AGP Executive Report

Port & Logistics Pressure: Sierra Leone Labour Congress says congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay is an economic emergency and is pushing for faster completion of Kent Harbour/Gento Port to cut delays for importers and traders. Fuel & Power Costs: Government increased petrol and diesel pump prices nationwide, while BEL warned of possible load shedding tonight due to high demand and limited supply—both risks for transport and business operating costs. Agribusiness Value Chain: Jolaks Manufacturing secured $20m financing to expand palm oil refining, aiming to strengthen demand for smallholder crude palm oil. Food Security in Schools: WFP and Government launched the 2026/27 home-grown school feeding programme with 1 million kg of locally sourced rice for over 250,000 pupils. Land & Construction Governance: Lands Ministry unveiled land reform steps—digital records, stronger development controls, decentralized planning, and formal title registration—to reduce disputes and improve safety. Water Regulation: NWRMA stepped up enforcement against unregistered raw water abstraction, targeting mining, farms, hotels and other users. Digital Rights & Skills: WoME-SL raised cyberstalking law concerns with the Human Rights Commission, while Sierra Leone’s youth employment strategy and KOAFEC talks highlighted digital skills and transformation. Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone will host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (17–18 Nov) to convert deals across energy, minerals, agribusiness and digital connectivity.

West Africa Investment Push: Sierra Leone will host the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) on 17–18 November 2026 in Lungi, aiming to turn regional opportunities into deals across energy, green industrialisation, strategic minerals, agribusiness, and digital connectivity. Food & Jobs for Farmers: The 2026/27 Home-Grown School Feeding Programme kicks off with WFP buying 1 million kg of local rice (about US$1m), feeding 250,000+ pupils in five districts and boosting farm incomes. Fuel Cost Shock: Government sets new pump prices from 8 September—petrol at NLe40/litre and diesel at NLe45/litre—citing global oil price pressures and using subsidies to cushion consumers. Water Compliance Crackdown: NWRMA steps up enforcement against unregistered raw water abstraction, visiting mining, farms, hotels and other users to tighten permits and protect surface and groundwater. Press Freedom: SLAJ urges a dedicated constitutional chapter for freedom of expression and press independence, arguing current provisions are too weak. Women in Security Logistics: RSLAF commissions 70 women as certified military drivers to expand women’s participation in peacekeeping operations.

Fuel Prices & Transport: Sierra Leone’s Government announced new nationwide pump prices from Tuesday, Sept 8: petrol at NLe40.00/litre and diesel at NLe45.00/litre, with the state absorbing part of the cost via subsidies amid global oil-market pressure and recent supply disruptions. Water Regulation: NWRMA says it is stepping up compliance visits to curb unregistered and unregulated raw-water abstraction, targeting mining, agriculture, hotels and other users to protect surface and groundwater. Agriculture & Jobs: President Bio visited his farm in Mafintha with Finance Minister Karefa Kargbo, highlighting livestock progress as political observers watch the repeated public pairing. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: UAE trade minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi met Sierra Leone’s trade and industry minister to push cooperation in agribusiness, mining and private-sector development during the AIM Investment Summit. Climate & Circular Economy in Freetown: Freetown City Council is installing biodigesters to turn waste into biogas for cooking and power, including market cold-room support. Women in Security Mobility: RSLAF commissioned 70 women as certified military drivers after a 15-week all-female training programme to boost peacekeeping readiness. Press Freedom: SLAJ is urging a dedicated constitutional chapter for stronger press freedom and free speech protections. Ebola Watch (Regional Health): WHO and partners warn DRC’s Ebola outbreak needs scaled-up response as it expands fast.

Maritime Security & Trade: Albania barred the oil tanker Hanuman from Durres after Ukraine’s intelligence linked it to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” with the vessel reportedly flying Sierra Leone’s flag and moving large volumes of fuel since 2025. Port & Logistics Governance: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister warned police at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during the port decongestion push, stressing discipline and zero cash-for-exit. Water & Urban Services: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary shutdown of Freetown’s main supply for urgent pipeline repairs, with restoration expected the same evening. Agribusiness Finance: Sierra Leone is seeking a US$100m commitment from EBID for a US$500m West Africa Rice Investment Facility, building on Feed Salone investments in irrigation, processing clusters, roads and markets. Land, Carbon & Community Rights: A new report flags land access and benefit-sharing concerns around Sierra Leone’s forestry carbon project in Tonkolili and Port Loko, questioning “degraded lands” claims and community awareness of carbon credit generation. Climate-Tech for Cities: Freetown City Council is scaling biodigesters that convert market and organic waste into biogas for generators and cold rooms, cutting fuel costs while improving sanitation. Women in Industry & Peacekeeping Mobility: RSLAF commissioned 70 women as certified military drivers after a 15-week all-female training programme supported by UN Women and the Elsie Initiative Fund. Press Freedom: SLAJ is urging a dedicated constitutional chapter to strengthen freedom of expression and protect media independence.

