AGP Executive Report

Market & Trade: Sewa Ground Market in Freetown is now 100% occupied ahead of its September 1, 2026 opening, after rental prices were cut by 50% to pull traders into a more organised space and reduce street trading and congestion. Energy & Power Losses: Nigeria’s NERC says N1.36trn of electricity was lost and unpaid for in 2025, with billing and collection efficiency gaps across distribution companies. Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, with clear reporting and accountability standards. Protected Areas & Mining: NPAA and partners arrested 17 people for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park, while also stepping up protection for Tiwai Island wildlife amid poaching and encroachment threats. Agribusiness & Jobs: UNDP has started verifying women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production under the EWASME project, aiming to improve access to finance, markets and skills. Security & Infrastructure: Police recovered a pistol, ammunition and synthetic kush during a raid in Goderich, and residents report an electricity pole fire along Krootown Road, renewing calls for regular grid inspection. Local Industry & Logistics: Leone Rock Metal Group says new locomotives have arrived to boost reliability across its rail and port system feeding Sierra Leone’s iron ore exports.

Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, with clear standards for prevention, reporting and accountability after a 2025 survey showed women faced higher rates of verbal, online and physical abuse. Protected-Area Enforcement: NPAA stepped up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment, while a separate operation arrested 17 suspects for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Local Food Procurement: The RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice for military feeding, aiming to rotate reserves and channel money back to farmers. Youth & SME Support: UNDP began verification of women-led SMEs in post-rice production under the EWASME project, and MoPED with UNICEF discussed youth employment, local production of nutrition products and investment mobilisation. Infrastructure & Power Safety: Leone Rock Metal Group received new locomotives to boost iron ore logistics, and residents reported an EDSA electricity pole fire in Freetown, renewing calls for regular network inspection. Education & Credentials: University of Sierra Leone moved dissertations to electronic-only submissions, and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education plans local production of degree certificates to cut delays.

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.

Women-Led SME Boost: UNDP has started verifying women-led small and medium-sized enterprises in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production value chain under the EWASME project, aiming to improve access to finance, markets and skills for hundreds of businesses. Responsible Advertising Push: SLACPRP met the Independent Media Commission to discuss advertising standards, ethical and misleading claims, and how to strengthen guidelines across traditional and digital media. Digital Education Reform: The University of Sierra Leone has dropped hard-bound dissertation submissions in favour of electronic-only submissions, cutting 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, targeting reduced delays and stronger security against forgery. Local Food for the Military: The RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice for soldiers, with the deal designed to rotate reserves and channel money back to farmers. Mining Crackdown: NPAA, with police and RSLAF support, arrested 17 people for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Industry Logistics Upgrade: Leone Rock Metal Group received new locomotives to improve efficiency and sustainability across its rail and port system linking Tonkolili to Pepel. Electricity Safety Concern: An EDSA electricity pole reportedly caught fire along Krootown Road in Freetown, prompting calls for regular inspection and maintenance of distribution infrastructure. Youth & Investment Planning: MoPED and UNICEF discussed collaboration on youth employment, local production (including nutrition products), early childhood development and investment mobilisation. Protected Areas Enforcement: The week also saw intensified efforts to curb environmental damage and protect Sierra Leone’s natural resources.

Education Digitisation: The University of Sierra Leone has dropped the requirement for hard-bound dissertation copies, moving to electronic-only submissions from Aug. 28 to cut costs and waste. Credentials & Security: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is engaging the Government Printing Department to produce degree certificates locally, aiming to reduce delays while strengthening anti-forgery safeguards. Teacher Welfare: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union says a government pledge to promote about 3,000 teachers is still unimplemented, citing ongoing welfare and working-condition concerns. Power Safety: Residents report an electricity pole fire along Krootown Road in Freetown on Aug. 28, with calls for regular inspection and maintenance of the distribution network. Mining Enforcement: Seventeen people were arrested for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities inside Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with charges expected after investigations. Local Food Procurement: The RSLAF has bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice under an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to rotate reserves and strengthen farmers’ markets. Youth & Jobs: MoPED and UNICEF discussed new collaboration areas including youth employment, local production of nutrition products, and investment mobilisation. Mining Logistics: Leone Rock Metal Group says new locomotives have arrived to boost efficiency and reliability across its rail and port system from Tonkolili to Pepel. Protected Areas & Environment: The NPAA operation highlights intensified enforcement to protect Sierra Leone’s natural resources.

