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.