Press Freedom Push: The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) is urging a dedicated chapter in the new Constitution to strengthen freedom of expression and protect media independence from interference. Urban Climate & Waste-to-Energy: Freetown City Council is scaling biodigesters across communities, turning organic waste into biogas for generators and cold rooms—aiming to cut fuel costs and improve sanitation. Water Supply Disruption: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary shutdown of Freetown’s main supply for urgent pipeline repairs, with restoration targeted the same evening. Port Decongestion Crackdown: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers, stressing discipline and zero cash-for-exit practices. Agribusiness Finance for Rice: Sierra Leone is seeking a US$100m commitment from EBID for a wider US$500m West Africa Rice Investment Facility, building on Feed Salone irrigation, processing and market infrastructure. Land & Carbon Rights Concern: A rights-focused report flags community land access and benefit-sharing risks tied to a Tonkolili–Port Loko forestry carbon project, questioning how “degraded lands” are defined and how locals are informed. Education Infrastructure: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex and plans an ICT training and innovation hub to boost research and digital skills. Women in Peacekeeping Mobility: The RSLAF commissioned 70 women as certified military drivers after an all-female training programme supported by UN Women and the Elsie Initiative Fund.

Water & Sanitation Upgrade: Freetown is scaling climate-smart waste solutions with biodigesters in Congo Town and Hagan Street Market, turning organic waste into biogas to cut fuel costs and power cold storage for traders. Port & Logistics Integrity: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh warns police at Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during the port decongestion push, stressing “no cash” for services. Local Governance Drive: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh continues the regional decentralisation consultations this weekend in Makeni and Port Loko, focusing on how policies translate into services at community level. Agribusiness Finance: Sierra Leone seeks a US$100m commitment from EBID for a US$500m West Africa Rice Investment Facility to boost irrigation, inputs, processing and value chains. Land & Carbon Scrutiny: A new rights-focused report flags land access and benefit-sharing concerns in Tonkolili and Port Loko tied to a forestry carbon project generating Verra carbon credits. Education & Skills for Industry: Eastern Technical University begins construction of a new postgraduate complex in Panderu Town, plus plans for an ICT training and innovation hub. Food Security & Biosecurity: Government orders precautionary livestock bans after FMD risk alerts, including restrictions on imports from multiple countries. Regional Business Support: AXIAN and AfDB launch a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led enterprises across Africa, using mobile platforms for lending and training. Power & Reliability: Guma Valley announces temporary water shutdowns in parts of Freetown for urgent pipeline repairs.

Water & Infrastructure: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary shutdown of Freetown’s main supply to fix an urgent 28-inch transmission pipeline at Pogodon, Hamilton, with restoration targeted by 7:00pm. Port Governance: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against soliciting bribes from truck drivers during the port decongestion drive, stressing “no cash” for services. Agribusiness & Finance: Sierra Leone is pushing to secure a US$100m commitment from EBID for a US$500m West Africa Rice Investment Facility, building on Feed Salone investments in irrigation, processing clusters, roads and markets. Land & Carbon Markets: A new report flags land-rights and benefit-sharing concerns around Sierra Leone’s Tonkolili and Port Loko forestry carbon project, questioning community awareness and “degraded lands” classifications. Education & Skills: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex at its Panderu Town campus, plus plans for an ICT training facility and innovation hub. Animal Health Policy: The Philippines moved to ban FMD-susceptible animal imports from 23 countries including Sierra Leone, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks.

Water & Port Operations: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary shutdown of Freetown’s main supply to repair a key transmission pipeline, with restoration targeted by 7:00pm, while the Chief Minister warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during the port decongestion push. Higher Education & Skills: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex in Panderu Town to expand postgraduate teaching and research, alongside plans for an ICT training facility and innovation hub. Agribusiness Finance: Sierra Leone is seeking a US$100m commitment from the AfDB/EBID for a West Africa Rice Investment Facility, aiming to scale irrigation, processing clusters, inputs and value-chain finance. Land & Carbon Governance: A rights-focused report flags community land access and benefit-sharing concerns in Tonkolili and Port Loko tied to a forestry carbon project generating Verra carbon credits. Trade & Biosecurity: The Philippines banned FMD-susceptible animal imports and related products from multiple countries including Sierra Leone, citing WOAH lab-confirmed outbreaks. Regional Business Support: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme to expand access for 34,000 women-led enterprises across five African countries.

