AGP Executive Report

Sierra Leone Innovation & Skills: Kelvin Doe, a Sierra Leonean inventor and STEAM advocate, wins a US$50,000 fellowship from Toronto Metropolitan University to expand hands-on STEAM learning for youth in Regent Park, aiming to turn practical skills into real innovation pathways. Health & Supply Chains: A new low-cost decision-support system built with Sierra Leone’s government uses forecasting to better allocate medical products, with a reported 19% rise in consumption in pilot districts—an industry-ready lesson for logistics and procurement. Digital Safety: NaTCA steps up consumer education against online fraud, warning of fake links and account takeovers via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook and email, while urging the public to protect personal information. Maritime Law: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda is honoured in Nigeria for leadership in maritime jurisprudence, reinforcing the country’s role in regional shipping and dispute resolution. Aquaculture Spotlight: Agro Fish Farm SL Ltd gains international attention at the U.S.-Africa Commercial Partnership forum, pitching Sierra Leone’s aquaculture for food security, jobs and investment. Infrastructure for Sports: Construction advances on a 435-seater pavilion and electronic scoreboard at the SLFA Technical Centre in Kingtom, upgrading facilities for training and events. US Visa Operations: The U.S. will stop routine visa processing at 25 African posts, including Freetown, from August 1—shifting applicants to regional hubs and affecting travel planning for business and industry.

ECOWAS Summit in Freetown: Sierra Leone is hosting the ECOWAS Heads of State meeting as a major push for deeper West African integration and “South-South” solutions, with leaders framing the summit as a turning point for regional solidarity. Maritime Justice: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda received an international honour in Nigeria for contributions to maritime law, underlining the country’s growing role in regional shipping and legal cooperation. Health Infrastructure (Saudi Fund): Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia met the Saudi Fund for Development to advance the US$50m Riyadh Referral Hospital project, with most SFD projects nearing completion and borehole works progressing. Water Modernisation (Egypt partnership): The Ministry of Water Resources is exploring a partnership with Egyptian firm METIPRO to modernise water supply, including options like seawater desalination and work around the Rokel River Basin. Aquaculture Spotlight: Agro Fish Farm SL Ltd represented Sierra Leone at the U.S.-Africa Commercial Partnership forum, highlighting aquaculture’s role in food security, jobs, and rural development. Construction Update: Work continues on a 435-seater pavilion at the SLFA Technical Centre in Kingtom, alongside installation of an electronic scoreboard to upgrade football facilities. Digital Skills & AI Access: Kelvin Doe won a $50,000 fellowship to expand STEAM education in Toronto, while Idris Elba’s AI initiative will support nearly 100,000 African creators including in Sierra Leone. Mobile Money Integrity (Local Politics): APC presidential aspirant Sylvia Blyden pledged reforms to mobile money identity systems amid fraud concerns, aligning with wider moves to strengthen NIN-SIM and financial integrity. Industry Dispute (Import Allegations): Sonoco Sierra Leone faces allegations that duty-free iron rod imports were diverted into the commercial market instead of the declared project use. Creative Recognition: Sierra Leone’s fashion influencer Almon Sall and model Lachaevah Davies both secured international award/competition progress, while rapper Kao Denero earned a continental hip-hop nomination.

