AGP Executive Report

Food and Farming: Agriculture Minister Henry Musa Kpaka is seeking investors for a $760 million plan focused on rice, poultry, cassava and oil palm to boost production, food security and processing. Digital Business: Entrepreneur Mohamed Barry has launched Konekta, an app connecting customers with local businesses, services and property listings. Transport: A proposed 2026–2030 railway strategy sets out 14 corridors covering about 1,900 kilometres, with Kasafoni–Banana Island named as a priority. Local Services: Local Government Minister Tamba Lamina says redistricting could bring public services closer to communities and improve local planning. Coastal Environment: Mahera Beach faces mounting pressure from sand extraction, with nearly 50,000 cubic metres removed each year as local families depend on the trade for income. Health: Parliament and UNECA are working to strengthen healthcare financing, while a new national assessment aims to identify gaps in mental health services. Sport: Cricket Sierra Leone has secured a five-year, US$400,000 sponsorship to support its senior men’s and women’s leagues.

Peace and Diplomacy: President Julius Maada Bio has urged world leaders to invest more in preventing conflict, proposing a “Geneva Commitment to Prevention” at the Geneva Peace Forum. Healthcare: Parliament has pledged to push for stronger health financing after talks with UNECA, while the National Public Health Agency is mapping gaps in mental health services. Pujehun Government Hospital has also received 28 mattresses and bed-linen sets from a diaspora association. Community Support: A Chinese business group and medical team provided supplies and free consultations at Waterloo Community Health Center. Census: Sierra Leone has begun a 50-day countdown to its first fully digital census, with enumeration set to start on December 2. Environment: Sand extraction at Mahera Beach is threatening coastal habitats and tourism, even as the trade supports local families. Sport: Cricket Sierra Leone has secured a five-year, US$400,000 sponsorship to strengthen its senior men’s and women’s leagues.

Peace Initiative: President Julius Maada Bio urged world leaders at the Geneva Peace Forum to invest more in preventing conflict, proposing a “Geneva Commitment to Prevention” with transparent tracking of early warnings and action. Digital Census: Sierra Leone has begun a 50-day countdown to its first fully digital census. Census Night is December 1, with enumeration starting the next day. Health Funding: Parliament pledged to work with UNECA and government agencies on proposals to close Sierra Leone’s healthcare funding gap. Mental Health: The National Public Health Agency validated a nationwide assessment to identify gaps in mental health and psychosocial support services. Coastal Environment: Mahera Beach faces mounting pressure from sand mining, with nearly 50,000 cubic metres extracted annually, threatening coastal ecosystems and tourism even as local women rely on the trade for income. Sport: Cricket Sierra Leone secured a US$400,000, five-year sponsorship to support senior men’s and women’s leagues and teams. Community Finance: WAADO launched savings groups across five districts to help women, young people and people with disabilities strengthen their businesses and access loans.

Coastal Environment: Sand extraction at Mahera Beach is putting local tourism and coastal ecosystems under pressure, with nearly 50,000 cubic metres removed each year. Women who sell the sand rely on the trade for family income but bear much of its burden. Census Countdown: Sierra Leone has begun the 50-day countdown to its first fully digital census. Census Night is December 1, with nationwide enumeration starting the next day; the results are expected to guide public planning and investment. Energy Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Oil Sustainability Program focused on sustainable energy access. Girls’ Rights: At International Day of the Girl Child events, the Gender Ministry called for stronger action to end child marriage, while a partnership with Plan International gave girls a chance to take on leadership roles at the ministry. Community Health: A new police clinic has opened in Tankoro, Kono, to serve officers and nearby residents. Culture: Finnah Sesay has been elected Mammy Queen of the Kurankoh Tribal Union, which promotes Kuranko heritage and community development.

Girls’ Rights: Sierra Leone marked International Day of the Girl Child with a renewed push to end child marriage and give girls leadership opportunities at the Gender Ministry. In Kabala, girls also called for action against child marriage and female genital mutilation. Healthcare: A free China-Sierra Leone medical outreach brought care and supplies to Waterloo, while police opened a clinic in Kono for officers and nearby residents. The country also marked World Mental Health Day with a call to tackle stigma. Clean Energy: Sierra Leone’s Energy Ministry signed an agreement focused on sustainable energy access, alongside a clean-cooking initiative using LPG. Culture: Finnah Sesay was elected Mammy Queen of the Kurankoh Tribal Union as it seeks to preserve Kuranko heritage. Chef Kumba Sinah appealed for support for her planned Guinness World Record cooking marathon. Football: SLFA President Babadi Kamara urged CAF to review its 200-kilometre airport rule, which he says restricts Leone Stars from using Bo’s Southern Arena.

