Energy & Jobs: Sierra Leone’s Energy Ministry has permanently absorbed 50% of EDSA contract workers into full-time civil service roles, securing livelihoods across technical, customer service and administrative departments. WASH & Water Infrastructure: Government says it’s targeting about US$7bn over 10 years to expand safe water and sanitation, coordinate institutions, and mobilise financing, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Agriculture Data & Tech: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security completed a week-long drone training for monitoring and evaluation and communications officers to improve field mapping, tracking and decision-making for smallholder farmers. Education & Human Capital: Sierra Leone’s higher education reforms are moving ahead as universities sign performance contracts covering centralised admissions, secure local certificate production and digital fee payments. Renewables & Women in Industry: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians for solar freezer and solar generator installations, with extra troubleshooting skills. Health Systems Support: MSF donated a multi-patient oxygen generator to the Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre to boost emergency and critical care capacity. Regional Security Logistics: ECOWAS has started moving Chinese-donated military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone to support the planned regional counter-terrorism force by 2027.
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WASH Investment Push: Sierra Leone has set out a 10-year WASH plan needing about US$7bn, aiming to expand safe water, sanitation and waste management, and coordinate the sector under one framework, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Energy Jobs & Stability: The Energy Ministry has permanently absorbed 50% of EDSA contract workers into civil service roles, securing jobs for long-serving staff across technical, customer service and administrative departments. Cocoa Sector Upgrade: Sierra Leone is partnering with Ghana’s COCOBOD to revamp the national cocoa industry, including moving toward a unified cash-crop authority and knowledge transfer to reduce fragmented production. Renewables Skills for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to install solar freezer and generator systems, boosting women’s participation in the renewable energy workforce. Education Systems Reform: MTHE is driving higher education reforms as universities sign performance contracts, including centralised admissions, secure local certificate production and digital fee payments via WanGov. Health Supply Boost: MSF has donated a multi-patient oxygen generator to the Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre to strengthen emergency and critical care for children. School Food Policy: Freetown City Council is piloting low-sodium school meal guidelines to cut sodium intake by 15% in six municipal schools, with vendor and safety standards under review. Security Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Minister called for stronger Sierra Leone–Ghana and ECOWAS coordination to tackle Sahel-linked instability, terrorism and irregular migration. Higher Education Access: Sierra Leone’s centralised university admissions plan gets support from Nigeria’s JAMB, with technical officers expected for 12 months.
WASH Investment Push: Sierra Leone’s government has mapped a 10-year water, sanitation and hygiene plan needing about US$7bn, aiming to expand safe water, sanitation and waste management, and to unify fragmented responsibilities under a single framework, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Higher Education Reforms: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is driving performance contracts with universities, including centralised admissions, secure local certificate production, digital fee payments and stronger university-industry links. Renewable Energy Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to support solar freezer and generator installations nationwide. School Food Health: Freetown City Council is piloting low-sodium school meal guidelines in six municipal schools, targeting a 15% sodium cut with WHO-aligned vendor standards. Digital Commerce Rules: Sierra Leone is moving to close a seven-year regulatory gap for electronic transactions, translating older laws into enforceable rules to protect businesses and consumers. Mining & Health Supply: Sonamines is reopening talks after failed tenders for cobalt/nickel/manganese and rutile projects, while MSF donated a multi-patient oxygen generator to boost paediatric emergency care. Regional Security Logistics: ECOWAS has started moving Chinese-donated military logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone to support a planned counter-terrorism force by mid-2027.
School Nutrition Reform: Freetown City Council (FCC) is piloting low-sodium meal guidelines for six municipal schools, aiming to cut pupils’ sodium intake by 15% through vendor training and WHO-aligned standards. Renewable Energy Skills: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to install solar freezers and generators, with added troubleshooting support and pay per completed job. Digital Commerce Rules: Sierra Leone is moving to close a seven-year regulatory gap for electronic transactions, with MoCTI and MTI working with partners to turn existing laws into enforceable systems for mobile money and digital payments. Investment & Diplomacy: China and the UN discussed stronger cooperation for Sierra Leone’s development priorities, including agriculture, health, education, security and better national data systems for evidence-based policymaking. Mining & Finance Watch: Trustco has issued another caution over its minority stake and loan exposure tied to Meya Mining in Sierra Leone after a JSE fine was upheld. Health Supply Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has started local production of infection prevention supplies like soap, hand sanitiser and detergent under its IPC programme. Heritage & Cities: Parliament’s tourism committee urged urgent support for Sierra Leone’s museums and monuments, while Freetown’s Mayor launched construction of the King Jimmy indoor market under the SURGE project.