STEAM & Youth Innovation: Sierra Leonean inventor Kelvin Doe wins a $50,000 fellowship from Toronto Metropolitan University to expand hands-on STEAM learning for young people in Regent Park, building practical innovation skills from his own scrap-tech journey. Construction & Sports Infrastructure: Work continues on a 435-seater pavilion at the SLFA Technical Centre in Kingtom, with an electronic scoreboard upgrade aimed at modernising Sierra Leone’s football development hub. Maritime Law Recognition: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda is honoured in Nigeria for contributions to maritime jurisprudence, reflecting Sierra Leone’s growing judicial engagement with regional shipping disputes. Aquaculture Spotlight: Agro Fish Farm SL CEO Aminata Kandeh represents Sierra Leone at the U.S.-Africa Commercial Partnership forum, pushing aquaculture as a food security and jobs driver. Water Infrastructure Modernisation: Government explores a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water supply, including seawater desalination options for the Western Area. Regional Energy Deal Momentum: Sierra Leone’s role in ECOWAS-backed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline talks keeps the $25bn, multi-country energy corridor in focus for industrial growth. Digital Finance Security: APC presidential aspirant Sylvia Blyden pledges to reform mobile money identity systems to curb fraud and protect citizens’ savings.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: Sierra Leone signed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline agreement at the ECOWAS summit, backing a $25–$27bn, 6,900km corridor meant to move gas from West Africa toward Morocco and onward to Europe—another big push for regional power and industrial growth. Saudi Development Finance: Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia met the Saudi Fund for Development CEO in Riyadh to advance a US$50m Riyadh Referral Hospital project, with talks also covering health, energy, education and mining. Water Infrastructure Push: The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water systems, including seawater desalination options for the Western Area and work around the Rokel River Basin. Mobile Money Integrity: An APC presidential aspirant, Sylvia Blyden, says she will reform mobile money identity systems on day one, amid public concern over fraud and alongside ongoing NIN-SIM and banking integrity updates. Parliament & IP Rights: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified seven international treaties to strengthen intellectual property protection and improve access to knowledge, including for blind and partially sighted people. Port & Trade Scrutiny: Sonoco Sierra Leone faces allegations over duty-free iron rod imports allegedly diverted into the commercial market instead of the declared project use. Culture & Talent: Emmerson Amidu Bockarie (Emmerson) is set to perform at Kaya Fest in Toronto, spotlighting Sierra Leone’s music on a global stage.

ECOWAS & Energy Mega-Deal: Sierra Leone hosted and endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline at the ECOWAS summit, with the bloc backing the Nigeria–Morocco corridor aimed at boosting power and industry across West Africa and linking to Europe. Water Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Water Resources is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water supply, including possible desalination options for the Western Area and financing via public-private partnerships. Trade & Customs Integrity: Sonoco Sierra Leone faces allegations of diverting duty-free iron rod imports into the local market instead of the declared project use, raising questions for Sierra Leone’s construction materials supply chain. Digital Finance Security: APC presidential aspirant Dr. Sylvia Blyden pledged, on day one, to reform mobile money identity systems to curb fraud—aligning with Bank of Sierra Leone and NatCA push for NIN-SIM integration. IP & Culture Policy: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified seven international treaties to strengthen intellectual property protection and improve access for people with disabilities. Regional Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline agreement to expand seamless travel across Nigeria, West Africa and the Middle East, including Freetown links. Diplomatic & Youth Ties: China and Sierra Leone marked 55 years of diplomatic relations with a Friendship Run in Freetown featuring youth and business leaders.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Deal: ECOWAS has signed the legal framework for the $25bn, roughly 6,000km Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline in Sierra Leone, targeting 30 bcm/year (about 15 bcm for Morocco then onward to Europe) with construction expected to start in 2028—an energy move aimed at locking in cross-border rules on governance, taxation, regulation and investment. Water Infrastructure Push: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water supply, including seawater desalination options for the Western Area and work around the Rokel River Basin. Mobile Money Integrity: Political aspirant Sylvia Blyden says an APC government would reform Sierra Leone’s mobile money identity framework from day one to curb fraud and protect customers, aligning with wider NIN-linked financial integrity efforts. Trade & Compliance Watch: Sonoco Sierra Leone faces allegations of diverting duty-free iron rod imports into the local market instead of the declared project use—raising questions for customs and construction supply chains. Parliament & IP: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified seven international treaties to strengthen intellectual property protection and improve access to knowledge, including provisions for accessible formats for people with visual impairments.

