates in the comparison.