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.