Maritime Modernisation: Sierra Leone’s Maritime Administration says Parliament has passed the revised Merchant Shipping Act, a step aimed at making the sector more secure, efficient and investment-ready. Housing & PPPs: Government signed an MoU for affordable housing units and university student hostels, signalling a stronger public-private partnership push to ease accommodation pressure. Trade & Industrialisation: ECOWAS ministers in Accra urged deeper regional integration on minerals and industrialisation, warning that bilateral deals outside the customs framework could fracture the bloc and slow value-chain growth. Investment Climate: The National Investment Board called for stronger support for SMEs, highlighting reforms like the One Stop Shop and plans for online business registration to turn investor interest into deals. Macroeconomic Watch: An IMF update notes Sierra Leone’s progress under the ECF, but warns revenue weakness and rising spending pressures are making consolidation harder. Energy Politics: Information Minister says SLPP could win big in 2028 if energy becomes the campaign focus, pointing to major power initiatives. Local Infrastructure: Freetown residents on the Hill Side Bye-Pass complain blocked drainage is worsening flooding and disrupting daily movement. Security & Shipping Risks: Sierra Leone steps up counter-narcotics and intelligence cooperation tied to the hunt for “Bolle Jos,” amid pressure over record cocaine seizures linked to shipping routes.