Digital Commerce & Consumer Protection: Sierra Leone moves to close a seven-year legal gap for its fast-growing digital commerce, with MoCTI and MTI pushing new rules under the electronic transactions framework to better protect businesses, consumers and investors. Mobile Money Fraud: The ICT ministry convened sector players to design a coordinated fraud prevention and response framework for mobile financial services, aiming to strengthen consumer protection as digital payments expand. Energy & Investment: The U.S. signals trade and investment leverage as Sierra Leone negotiates a Critical Minerals Agreement, with officials pointing to MCC and DFC tools tied to reforms and power-sector support. Health Supply Chain: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health starts local production of infection prevention supplies—soap, hand sanitiser and detergent—under its IPC programme to cut maternal and child deaths. Urban Markets & Local Economy: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr launches construction of the King Jimmy Market under the SURGE project, supported by the EU and the city council. Football Infrastructure: SLFA President Babadi Kamara inspects a new 435-seater pavilion at the SLFA Technical Centre, built through his personal donation. Heritage Sector: A parliamentary committee urges urgent investment and better legislation to protect Sierra Leone’s museums, monuments and relics. Mining Risk Watch: Trustco issues another caution over its minority position in Sierra Leone’s Meya Mining, citing no material change but urging shareholder caution.
Digital Commerce Regulation: Sierra Leone has started closing a seven-year legal gap for electronic transactions, aiming to turn the 2019 Electronic Transactions Act into workable rules that protect businesses, consumers and investors as mobile money grows. Health & Local Manufacturing: The Ministry of Health has begun local production of infection prevention supplies—soap, hand sanitiser and liquid detergent—under its IPC programme to cut avoidable infections and maternal and child deaths. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with a fatality rate above 46% and health systems under strain, raising the risk of escalation to a higher emergency level. Heritage & Tourism Oversight: A parliamentary committee is pushing urgent action to revive Sierra Leone’s heritage sector, calling for stronger investment and updated support for museums and monuments. Urban Markets & Local Economy: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr launched construction of the King Jimmy Market under the SURGE project, moving a historic but unsafe market into a modern indoor space. Football Infrastructure: SLFA President Babadi Kamara inspected progress on a new 435-seater pavilion at the SLFA Technical Centre in Kingtom, funded through his personal donation. Media Tech Collaboration: Sierra Leone’s information ministry says it wants deeper China-Africa media cooperation on AI, including building local capacity rather than only importing equipment.
Infection Control Supply Push: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has started local production of infection prevention supplies under its National IPC Programme, targeting avoidable infections and maternal/child deaths; the first locally made items include liquid soap, hand sanitiser and liquid detergent for government hospitals and health facilities. Critical Minerals & Trade Leverage: The U.S. says it will use trade, investment and development tools as Sierra Leone negotiates a Critical Minerals Agreement, pointing to instruments like the MCC compact and DFC support tied to electricity-sector reforms and private generation. Mobile Money Fraud Plan: Sierra Leone’s ICT ministry is drafting a framework to tackle mobile money fraud and strengthen consumer protection, following a consultative workshop with sector leaders on coordinated prevention and response. Energy Upgrade Milestone: Sungrow has commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, the country’s first major national-scale power generation connected to the grid in nearly a decade, with 35MWh storage. Local Market Construction: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched construction of the King Jimmy Market in the CBD under the SURGE project, backed by EU and city council funding. Community Policing Boost: Kailahun District received five motorbikes to strengthen community policing and faster incident response through the Local Policing Partnership Board. Constitution Reform Debate: Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh defended the amended Constitution as inclusive and “state-of-the-art,” outlining five key features and the reform process. Mining & Community Development: A Sierra Leone-linked policy debate is resurfacing as Ghana discusses making mining community development obligations mandatory, citing Sierra Leone’s Mining and Minerals Development Act 2022 as a model. Regional Health Watch: WHO warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” moving faster than previous epidemics and risking spread—an issue for regional preparedness.
