AGP Executive Report

Telecom Investment Boost: Sierra Leone’s communications sector has pulled in over $400m since 2021, with 14 of 16 districts now on the national fibre backbone and 90% network coverage growth, as 5G rollout pushes faster, wider connectivity. Border Biosecurity Upgrade: The Ministry of Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema, targeting faster detection of pests, contamination and illegal trade. Housing for Public Servants: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with So Afri Loge in Dakar to deliver affordable housing for civil and public servants, with land and tax incentives and a push to move quickly to the joint venture deal. Energy Access Momentum: Sierra Leone is part of wider West Africa electrification efforts tracked by AfDB’s Mission 300 dashboard, while regional power programmes expand grids and cross-border electricity trade. Infrastructure Oversight: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, underscoring its role in attracting regional and international investment. Climate Pressure on Agriculture: A new look at climate change shows how erratic rains and floods are already disrupting farming cycles and livelihoods across Sierra Leone. Trade Push: Nigeria-Sierra Leone Trade Fair plans are underway in Freetown (July 27–Aug 9, 2026) to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods and expand market access. Public Safety Projects: Sierra Leone Police are set to commission three projects, including a new forensic lab and upgrades to policing infrastructure to improve response and investigations.

Affordable Housing Deal: Sierra Leone signs an MoU with So Afri Loge in Dakar to build affordable homes for civil and public servants, with land and tax incentives and a push to move quickly to a joint venture agreement. Telecom Investment: The government says Sierra Leone has attracted over $400m in telecom investment since 2021, boosting fibre backbone coverage, network reach, and service quality, with 5G rollout in view. Agriculture Border Security: The Ministry of Agriculture receives motorbikes, diagnostic tools, computers and printers to strengthen surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema border posts. Energy & Power Access: Sierra Leone’s electricity progress is echoed by regional momentum as AfDB tracks Mission 300 electrification, including the CLSG interconnection project extending access to thousands of households. Mining & Industry Linkages: Sierra Leone joins SPIEF 2026 discussions on critical minerals and rare earths, stressing local content, value addition and industrialization. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police prepares to commission three projects, including a new divisional HQ at Masingbi and a modern forensic lab at TOCU. Trade Push: Business leaders are urged to join the maiden Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair in Freetown (July 27–Aug 9, 2026) to expand market access for Made-in-Nigeria goods. Ebola Update: WHO reports Ebola cases in the DRC revised down to 344, with travel-linked precautions and contact tracing underway.

Ebola Update: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak risk is low after confirmed cases in the epicentre were revised down to 344, with UAE and Uganda contact-tracing steps after a suspected traveller route. Infrastructure & Industry: President Bio inspected construction progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, underscoring a push to attract regional investment through flagship works. Mining & Value Addition: Sierra Leone joined SPIEF 2026 discussions on critical minerals and rare earths, with the Mines Minister urging stronger local content, value addition, and skills transfer. Energy Access: AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electricity expansion, including the CLSG interconnection project’s reported household gains. Agribusiness & Food Systems: MAFS highlighted the Feed Salone Agenda in China, including digital input distribution via an E-Voucher system and a Farmers Registry to improve targeting. Electric Mobility Pilot: A youth EV programme was flagged as promising but dependent on reliable power, technical capacity, governance, and road suitability. Security & Public Safety: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission three projects, including a new forensic lab at TOCU and upgrades to Masingbi Police Station. Women in Agriculture: First Lady Fatima Bio donated food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and boost value. Trade & Logistics: Sierra Leone’s participation in global critical minerals talks and regional electricity tracking both point to the same theme: building systems that help industry move faster and operate better.

Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Spanish authorities say a Dutch cocaine kingpin used a Sierra Leone hideout to mastermind a record 30-ton shipment seized off West Africa, worth about $954m, renewing scrutiny of Sierra Leone’s role in transnational narcotics. Electricity Access & Power Trade: AfDB’s Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) is now monitoring electrification projects in real time, including the CLSG interconnection, with millions already connected and more households expected. World Bank Power Programme: The World Bank reports over 4,000km of transmission lines built across 15 West African countries under the West Africa Power Pool, boosting cross-border trade and electricity access for millions, including Sierra Leone. Agriculture Digital Push: Sierra Leone’s MAFS highlights the Feed Salone Agenda at a China dialogue, including e-vouchers for inputs and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry with IVR/call support to improve delivery and transparency. Agri-Value for Women: First Lady Fatima Bio donates food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and add value. Water Regulation: SLEWRC sets approved sachet water prices nationwide and warns of enforcement for overcharging or reducing the 500ml standard. Judiciary Health Facility: Construction begins on Sierra Leone’s first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with modern care and facilities.