Mobile Money Integrity: APC presidential aspirant Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden says she will reform the mobile money identity framework on her first day, aiming to curb fraud and restore trust in digital payments. Water Infrastructure Modernisation: Sierra Leone’s Water Resources Ministry is exploring a partnership with Egyptian engineering firm METIPRO to modernise water supply, including options like desalination and future work around the Rokel River Basin. Trade & Customs Scrutiny: Sonoco Sierra Leone faces allegations that duty-free iron rod imports meant for a development project were diverted into the local market, raising questions for construction supply chains and compliance. Regional Connectivity by Air: Air Peace and Etihad sign an interline agreement to sell single-ticket journeys across Nigeria, West Africa and the Middle East, boosting links to Freetown and other regional hubs. Parliament & IP Protection: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratifies seven international treaties to strengthen intellectual property protection and improve access to knowledge, including for blind and partially sighted people. ECOWAS Momentum for Industry: Sierra Leone’s hosting of the 69th ECOWAS Summit is framed as a boost for tourism and conference growth, supported by new logistics and conference infrastructure. International Enforcement Watch: A Spanish national arrested in Sri Lanka after arriving from Sierra Leone with cocaine valued at nearly Rs. 110 million highlights ongoing cross-border enforcement risks.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: Sierra Leone hosted ECOWAS endorsement of the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,900-kilometre, $25bn project aimed at moving 30bcm/year of gas across 13 coastal states—an energy push framed as regional integration and industrial growth. Air Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket travel between Abu Dhabi and 20+ Air Peace destinations, including Lagos, Accra, and Freetown, boosting West Africa–Middle East links. Trade & Customs Integrity: Sonoco Sierra Leone faces allegations of diverting duty-free imported iron rods into Sierra Leone’s commercial market instead of the declared project use, with documents pointing to shipment routes via Freetown. Parliament & IP: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified seven international treaties to strengthen intellectual property protection and improve access for creators and persons with disabilities. Fintech & Industry: A new analysis highlights how Sierra Leone’s fintech push is expanding digital payments and financial inclusion to support mining, agriculture, fisheries, and services. Skills for Jobs: UNESCO spotlights Sierra Leone-linked vocational training that turns agriculture and food processing skills into small businesses. Energy/EV Investment: ELEKTROS reports share gains and says lithium material extracted in Sierra Leone remains in preparation for possible future shipment. Security/Logistics: U.S. announced a shift to regional visa hubs that includes Freetown being moved to a centralized system.

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket travel between Abu Dhabi and 20+ Air Peace destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Lagos/Accra links and onward connections to cities like Freetown, Dakar, Banjul and Monrovia. Regional Energy & Industry: Sierra Leone’s ECOWAS summit push kept the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline momentum alive, with ECOWAS endorsement and fresh debate over the $25–$27bn project’s commercial case and financing. Trade & Consumer Watch: Sierra Leone’s NCPC and NPRA launched fuel pump checks in Bo after short-selling complaints, using calibrated jerrycans and reporting discrepancies. IP & Creative Economy: Parliament ratified seven international treaties to strengthen Sierra Leone’s intellectual property protection and improve access for people with disabilities. Tourism & Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s Tourism Ministry says hosting the 69th ECOWAS Summit—anchored by the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and ECOWAS Logistics Depot—signals a bigger role for conference and cultural tourism. Skills for Jobs: UNESCO highlighted a South Korea-backed vocational programme (BEAR) that trains youth in agriculture and food processing, with Sierra Leone beneficiaries turning skills into businesses. Fintech & Growth: A new analysis looks at how fintech is reshaping Sierra Leone’s financial resilience and inclusion, with focus shifting to interoperability and stronger regulation. Electricity Access: Sierra Leone’s regional electricity integration theme continues as Liberia commissions projects in Grand Bassa, including electrification tied to the CLSG power line. U.S. Hiring: The U.S. Embassy in Freetown opened a vacancy for a Residential Housing Coordinator, with applications due 29 July.