Community Policing Boost: Sierra Leone Police intensified community policing in Kailahun by donating five motorbikes to the Local Policing Partnership Board, aiming to improve visibility, speed up responses, and strengthen information-sharing after June disturbances. Energy & Grid Reliability: EDSA says investigations are ongoing after a major fault interrupted power from the newly commissioned 10MWp RESPITE Solar Power Plant in Lungi, following only three days of supply—teams are assessing the 11kV line and will share a restoration timeline. Power Sector Milestone: Sungrow commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE Solar-plus-Storage project, described as the country’s first major national-scale grid-connected power generation in nearly a decade, with 35MWh storage. Mining & Local Development: A Ghana mining dialogue called for mandatory community development obligations for mining firms, pointing to Sierra Leone’s Mining and Minerals Development Act 2022 as a model. Health Workforce Expansion: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry inspected $3.5m medical training projects in Jui and Lakka to expand local capacity for doctors and specialists. Labour Pressure: UASA issued a 21-day strike notice over non-implementation of reviewed conditions of service and a demand for a 100% salary increase. Ebola Watch (Regional): WHO warned the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is far from under control and spreading faster than previous outbreaks, raising spillover risk. Climate Recognition: Sierra Leonean climate advocate Komrabai Dumbuya was named among the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust’s 100 Young Leaders for 2026. Trade & Infrastructure Finance: ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development approved over $500m for projects across Guinea, Ghana and Sierra Leone, including roads, healthcare, renewables and private-sector support. Currency Pressure: A report lists Sierra Leone’s leone among Africa’s weakest currencies in August 2026, with implications for import costs and household purchasing power.
Renewable Power & Grid Reliability: Sungrow has commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, the country’s first major national-scale power generation job in nearly a decade, with 35MWh storage and 8 PowerTitan ESS units—though EDSA says supply to Lungi was interrupted after a major fault on the 12km 11kV line, with investigations ongoing. Energy Investment & Regional Finance: ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) approved over $500m for projects across Guinea, Ghana and Sierra Leone, targeting roads, healthcare, renewable energy and private-sector growth. Mining & Community Development: Ghana’s Mireku Duker urged laws to make minimum community development obligations mandatory for mining firms, pointing to Sierra Leone’s Mining and Minerals Development Act 2022 and the requirement for community development agreements. Disaster Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s NDMA sent two senior officials to a two-week emergency management and work safety training in China, focused on early warning, risk assessment and post-disaster coordination. Labour & Education: UASA issued a 21-day strike notice over non-implementation of reviewed conditions of service and a demand for a 100% salary increase for public tertiary academic staff. Public Health Risk: WHO warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” spreading faster than before and driven by insecurity, displacement and movement along roads, rivers and mining routes. Currency Pressure: A report on weak African exchange rates puts Sierra Leone’s leone among the weakest currencies in August 2026, with more than 22,000 leones needed for $1.
Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” with insecurity, displacement and mining-route movement fuelling spread; latest figures put deaths at 2,325 and cases at 4,945, with the case fatality ratio rising to 46%. Health & Industry Training: Sierra Leone’s NDMA sends two senior officials to a two-week emergency management and work-safety training in China, aimed at better preparedness for floods, mudslides and industrial accidents. Higher Education Labour Action: UASA issues a 21-day strike notice over non-implementation of reviewed Conditions of Service and a demand for a 100% salary increase for public tertiary academic staff. Power Reliability: EDSA says investigations are ongoing after a major fault interrupted supply from the newly commissioned 10MWp RESPITE Solar Power Plant in Lungi, following a fault on the 12km 11kV line. Agribusiness Supply: Sierra Leone Brewery Limited hits a highest-ever sorghum supply with 1,004 tonnes delivered, raising its 2027 local sourcing target to 1,350–1,400 tonnes. Politics & Economy: SLPP’s Abdul Muniru pushes back on World Bank economic warnings, arguing international partners’ concerns may align with their own lending priorities. Tourism & Heritage: Sierra Leone’s tourism sector mourns the passing of Country Side Guest House proprietor Pius George, praised for mentoring hospitality talent in Bo.