Trade & Industry: A Nigerian business leader is urging manufacturers and entrepreneurs to join the maiden Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair in Freetown (27 July–9 August 2026), aiming to boost “Made-in-Nigeria” sales and B2B matchmaking as bilateral trade is still modest but growing. Agriculture & Food Systems: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture says its Feed Salone Agenda is moving forward with digital input support via an E-Voucher system and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry, discussed at a high-level China forum. Agroecology Pilot: Green Scenery Sierra Leone has assessed 45 farmers in Pujehun for a vertical farming and agroecology pilot, with 25 expected to be selected after final verification. Public Safety & Justice Infrastructure: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission three major projects, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station and unveiling a first modern forensic lab at TOCU headquarters. Water Regulation: SLEWRC has set approved sachet water prices nationwide and warned operators against selling above the rates or reducing the 500ml standard. Energy & Power (Regional): The World Bank reports West Africa’s power integration is expanding access to over three million people and strengthening cross-border electricity trade. Women in Agriculture: Sierra Leone’s First Lady has donated food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and add value. Health Infrastructure: A rehabilitated maternity ward in Moyamba has been commissioned, and two major hospitals in Pujehun’s Zimmi and Kpakedu are nearing completion. Digital Ecosystems: Sierra Leone’s ICT minister argues Africa must shift from isolated digital public infrastructure to interoperable regional ecosystems to compete globally. Mining & Diamonds: De Beers launches Gemfair in Sierra Leone to support artisanal miners with equipment, training, and more transparent pricing. Cocoa Exports: Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa is recognized by the EU as the country’s position as a top supplier grows. Finance & Infrastructure: First Bank Group met President Bio to discuss blended financing for roads, electricity, water, bridges, and industrial infrastructure. Sachet Water & Compliance: Regulators also urged the public to report breaches by producers and distributors.

Electricity & Industry: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration drive has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Agribusiness & Women: Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, donated food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors nationwide to reduce post-harvest losses and boost value addition. Cocoa Trade: Sierra Leone’s cocoa industry earned major EU recognition, with the EU ambassador saying the country is now the third-largest organic cocoa supplier to the EU. Water Regulation: SLEWRC set approved sachet water prices nationwide (NLe 9 factory; NLe 10 wholesale) and warned of enforcement for overpricing or reducing the 500ml standard. Health Infrastructure: Moyamba Government Hospital commissioned a rehabilitated maternity ward, while Pujehun District is set to complete two 100-bed hospitals in Zimmi and Kpakedu. Judiciary Services: Construction has started on Sierra Leone’s first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with dedicated care facilities. Mining & Jobs: GoldStone says its Sierra Leone partner MinCorp has installed and commissioned a wash plant and is moving toward small-scale gold production. Peace & Creative Industry: Musicians led by Empress P met ICPNC to support peace messaging ahead of Peace Day celebrations.

Electricity & Regional Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme is boosting supply and cross-border power trading, with 4,000+ km of transmission lines built across 15 countries and 3 million+ people gaining access since 2019. Health Infrastructure: Moyamba’s rehabilitated maternity ward has been commissioned, a boost for maternal and newborn care. Women in Agriculture: Sierra Leone’s First Lady donated food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and add value. Water Regulation: SLEWRC set approved sachet water prices nationwide (factory NLe 9.00; wholesale NLe 10.00 per bundle) and warned against underfilling or quality cuts. Judiciary Services: Construction has started on Sierra Leone’s first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with proper healthcare facilities. Agribusiness Exports: Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa is recognised by the EU, with the country named as the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa. Security & Governance: Sierra Leone’s domestic revenue hit NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but mining and fisheries recorded zero returns—while the LDEA reports major drug enforcement activity in Liberia. ICT & Community Development: Orange Foundation and the ICT ministry launched the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City, starting facilities for education, healthcare, and digital growth.

Cocoa Trade Boost: Sierra Leone’s cocoa is now the EU’s third-largest source of organic cocoa, with the EU ambassador pointing to growing demand and urging more European investment to scale jobs and production. Water Pricing Watch: The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission set approved sachet water prices nationwide (NLe 9 factory, NLe 10 wholesale per bundle) and warned of enforcement for overcharging or reducing the 500ml standard. Judiciary Health Upgrade: Construction has started on the first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges, magistrates and court staff with treatment rooms, reliable power and water, and dedicated nursing. Infrastructure Finance Push: President Bio met First Bank Group to discuss blended financing for roads, electricity, water supply, bridges and industrial infrastructure. Agriculture Risk Protection: MAFS and partners held a workshop on expanding agricultural insurance and finance options to protect farmers from production risks. Security and Compliance: Sierra Leone’s EPA-SL cracked down on illegal riverbed mining along the Rokel River during dam maintenance. Drug Enforcement (Liberia): Liberia’s LDEA reported 233 arrests and 422kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, alongside a sharp drop in seizures.