Local Industry & Skills: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education says it will start producing university degree certificates locally with the Government Printing Department, aiming to cut months-long delays after graduation while adding stronger anti-forgery security. Education Workforce: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union says a government pledge to promote about 3,000 teachers is still unimplemented, keeping pressure on welfare and working conditions. Agribusiness & Food Security: The RSLAF has bought over 9,000 bags of locally produced rice under a deal with the Ministry of Agriculture, designed to rotate strategic reserves and give farmers a steady market. Youth & Investment: MoPED and UNICEF discussed new collaboration on youth employment, local production (including nutrition products), early childhood development, and investment mobilisation. Mining & Environment: Seventeen people were arrested for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities inside Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with charges expected after investigations. Energy & Safety: An EDSA electricity pole reportedly caught fire along Krootown Road in Freetown; residents say community youths extinguished it before firefighters arrived, renewing calls for regular network inspections. Transport & Trade Links: Leone Rock Metal Group says it has received new locomotives to boost efficiency and sustainability across its rail-to-port iron ore logistics. Foreign Investment Push: Sierra Leone’s new foreign affairs minister is urging Saudi private-sector investment ahead of the ECOWAS Investment Forum in November, focusing on energy, digital transformation, skills, and market access. Development Planning: MoPED outlined fresh investment and coordination plans, including 10 bankable projects and chiefdom-level development planning pilots validated in Maforki and Marampa.

Mining & Rail Logistics: Leone Rock Metal Group says it has received new locomotives to boost reliability and efficiency across its Tonkolili–Pepel railway and port operations, reinforcing its integrated iron ore export system. Local Planning & Agriculture: Maforki Chiefdom has validated a 10-year development plan under Sierra Leone’s chiefdom-level planning pilot, prioritising agriculture, livelihoods, education, healthcare, clean water, and youth and women’s economic opportunities. Investment & Development Pipeline: MoPED has unveiled fresh plans to attract investment and mobilise resources, including 10 “bankable” projects spanning the blue economy, tourism, fisheries, sea transport and agriculture, plus community planning pilots in Maforki and Marampa. Digital Resilience: Sierra Leone’s MoCTI has released draft Sector-Specific Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for Energy, Health, Education and Defence/Security, with support from the World Bank and KPMG. Roads & Trade Access: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD are urging urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, the Mathehun Bridge collapse, ferry disruptions and deteriorating bypass routes.

ECOWAS at 50: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa reignited debate in Abuja over who truly restored peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone, arguing ECOMOG’s African troops—not foreign powers—were decisive. Sierra Leone Infrastructure & Investment: Information Minister Chernor Bah says the U.S. role in the Lungi Bridge will be via private-sector investment, not direct government funding, as Sierra Leone negotiates better deals amid rising U.S. interest in critical minerals. Digital Resilience: MoCTI unveiled draft Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for Energy, Health, Education and Defence/Security under the National Digital Transformation Agenda, with World Bank support. Roads & Trade Access: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urged urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie corridor, citing stalled works, bridge collapse, ferry disruptions and rising transport costs. Energy Costs: NERC says Nigeria had Africa’s cheapest electricity tariff in 2025, while Sierra Leone’s tariff was among the higher rates in the comparison.

Road Safety & Transport Finance: The World Bank says traffic injuries cost Ghana about 2.1% of GDP yearly, with crash hotspots concentrated on 2.65% of urban roads and 4.37% of rural roads—pushing road safety into a macroeconomic priority. Transport Upgrades for Trade & Jobs: Ghana is set to use a $500m World Bank package to rehabilitate about 1,050km of feeder roads, but the Bank warns the wider transport fix must include maintenance and safer systems. Sierra Leone Digital Resilience: Sierra Leone’s MoCTI has unveiled draft Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for Energy, Health, Education, and Defence/Security, aiming to harden critical services against cyberattacks and failures. Road Corridor Pressure in Sierra Leone: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD demand urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, the collapsed Mathehun Bridge, disrupted ferries, and rising costs for communities. Port Capacity Debate: Sierra Leone lawmakers urge support for the Kent Harbour and Port Project to ease quay congestion and boost trade and revenue. Water Quality Oversight: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry has inspected 41 private water facilities in Freetown and the peninsula, pushing corrective action where standards fall short. Energy Access Investment: A UK green tech firm plans to expand MOPOGrid across Africa, including Sierra Leone, building on solar battery rentals to support a future “energy grid.”