Power & Renewables: EDSA says investigations are ongoing after a major fault on a new 12-kilometre 11kV line disrupted power from the newly commissioned 10MWp RESPITE Solar Power Plant in Lungi, cutting supply for about three days and prompting network integrity checks before restoration. Health & Construction: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry inspected $3.5m medical training works in Jui and Lakka, including a Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences expected to expand capacity to 1,000+ students. Roads & Agriculture: Residents in Karene District appealed to the First Lady to push for a durable bridge on the Makeni–Kamakwie highway, saying flooding blocks access, hurts farm output, and delays hospital and school trips. Transport Infrastructure: SLRA has started international bidding for a 39-kilometre Buedu–Koindu highway in Kailahun, funded by AfDB and the Mano River Union programme, aimed at boosting cross-border trade with Guinea and Liberia. Agri-Industry: Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) hit a record sorghum supply after farmers delivered 1,004 tonnes in 2026, raising its 2027 local sourcing target to 1,350–1,400 tonnes. Energy Costs: A new tariff comparison ranks Sierra Leone as having Africa’s most expensive residential electricity rate at 22.8 US cents per kWh, underlining household pressure.
Infrastructure & Connectivity: Residents in Karene District have appealed to Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, to intervene in urgent bridge construction on the Makeni–Kamakwei highway, saying the lack of a durable crossing is disrupting farming, markets, health access and school routes during the rainy season. Roads & Trade: Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone–Guinea–Liberia highway in Kailahun, funded by the AfDB and government, aiming to boost cross-border trade and regional integration. Agribusiness & Local Sourcing: Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) hit its highest-ever sorghum supply with 1,004 tonnes delivered in 2026, raising its 2027 target to 1,350–1,400 tonnes and rewarding farmers at its Supply Chain Academy. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone has been ranked as having Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff (22.8 US cents/kWh), underlining the pressure on household budgets. Tourism Industry: The National Tourist Board announced the death of Pius George, proprietor of Country Side Guest House, praising his role in hospitality and mentoring in Bo and environs. Health Watch (Regional): DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the country’s deadliest and the second-most lethal on record, with deaths at 2,325 and a case fatality ratio rising to 46%.
Port & Logistics: SLRA has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone–Guinea–Liberia highway in Kailahun, aiming to cut cross-border friction and boost trade under AfDB’s Mano River Union programme. Agri-Industry: Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) hit a record 1,004 tonnes of sorghum supply in 2026 and is raising its 2027 local target to 1,350–1,400 tonnes, with incentives for farmers. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone tops an African comparison for residential electricity tariffs at 22.8 US cents/kWh, underlining pressure on household budgets. Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone is preparing bankable projects for WAIIS 2026, pushing ministries to deliver investor-ready, commercially viable proposals. Digital Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an Agricultural IVR system so farmers can reach officials directly and cheaply, supporting the Feed Salone agenda. Consumer Protection & Telecoms: Orange Sierra Leone launched a fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious calls/messages and report mobile money scams. Road Safety Enforcement: Sierra Leone Police banned unauthorised decorative vehicle lights nationwide, warning they distract and raise accident risks. Climate & Food Systems: MoECC and partners kicked off a Global Environment Facility project to bring nature-based solutions into Sierra Leone’s food systems and strengthen farmer resilience. Mining & Supply Chains: Rabotec says it wants to become a mine owner/operator within five years, with a West Africa portfolio that includes Sierra Leone.
Transport & Regional Trade: SLRA has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone–Guinea–Liberia highway (Buedu–Koindu, Kailahun), funded with AfDB and government support, aiming to boost cross-border commerce with a 24-month contract and 12-month defect period. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone tops Africa for residential electricity prices in a new Electron Intelligence comparison, with households facing about 22.8 US cents per kWh—raising pressure on already stretched living costs. Employment & Labour: President Bio’s emergency parliamentary sitting is set for 20 August to approve key nominees, including Umaru Napoleone Koroma as Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security. Agriculture & Tech: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an Agricultural IVR system to connect farmers directly with officials under the Feed Salone agenda, with development reportedly 98% complete. Road Safety Enforcement: Sierra Leone Police ban unauthorised decorative vehicle lights nationwide, warning that flashing and overly bright LEDs can distract or blind road users. Mining & Finance: De Beers is reportedly up for sale amid losses and lab-diamond pressure, reviving scrutiny of conflict-diamond impacts tied to Sierra Leone’s civil war. Digital Fraud Response: Orange Sierra Leone launches a scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify and report impersonation, phishing and mobile money scams. Construction Safety: Labour Ministry probes a Lungi mudslide at an airport hotel construction site that reportedly killed two workers.