ECOWAS Energy Push: Sierra Leone’s hosting of the 69th ECOWAS Summit fed into major momentum for the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with ECOWAS endorsing the intergovernmental framework and positioning the project as a regional energy and industrialisation boost. Power & Industry Readiness: The government commissioned an AfDB-financed CLSG electricity substation in Buchanan, aiming to connect 20,500+ customers and install about 3,800 streetlights—an immediate win for businesses and services. Legal & IP for Creators: Parliament ratified seven international intellectual property treaties, including the Marrakech Treaty for accessible formats, strengthening rights and cross-border protections for creators. Consumer Protection in Fuel: NCPC and NPRA launched fuel pump checks in Bo after short-selling complaints, using calibrated jerrycans and reporting discrepancies found at stations. Skills for Jobs: UNESCO highlighted a South Korea-backed vocational push (BEAR) that trains youth for agriculture, food processing and services, with Sierra Leone beneficiaries building businesses. Aviation & Connectivity: SLCAA reported a surge in ECOWAS Summit travel handling 2,367 commercial passengers and 17 flights over three days. Local Business & Logistics: NASSIT inspected readiness at Sewa Grounds Market in Freetown, while City Council moves to relocate Tony’s BBQ from BelCan Bridge with next-week talks.

ECOWAS Summit Boost for Tourism: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism says hosting the 69th ECOWAS Summit in Lungi strengthened the country’s global image and opened fresh angles for conference and cultural tourism, pointing to the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot as key infrastructure for hospitality, transport and cultural sectors. African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders signed the intergovernmental agreement backing the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a $25bn, 6,900km project aimed at moving up to 30bcm of gas annually through 13 West African countries—an energy and industrialisation push with major security and implementation questions ahead. Fuel Pump Crackdown in Bo: Sierra Leone’s NCPC and NPRA launched fuel pump checks after complaints of short-selling, using calibrated jerrycans and planning wider coverage beyond Bo and Freetown. Aviation Activity During Summit: SLCAA reports 2,367 commercial passengers and 17 commercial flights plus 15 private jet movements during the ECOWAS Summit period, citing smooth and secure operations. Skills for Jobs: UNESCO highlights a South Korea-backed vocational programme (BEAR) helping young Africans start businesses, including cassava processing in Sierra Leone. Conservation Spotlight: Tacugama’s western chimpanzee work is highlighted as habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade remain major threats.

Mining & Investment: Next10, Inc. named Mark I. Farber and Raul Ramirez Morton to Torreon Mining Corporation’s board, as the company pushes Mexico’s Candela Gold and Cuatro Cienegas Copper projects. Digital Finance: A new analysis looks at how fintech is reshaping Sierra Leone’s financial resilience and inclusion, with focus shifting toward interoperability and stronger regulation. Energy & Regional Trade: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in Freetown, backing a 6,900km corridor to move up to 30bcm of gas annually from Nigeria through 13 countries to Morocco and onward to Europe. Fuel Integrity: NCPC and NPRA launched fuel pump checks in Bo after short-selling complaints, using calibrated jerrycans and reporting discrepancies. Skills & Jobs: UNESCO highlights a South Korea-backed vocational programme helping Sierra Leoneans and other youth turn training in agriculture and processing into businesses. Aviation & Connectivity: SLCAA says ECOWAS summit traffic brought 2,367 commercial passengers and 17 commercial flights plus 15 private jets, with smooth operations. Youth & TVET: ILO calls for sustained skills investment to tackle youth unemployment amid digital and green transitions. Conservation: Tacugama’s work to protect Sierra Leone’s western chimpanzees continues amid habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Business Infrastructure: NASSIT inspected readiness for Sewa Grounds Market in Freetown, with traders largely secured and snag issues being cleared. Tech & EV Supply Chain: ELEKTROS reported a 23.40% market gain and said Sierra Leone-extracted lithium material remains in preparation for possible future shipment.

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.