Port & Trade Push: Sierra Leone MPs urged urgent government support for the Kent Harbour and Port Project to ease quay congestion and boost imports/exports and revenue. Border & Logistics Integration: ECOWAS opened a temporary joint border post at Bo-Waterside (Liberia–Sierra Leone) to speed legitimate trade while the permanent facility is built. Water Safety & Regulation: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry and regulators carried out a five-day monitoring of 41 private water facilities in Freetown and the peninsula, flagging uneven compliance on hygiene, filtration, UV treatment, chlorine residuals, and records. Mining Enforcement: EPA Sierra Leone destroyed five giant dredges in a crackdown on illegal Moa River mining after pollution concerns near a key water intake. Infrastructure Delivery Watch: A commentary revisited the long-delayed Siaka Stevens National Stadium rehab, using it as a test of government project planning and supervision. Energy & Industry Finance (Regional): World Bank-linked reporting on Ghana highlighted how energy-sector recovery delays can cost about $1bn annually—an indirect warning for regional power-dependent industries.

Energy & Industry Oversight: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry has intensified checks on private water companies in Freetown, inspecting 41 facilities over five days to verify safe drinking water standards, hygiene, filtration, UV treatment, chlorine levels, and compliance records. Environment & Mining Enforcement: EPA Sierra Leone destroyed five giant dredges in a crackdown on illegal Moa River mining after pollution was reported near SALWACO’s intake, aiming to protect water sources and river ecosystems. Regional Trade & Logistics: ECOWAS opened a temporary joint border post at Bo-Waterside (Liberia–Sierra Leone) to support coordinated customs, immigration and security while the permanent facility is built—pushing faster, safer cross-border trade. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority launched a regional training for seafarer examiners and assessors, with Sierra Leone among participating countries, to keep certification aligned with international standards. Health & Workplace Action: A malaria survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of workers get no employer malaria prevention support, urging businesses to move from awareness to workplace protection. Energy Transition Finance: A UK green tech firm (MOPO) plans to expand its “energy grid of the future” model across Sierra Leone and the region, scaling solar battery rentals and adding cabled electricity services.

Water Safety in Freetown: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry has stepped up checks on private water companies, running a five-day monitoring drive across 41 facilities in Freetown and the peninsula to test water quality, hygiene, treatment systems and compliance—finding mixed standards and calling for corrective action. Malaria at Work: A new Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa survey says 62% of workers across 10 West African countries, including Sierra Leone, get no workplace malaria prevention support, urging employers to move from awareness to real protection. Environmental Enforcement: EPA Sierra Leone destroyed five giant dredges in the Moa River crackdown after pollution concerns near SALWACO’s intake point in Kenema, targeting illegal dredging and river ecosystem damage. Energy Investment: UK firm MOPO says it will expand its solar battery charging-and-rental model across Sierra Leone and the region, with up to $75m planned for Nigeria to build a “future energy grid.” Trade & Connectivity: ECOWAS handed Liberia the renovated Bo-Waterside NTA building and opened a temporary joint border post to speed cross-border trade with Sierra Leone while permanent works continue. Media & Representation: Information Minister Chernor Bah pushed for stronger China-Africa media cooperation so Africans shape how their stories are told, not just receive coverage.

ECOWAS Border Trade Boost: ECOWAS opened a Temporary Joint Border Post at Bo-Waterside for Liberia–Sierra Leone, with facilities for customs, immigration and security as construction of the permanent site continues—aimed at faster, safer movement of people and goods. ECOWAS Logistics & Security: ECOWAS is preparing for a 2027 stabilisation force, moving donated equipment to a logistics centre in Freetown and thanking Nigeria for leadership. Maritime Skills for Industry: Ghana’s Maritime Authority ran a regional training to strengthen seafarer examiners and assessors, with participants including Sierra Leone—pushing safer, tech-ready certification. Youth Jobs Focus: The ILO and Nigeria’s government called for an actionable youth employment plan, with lessons on skills gaps, informality and school-to-work transitions. Sierra Leone–Kazakhstan Business Links: Registrations of companies founded by Sierra Leoneans in Kazakhstan jumped sharply in July, reflecting growing trade, logistics, agriculture and mining cooperation. China Trade Update: China’s ambassador says China–Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, with exports set to expand beyond fishing. Digital Commerce Risk: Sierra Leone moves to close a seven-year legal gap threatening mobile money fraud and digital commerce growth. Education & Inclusion: Research highlights high levels of violence against children with disabilities in mainstream schools in Karene, urging stronger protection in classrooms and daily school routes.