Infrastructure Finance: President Bio met First Bank Group to discuss blended financing for Sierra Leone’s roads, electricity, water, bridges and industrial infrastructure. Healthcare Build-Out: Government is nearing completion of two 100-bed hospitals in Zimmi and Kpakedu, Pujehun, to expand access and reduce pressure on the district main hospital. Agribusiness Risk Management: MAFS and partners held an agricultural insurance workshop in Freetown to shape policies that help farmers manage production risks and unlock better agricultural finance. Mining Development: GoldStone says its Sierra Leone partner MinCorp has made progress on small-scale gold licences, including installing and commissioning a wash plant and moving toward production. Community Services & Digital Growth: Orange Foundation and the ICT ministry launched the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City, Bo, starting construction of a school and hospital to boost education, healthcare and local digital momentum. Community Policing: Sierra Leone Police urged stronger community collaboration in Karene, pushing residents to share timely information to improve safety and public trust. Regional Industry Context: Coverage also highlights wider West Africa infrastructure and energy financing trends, including electricity access tracking and rural connectivity support across the region.

Orange Foundation & ICT: Orange Village Project begins construction in Felei-Tech City (Tikonko Village, Bo), with a school and hospital planned to boost education, healthcare and local digital growth. Agricultural Insurance: MAFS and UNCDF, with EU support, run a workshop to expand agricultural insurance policy and financing so farmers can better manage production risks under the Feed Salone agenda. Mining Update: GoldStone says its Sierra Leone partner MinCorp has installed and commissioned a wash plant and identified visible coarse gold, with small-scale mining and processing set to start after ongoing commissioning. Community Policing: Sierra Leone Police push stronger community partnership in Karene, urging residents to share timely information to improve safety and trust. Energy Access (Regional): World Bank results highlight electricity gains across West Africa, including Sierra Leone, as transmission and distribution upgrades extend power to millions. Maritime Security (Regional): Nigeria’s Tinubu commissions three naval vessels and flags off a Gulf of Guinea maritime task force—an important signal for regional trade protection and anti-crime pressure.

Maritime Security Boost: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu inaugurated three new naval vessels (NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, NNS Gurara) and a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, pledging sustained investment to curb piracy, crude oil theft, and illegal fishing—moves he links to stronger oil output and investor confidence. Agriculture Risk Protection: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with UNCDF and partners, held a workshop to expand agricultural insurance policy and financing options under the Feed Salone agenda, aiming to protect farmers from production-related risks. Community Policing Push: Sierra Leone Police urged tighter community partnership in Karene, calling for faster information sharing to improve safety and trust. Mining Court Update: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s Kono environmental and property case to proceed in the High Court. Energy Access Progress: The World Bank highlighted West Africa power integration results, noting electricity access gains for millions across the region, including Sierra Leone. Connectivity for Farmers: World Bank funding approved for Ghana’s rural roads and market access project underscores the wider push to cut transport costs and reduce post-harvest losses.

Ebola Watch: The WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has already hit 500+ cases and 130 deaths since it was declared a public health emergency of international concern on 17 May, raising fears of a longer, harder containment fight. Maritime & Energy Security: France seized a Russia-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic in a high-profile move aimed at cutting Kremlin-linked “shadow fleet” financing. Power & Industry Readiness: The AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker to show real-time electricity access gains across Africa, with 5.2 million people connected through active projects and 74 energy access projects live. West Africa Grid Integration: A World Bank programme says electricity access has expanded to 3+ million people in West Africa, supported by 4,000+ km of transmission lines and cross-border power trade. Agribusiness & Roads: The World Bank approved US$500m for Ghana’s rural roads and market access to cut transport costs and post-harvest losses, supporting feeder road rehabilitation for 1,000+ km. Sierra Leone Mining Court Update: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s case to proceed in Kono. Green Investment Dialogue: Sierra Leone parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue on community green energy zones and distribution corridors, pushing for bankable climate finance that delivers local jobs and renewable power. Resettlement Oversight: MoPED inspected communities affected by Sierra Rutile expansion in Sembehun, reviewing resettlement action plans, compensation, and grievance systems. Health Infrastructure: Save the Children handed over rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun, adding solar power, clean water, and better sanitation to strengthen rural care. Media Workplace Safety: A Sierra Leone-focused study reports women in the media face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online harassment most common.