Electricity Costs: Sierra Leone tops Africa for the most expensive residential power tariff in a new Electron Intelligence comparison, with households paying about 22.8 US cents per kWh—pushing bills higher even before fixed charges. Employment & Labour: Umaru Napoleone Koroma’s appointment as Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security puts worker welfare and social protection at the centre of the agenda. Energy & Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone is ramping up preparations for WAIIS 2026 (16–18 Nov) by building a portfolio of bankable, investment-ready projects aimed at jobs and financing. Agriculture Tech: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading its Agricultural Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to connect farmers with officials, cutting communication costs and speeding up problem reporting under the Feed Salone agenda. Environment & Food Systems: MoECC and partners kick off a Global Environment Facility (GEF) project to bring nature-based solutions into farming and strengthen resilient food systems. Mining & Supply Chains: De Beers is reportedly up for sale after a major downturn, reviving scrutiny of the diamond trade’s conflict legacy that includes Sierra Leone’s civil war. Road Safety Enforcement: Sierra Leone Police ban decorative vehicle lights nationwide, warning they distract or blind drivers and raise crash risks. Construction Safety: Labour officials investigate a Lungi mudslide at the Hilton Airport Hotel construction site after reports of deaths and injuries. Critical Minerals Risk: A new report warns armed groups are exploiting the lithium scramble across the Sahel, linking weak governance to conflict and smuggling. Media & Community Change: SEND-SL trains Kailahun journalists and bloggers in mobile journalism to strengthen storytelling for social and behaviour change.
Environment & Food Systems: Sierra Leone’s MoECC and partners have kicked off a Global Environment Facility project under the Food System Resilience Programme, pushing nature-based solutions to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and the Feed Salone agenda. Investment Pipeline: Ahead of WAIIS 2026, MoPED says it’s building a portfolio of bankable, investment-ready projects with stronger cross-ministry coordination to attract financing and jobs. Climate Leadership: British High Commissioner Josephine Gauld presented the Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders Award to Sierra Leonean climate advocate Komrabai Dumbuya for climate-smart agriculture work through Wanwod Development. Construction Safety at Lungi: Labour Ministry investigators are probing a mudslide at the Hilton Airport Hotel construction site in Lungi that reportedly killed two workers; concerns are also rising over FB Group’s project involvement. Road Safety Enforcement: Sierra Leone Police have banned decorative artificial vehicle lights nationwide, warning that flashing and overly bright LEDs can distract or blind road users. Agriculture Tech for Farmers: MAFS is upgrading an Agricultural IVR platform to connect farmers directly with ministry officials and cut rural communication costs. Mining & Commodities: Gold exports surged over 400% in H1 2026, even as overall mineral exports fell, highlighting the need for diversification beyond iron ore concentration. Ports & Logistics: SLPHA is running a multi-agency operation to decongest Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay to speed container movement and reduce delays. Telecom Fraud Response: Orange Sierra Leone launched a scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious numbers and report mobile money and impersonation scams. Energy & Oil Prospects: President Bio says Sierra Leone is positioning for possible oil and gas production after a proposed $225m offshore investment tied to renewed exploration interest.
Climate & Youth Leadership: British High Commissioner Josephine Gauld presented the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders Award to Sierra Leonean climate advocate Komrabai Dumbuya for climate-smart agriculture and sustainable livelihoods through Wanwod Development. Agribusiness Tech for Farmers: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is upgrading its Agricultural Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to give farmers faster, cheaper access to officials under the Feed Salone agenda, with development reportedly 98% complete. Energy & Infrastructure: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) led a multi-agency push to decongest Queen Elizabeth II Quay to speed container movement and reduce delays for importers and consumers. Construction Safety: Labour Ministry investigators are probing a mudslide incident at the Lungi airport construction site linked to the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, after two workers reportedly died. Mining & Exports: President Bio said gold exports surged 410.6% in H1 2026, even as total mineral exports fell, highlighting the need to diversify beyond iron ore concentration. Road Safety Enforcement: Sierra Leone Police banned unauthorised decorative vehicle lights nationwide, warning they distract or blind road users and will be enforced. Telecom Fraud Protection: Orange Sierra Leone launched a scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious calls and report mobile money scams. Critical Minerals & EV Supply Chain: ELEKTROS reiterated its Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium push alongside EV charging and energy storage themes, framing it as part of a wider electrification and AI-driven infrastructure cycle.