Maritime Training Boost: Ghana’s Maritime Authority opens a five-day regional programme at the Regional Maritime University to upgrade seafarer examiners, assessors and instructors, with Sierra Leone among participating countries—aimed at keeping certification aligned with fast-changing automation and digital shipping. Lungi Bridge Deal: U.S. Ambassador-designate Daniel Travis says Sierra Leone has agreed with Acrow Corporation to build the Lungi Bridge, promising a direct road link between Freetown and the airport—though details like financing and timelines are still not officially confirmed locally. China–Sierra Leone Trade Push: China’s ambassador reports bilateral trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, with Sierra Leone exports to China up over 40%, and talks underway to expand beyond fishing into palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Energy Jobs Secured: Sierra Leone’s Energy Ministry permanently absorbs 50% of EDSA contract workers into civil service roles, a move aimed at stabilising the power distribution workforce. WASH Investment Plan: Government outlines a 10-year WASH programme needing about $7bn, with an initial $180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Agriculture Data via Drones: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture trains officers in drone-based monitoring for better field data and decision-making for smallholder farmers. Higher Education Reforms: JAMB will support Sierra Leone’s shift to centralised university admissions for 12 months, alongside digital fee payments and secure certificate production. Cocoa Sector Link-Up: Sierra Leone partners with Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to revamp the national cocoa industry and move toward a more unified cash-crop authority. Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) calls for stronger safeguarding and accountability to protect journalists from gender-based harassment and exploitation.

Energy & Jobs: Sierra Leone’s Energy Ministry has permanently absorbed 50% of EDSA contract workers into civil service roles, a move aimed at stabilising livelihoods and strengthening the power distribution backbone. Power Reliability: Reports also highlight ongoing electricity disruptions in Freetown’s wider region, underscoring how grid faults and repair delays keep businesses and households on edge. Water & Sanitation Investment: Government has set a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7bn, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway, as institutions and financing are reorganised. Agriculture Data & Drones: The Ministry of Agriculture trained M&E and communications officers on drone-based field data collection to improve decisions for smallholder farmers. Cocoa Value Chain: Sierra Leone is partnering with Ghana’s COCOBOD to revamp its national cocoa industry, including plans for a more unified cash-crop authority. Renewables Skills for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to expand solar freezer and generator installations. Education Reforms: MTHE is pushing performance contracts and centralised admissions support, while teachers’ union leaders call for a higher school subsidy. Media Safeguarding: WIMSAL urges stronger safeguarding and accountability to protect journalists from harassment and exploitation. Regional Security: ECOWAS has started moving Chinese-donated military logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone to prepare for a counter-terrorism force by 2027.

Leadership & Women’s Skills: LEAP Africa wraps its 5th Leadership Accelerator Programme for Young African Women, with 4,500+ participants from 48 African countries and 31 selected for a Nairobi boot camp. Digital & Consumer Safety: A Sierra Leonean WhatsApp takeover scam shows how hackers hijack long-used numbers and pressure contacts for money. Water & WASH Investment: Government sets a $7bn 10-year WASH target, aligning new coordination under the water ministry with partner support. Power & Jobs: Energy Ministry permanently absorbs 50% of EDSA contract workers into civil service roles. Agriculture Data: MAFS trains officers on drone-based monitoring to improve agricultural data collection and decision-making. Cocoa Industry: Sierra Leone partners with Ghana Cocoa Board to revamp the national cocoa sector and move toward a unified cash-crop authority. Renewables for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone train and deploy female solar technicians for solar freezer and generator installations. Education Policy: MTHE pushes higher education reforms as universities sign performance contracts, including centralised admissions support from Nigeria’s JAMB. Health Systems: MSF donates a multi-patient oxygen generator to the Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre to boost emergency care capacity.