Water & Utilities: Guma Valley Water Company announced a temporary shutdown of Freetown’s main supply to repair a key 28-inch transmission pipeline at Pogodon, Hamilton, with restoration targeted by 7:00 PM. Port & Trade Discipline: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay to stop allegedly demanding bribes from truck drivers during the port decongestion drive, stressing accountability for all agencies. Agribusiness & Food Security: Sierra Leone is pushing to secure a US$100M commitment from EBID for a US$500M West Africa Rice Investment Facility, building on Feed Salone investments in irrigation, processing clusters, roads and markets. Land, Forestry & Carbon Risks: A new rights-focused report flags land access and benefit-sharing concerns in Tonkolili and Port Loko tied to a commercial reforestation-for-carbon project. Education & Skills: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex at its Panderu Town campus, plus plans for an ICT training facility and innovation hub. Governance & Decentralisation: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh begins the second leg of regional consultations on decentralisation this weekend in Makeni and Port Loko. Health & Biosecurity: Sierra Leone’s livestock sector is in the spotlight as the Philippines moves to ban FMD-susceptible animal imports from multiple countries including Sierra Leone.

Education & Innovation: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex at its Panderu Town campus, with plans for a School of Postgraduate Studies plus an ICT Training Facility and Innovation Hub to boost research and digital skills. Agribusiness & Investment: Sierra Leone is pushing for a US$100m commitment from EBID under a proposed US$500m West Africa Rice Investment Facility, building on Feed Salone irrigation, land development, processing clusters, roads and market infrastructure. Land, Carbon & Community Rights: A new report flags land access and benefit-sharing concerns around a Tonkolili–Port Loko forestry carbon project, questioning “degraded lands” claims and how communities understand carbon credit generation. Port & Trade Facilitation: Chief Minister Sengeh warns police at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during cargo decongestion efforts. Food Security & Biosecurity: Sierra Leone is among countries affected by the Philippines’ temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and products from 23 countries. Regional Governance: VP Juldeh Jalloh’s decentralisation consultations move to Makeni and Port Loko, focusing on how national policies translate into local development. Finance for Women-Led SMEs: AfDB and AXIAN launch a digital finance programme targeting 34,000 women-led enterprises across five countries, combining lending with training and inclusion. Water & Infrastructure: Guma Valley Water Company reports a temporary supply disruption in parts of Freetown due to damage to a main pipe from ongoing construction. Mining & Local Value Addition: Sierra Leone calls at Africa Oil Week for stronger local mineral processing and regional value chains to keep jobs and value in-country.

Port & Logistics Crackdown: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh warned police at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers, saying the port decongestion push will only work with discipline and zero cash-for-exit. Livestock & Trade Controls: The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and related products from 23 countries, including Sierra Leone, citing laboratory-confirmed outbreaks reported to WOAH. Local Governance Drive: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh will hold decentralisation consultations this weekend in Makeni and Port Loko, bringing together traditional leaders, district reps and local councils to improve how national policies translate into community delivery. Housing, Agriculture & Jobs Funding: Government approved about US$73.8m in development financing for affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security and job creation, including a BADEA loan for Shelter Afrique and an AfDB fund for a Sierra Leone rice agro-processing zone. Women-Led SMEs Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme to support 34,000 women-led enterprises across five African countries, using platforms that combine lending with training and business support. Mining Value Addition Push: Sierra Leone urged Africa Oil Week delegates to shift from exporting raw minerals to local processing and regional value chains that create jobs and keep more value at home.

Regional Integration & Governance: Senegal’s Lt Gen Birame Diop has been installed as President of the ECOWAS Commission, succeeding Omar Alieu Touray, with priorities including connectivity and the Eco single-currency push. Digital & Data Policy: A Sierra Leone Telegraph piece argues Africa’s economic future hinges on data sovereignty—unlocking tax and administrative data that sits in silos to improve policy and services. Agribusiness & Food Security: Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister John Dumelo urged West Africa to coordinate across the rice value chain to cut the region’s heavy import bill and create jobs. Mining & Local Value Addition: At Africa Oil Week 2026, Sierra Leone called for a shift toward local mineral processing and downstream industries instead of exporting raw resources. Health & Emergency Response: WHO says DRC’s Ebola response must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000, warning that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked and broken. Housing & Jobs Finance: Sierra Leone approved about US$73.8m in development financing for affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and farmer incomes. Trade & Transport: SolitAir expands its African cargo network with Port Harcourt and Hargeisa routes, strengthening Gulf-to-West Africa freight links. Animal Health Controls: Philippines bans FMD-susceptible animal imports from at least 23 countries including Sierra Leone, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks.