Energy & Industry Pipeline: Africa Energy Forum 2026 (16–19 June, Cape Town) spotlights capital for transmission, mining corridors, baseload power and renewables—signals for industrial-scale growth across the region. Transport & Agribusiness Finance: Sierra Leone’s wider Mano River push gets a boost as AfDB-backed corridor and SAPZ linkage talks continue, while the World Bank’s US$500m Ghana rural roads plan shows how feeder-road upgrades can cut transport costs and protect farm incomes. Power Access (Mission 300): World Bank results say West Africa’s regional power programme has extended electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission links across 15 countries, including Sierra Leone. Mining & Communities: Court of Appeal dismisses Octea Mining’s appeal in Kono, clearing the way for MAPO’s action to proceed—another step in the fight over mining impacts. Credit & Finance Reform: Parliament passes amendments to strengthen Sierra Leone’s financial system via the Credit Reference Act 2025, aiming to modernize credit reporting and expand access for farmers, youth and miners. Green Investment & Climate Jobs: Parliamentarians hold a National Green Investment Dialogue on community green energy zones and distribution corridors, pushing climate finance to become bankable and job-creating. Social Sector Delivery: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launch Orange Village in Bo to bring education, healthcare and tech; Save the Children hands over rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun. Workplace Safety: A WAN-IFRA/BBC Media Action study reports women in Sierra Leone’s media face about twice the harassment rate of men, with online abuse most common. Governance & Enforcement: APC whip Abdul Kargbo criticises Chief Minister Sengeh’s remarks on the drug epidemic, arguing enforcement and governance failures are being downplayed.

Energy & Industry Growth: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, building 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries—aimed at boosting cross-border trade and powering households, businesses and industries. Mining & Accountability: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal has dismissed Octea Mining Limited’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s case to proceed in Kono, after residents alleged environmental and social harm. Resettlement Compliance: MoPED inspected communities affected by Sierra Rutile’s expansion in Sembehun, reviewing relocation sites, compensation, grievance systems and the Resettlement Action Plan under the 2023 law. Financial Sector Reform: Parliament passed amendments via the Credit Reference Act 2025 to strengthen Sierra Leone’s credit system, enabling licensed credit bureaus to assess creditworthiness and expand access for farmers, youths and miners. Construction & Procurement: WFP is calling for local contractors for design-and-build construction services and for suppliers of cereal processing equipment, with deadlines in June. Climate Finance & Jobs: Parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue on community green energy zones and distribution corridors, pushing for bankable projects and tighter monitoring of climate funds. Media Workplace Safety: A WAN-IFRA/BBC Media Action study reports women in Sierra Leone’s media face higher sexual harassment rates, with online and verbal abuse most common.

Parliament & Finance: Sierra Leone lawmakers passed the Credit Reference Act 2025, replacing the 2011 law to set rules for credit bureaus and improve access to credit for farmers, youths and miners. Construction & Safety: Health Alert Sierra Leone accuses the Lands, Housing and Country Planning Ministry of weak oversight and unqualified contractors behind frequent building collapses in Freetown. Energy & Industry Regulation: NPRA keeps Sierra Leone’s moratorium on fuel station construction in force, warning no permits will be issued during compliance checks. Telecoms & Digital Growth: Orange Sierra Leone took part in NATCA’s Consumer Parliament, pushing better service quality and digital inclusion, while Sierratel presented a SIM card to the Vice President to support connectivity. Health Services: Save the Children handed over rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun, upgrading water, sanitation and solar power. Green Investment: Environment officials told Parliament that climate finance can turn vulnerability into jobs and green growth. Regional/Trade Watch: World Bank approved US$500m for Ghana’s rural feeder roads to boost market access—relevant for West Africa’s agriculture value chains. Maritime & Shipping Risks: Drones attacked Russia-linked “shadow fleet” tankers near Türkiye; two Sierra Leone-flagged vessels were hit during ship-to-ship transfers.

Ebola Watch: The eastern DRC Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with WHO calling it a global health emergency as experts warn that U.S. cuts and the dissolution of USAID/CDC capacity are undermining response and surveillance, while the U.S. moves exposed citizens to quarantine sites abroad. Roads & Agri Value Chains: The World Bank approved a US$500m package for Ghana’s GMACP to rehabilitate and maintain 1,000+ km of rural feeder roads, aiming to cut transport costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost market access for 550,000+ people. Sierra Leone Finance Law: Parliament passed amendments to strengthen Sierra Leone’s financial system through the Credit Reference Act 2025, setting rules for credit bureaus to improve credit access for farmers, youths and miners. Construction Procurement (WFP): WFP Sierra Leone opened Expressions of Interest for design-and-build construction services and for cereal processing equipment supply, delivery, installation and after-sales support. Energy/Shipping Security: Drone attacks in the Black Sea hit Russia-linked “shadow fleet” tankers, including Sierra Leone-flagged vessels, raising risks for maritime trade and sanctions-busting routes. Telecom & Digital: Sierratel presented a SIM card to VP Juldeh Jalloh as part of Sierra Leone’s connectivity push, while Orange Sierra Leone highlighted consumer-focused dialogue at NATCA’s Consumer Parliament. Fuel Station Safety: NPRA reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction, warning of sanctions until compliance assessments are completed.