Energy & Mining Investment: ELEKTROS keeps pushing Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and EV charging tech, framing it as part of a wider electrification and grid-resilience cycle. Road Safety Enforcement: Sierra Leone Police ban decorative vehicle lights nationwide, warning that flashing and overly bright LEDs distract drivers and raise crash risks. Agriculture Tech for Farmers: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an Agricultural IVR platform so farmers can reach officials faster and cheaper, supporting Feed Salone. Port & Logistics Efficiency: SLPHA leads a multi-agency push to decongest Queen Elizabeth II Quay, removing unroadworthy trucks and tightening checks to speed container movement. Protected Areas Crackdown: NPAA demolishes structures at Aberdeen Creek in a protected Ramsar wetland area to stop encroachment. Construction Safety: Two workers reportedly die after a mudslide at the FB Group Lungi construction site. Telecom Fraud Protection: Orange Sierra Leone launches a scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify and report mobile money and call scams. Mining Sector Shift: Gold exports surge over 400% in H1 2026, even as diamonds and mineral sands fall, highlighting the need to diversify. Youth & Media Skills: SEND-SL trains Kailahun journalists and bloggers in mobile journalism to drive social and behaviour change reporting.
Energy & Industry: Sierra Leone’s power push stays in focus as EDSA schedules a planned outage (Aug 12–14) to integrate the 108.4MW NANT gas plant into the national grid, including converting a 33kV line into an underground feeder—aimed at steadier supply for key services and communities. Ports & Logistics: SLPHA launches a multi-agency operation to decongest Queen Elizabeth II Quay, removing unroadworthy trucks and tightening licence checks to speed container movement and reduce delays for importers. Mining & Investment: President Bio flags a shift in Sierra Leone’s minerals story: gold exports surge 410.6% in H1 2026, even as total mineral exports fall 8.2% amid diamond and sands declines—highlighting the need to diversify beyond iron ore concentration. Oil & Gas Outlook: Sierra Leone positions for potential offshore production after Bio announces a proposed $225m deal and renewed interest in the offshore basin, with drilling needed to confirm commercial viability. Protected Areas Enforcement: NPAA continues demolitions at Aberdeen Creek in the Ramsar-listed Sierra Leone River Estuary to stop encroachment and housing in sensitive wetlands. Construction Safety: Two workers reportedly die after a mudslide at the FB Group construction site in Lungi during underground pipe installation, with the company yet to issue an official statement. Regional Business & Capital: Leone Asset Management’s chairman plans a Sierra Leone visit to discuss infrastructure, natural resources, agriculture, energy and a Southern Province corridor initiative via JP Anderson. Education & Skills: MTHE announces fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Master’s and PhD scholarships for Sierra Leoneans, covering fields including health, technology and agriculture. Youth & Agribusiness: MAFS and KOICA-backed “Feed Salone” delivery planning targets faster implementation (Sep 2026–Aug 2027), while a separate KOICA-supported youth agrifood grant model is highlighted through rice and cassava value chains. Energy Access Debate: A new analysis argues mini-grids may not be the universal answer for electrification, urging policymakers to consider shifting technology and funding realities.
Workplace Safety: Two workers reportedly died after a mudslide at the FB Group construction site in Lungi, where underground pipe installation was underway for the International Conference Centre complex near Lungi International Airport. Port & Logistics: SLPHA launched a multi-agency operation to decongest Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, removing faulty trucks and tightening checks to speed container movement and reduce delays for importers and consumers. Energy Infrastructure: EDSA announced a planned power interruption (Aug 12–14) to integrate the 108.4MW NANT gas plant into the national grid, including converting an overhead 33kV line to an underground feeder. Mining & Commodities: Sierra Leone’s gold exports surged more than 400% in H1 2026, even as total mineral exports fell 8.2% amid diamond and mineral sands declines—highlighting the push to diversify beyond iron ore concentration. Oil & Gas Investment: President Bio said seismic work has renewed interest in Sierra Leone’s offshore basin and outlined a proposed $225m investment for potential oil and gas production, pending parliamentary approval. Youth Skills & Agribusiness: Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone delivery agenda gets a 12-month implementation push (Sep 2026–Aug 2027), targeting financing, procurement, customs and contractor oversight to move agricultural investments into results. Education & Human Capital: MTHE announced fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leoneans to study Master’s and PhD programmes in the UK across fields including health, technology and agriculture. Critical Minerals & EV Charging: ELEKTROS continued promoting its hard-rock lithium and EV charging strategy, linking Sierra Leone’s mineral supply ambitions with electrification and battery demand.
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