Housing & Agro-Industry Finance: Sierra Leone’s Cabinet has approved about US$73.8m in development financing to boost affordable housing, climate-resilient rice production, food security, jobs and higher farm incomes, including a US$10m BADEA loan for Shelter Afrique shares and US$23.8m for the Rice Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone. Rice Value Chains: A separate update says Sierra Leone is part of a $5m Rice Investment Facility launch at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, with government already spending about $100m on rice zones and agro-processing clusters. Mining & Justice: A High Court in Sierra Leone has remanded businessman Ibrahim Kamara over alleged cannabis possession linked to a Kono mining-company incident, with the case adjourned for further proceedings. Regional Power Integration: The World Bank reports West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links with 4,000km of transmission lines across 15 countries, improving access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Maritime Trade Risk: Shipping in the Black Sea is using improvised ship defenses as drone attacks intensify, with a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker cited among vessels transiting the region. Creative Economy Skills: Foto4Change Visual Storytelling for the Deaf is expanding into Sierra Leone, using cameras and training to open pathways into the creative economy. Transport Safety Call: Residents in Karene’s Kabba area are renewing calls to replace the ageing ferry crossing with a permanent bridge after repeated accidents.

Cabinet Reshuffle: President Julius Maada Bio swore in five new officials, including Karefa A. Kargbo as Finance Minister, as government pushes revenue mobilisation and tighter spending. Agribusiness & Investment: Sierra Leone joined a $5m Rice Investment Facility launch at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, with plans for rice zones, agro-processing clusters, and more private-sector participation. Regional Power: West Africa deepened electricity integration with 4,000km of transmission lines across 15 countries, improving cross-border power trade and expanding access in Sierra Leone and neighbours. Shipping & Security: A Sierra Leone-flagged crude oil tanker was reported among vessels using improvised anti-drone measures as Black Sea attacks intensify, underlining risks for maritime trade. Transport Safety: Residents in Karene District renewed calls for a permanent bridge after decades of accidents and disruptions linked to the Kabba ferry crossing. Health: WHO urged scaling up Ebola response in DRC as deaths pass 3,000, warning that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked. Education & Skills: MTHE bid farewell to 11 students heading to NIST University in India, while Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wrapped its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026 training in coding and 3D design. Justice & Industry: A Kono businessman, linked to a mining company, was remanded over alleged cannabis possession, with the case adjourned to mid-October.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,000 deaths and warns the response must be scaled up, stressing that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked and unsafe burials are fuelling spread. Education & Skills: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education bids farewell to 11 students selected for studies in India under a new bilateral arrangement with NIST University. Agribusiness & Investment: Sierra Leone joins West Africa’s $5m rice investment push at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, with government plans for rice zones, agro-processing clusters, and improved farm-to-market links. Transport & Trade: Stats SL reports transport costs eased in July 2026, with transport inflation down to 37.04% year-on-year, even as transport remains a major driver of overall inflation. Infrastructure & Safety: Residents in Karene District renew calls for a bridge after decades of accidents and disruptions linked to the Kabba ferry crossing. Regional Power: The World Bank says West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links with 4,000km of lines across 15 countries, improving access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Maritime Risk: Shipping in the Black Sea is adopting improvised anti-drone measures as attacks intensify, with a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker cited among vessels transiting the Bosphorus. Creative Economy: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wraps its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026, training youth in coding, web development and 3D design.

Maritime Security & Trade: Reuters reports Sierra Leone-flagged tankers are using makeshift anti-drone gear as Black Sea attacks intensify, highlighting fresh risks for shipping and regional oil/grain flows. Rail & Heavy Equipment Deals: BEML shares rose after securing an additional ~₹180.6 crore order for Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, while the firm also points to earlier African orders including pilot deployment in Sierra Leone—good news for industrial procurement and local logistics. Regional Power Integration: The World Bank says West Africa has added over 4,000km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, improving cross-border electricity trade and expanding access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Tax & Business Compliance: Sierra Leone’s NRA has started rolling out new Smart GST machines to 10,000 GST-registered businesses to improve electronic records and cut revenue leakages. Roads, Floods & Costs: Makeni suffered serious flooding after heavy rains, disrupting roads and businesses, while separate data shows transport prices in Sierra Leone eased in July—an important signal for everyday commerce. Skills for Industry: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wrapped up its Next Gen Summer Camp, training youth in coding, web development and 3D design—fuel for future tech and service industries. Environment & Livelihoods: UNDP signed US$511,000 low value grants with 12 CSOs for biodiversity, climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods across Sierra Leone.