Food Security: A Sierra Leonean opinion writer says the country meets only about 15% of its annual egg demand, despite a growing poultry sector, and argues that local producers need a fairer chance to compete with imports. Girls’ Rights: Girls in Kabala called for stronger action against child marriage and female genital mutilation, urging communities to protect their education and future choices. Healthcare in Kono: Police have opened a clinic in Tankoro to serve officers and nearby residents, with plans to expand its services. Mental Health: Sierra Leone marked World Mental Health Day with a call to reduce stigma; a regional report says the country has just two psychiatrists and estimates 98.8% of people needing formal mental-health care go untreated. Emergency Care: The government says 105 ambulances are deployed nationwide to support urgent referrals, including for pregnant women and children.

Girls’ Rights: Girls in Kabala called for stronger action against child marriage and FGM at a UNFPA-backed symposium, urging communities to protect their education and futures. Community Health: Sierra Leone Police opened a clinic in Tankoro, Kono, to serve officers and nearby residents, with hopes of expanding it into a hospital. Mental Health: Sierra Leone marked World Mental Health Day with a Freetown awareness walk and calls to tackle stigma and improve care. Emergency Care: The government says 105 ambulances are now deployed nationwide to support urgent referrals, including for pregnant women and children. Sports: The Sierra Leone Judo Association plans children’s and women’s competitions on October 28 to widen participation. Tourism and Culture: Sierra Leone is preparing to host the UN Africa Gastronomy Summit on December 2–4, with plans to showcase local attractions, heritage and hospitality. Football: Leone Rock has signed a NLe 4.1 million deal to sponsor the 2026/27 Premier League.

Mental Health: Sierra Leone marked World Mental Health Day with a nationwide call to end stigma. The country has only two psychiatrists, and an estimated 98.8% of people needing formal mental-health care go untreated. Emergency Care: The government says 105 ambulances are now deployed nationwide to improve referrals and reduce preventable maternal and child deaths. Germany Partnership: Sierra Leone and Germany reviewed development ties, with customs delays, unpaid tax refunds, permit applications and road maintenance among the sticking points. Regional Cooperation: Sierra Leone joined seven West African countries in Banjul to discuss border security, boundary demarcation and cross-border development. Civic Rights: Lawyers have urged the Supreme Court to release Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara unconditionally after his remand for contempt, while rights advocate Abdul Fatoma raised concerns over limits on peaceful protest. Tourism: Sierra Leone is preparing to host the UN Africa Gastronomy Summit in December, with Angola expected to participate. Football: The SLFA secured a NLe 4.1 million Leone Rock sponsorship for the 2026/27 Premier League.

Mental Health: Sierra Leone marked World Mental Health Day with a nationwide call to end stigma. The need is stark: the country has just two psychiatrists, and nearly all people with mental health conditions are estimated to go without formal care. Germany Partnership: Freetown and Berlin reaffirmed cooperation on energy, infrastructure, trade and institutional reform. Officials also reviewed customs delays, unpaid tax refunds, permit applications and maintenance of German-funded roads. Emergency Care: Government says 105 ambulances are now deployed nationwide to support urgent referrals, including for pregnant women and children. Football: Former SLFA president Thomas Daddy Brima has been released on bail after questioning at CID; police and the National Sports Authority have yet to comment publicly. The SLFA also secured NLe 4.1 million from Leone Rock for the 2026/27 Premier League. Youth Sport: Sierra Leone’s Judo Association plans children’s and women’s competitions for World Judo Day on October 28, aiming to widen participation.

Football and Justice: Former SLFA president Thomas Daddy Brima has been released on bail after being arrested in Magburaka; police and the National Sports Authority have yet to comment. Lawyers have separately urged the Supreme Court to release former Attorney-General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara unconditionally after his contempt-related detention. Mental Health: Sierra Leone has just two psychiatrists, two clinical psychologists and 19 mental health nurses, while an estimated 98.8% of people needing formal mental-health care go untreated, a regional report says. Health Services: The government says 105 ambulances are now deployed nationwide to support emergency referrals, including for pregnant women and children. Development: Sierra Leone and Germany have reviewed partnership hurdles, including customs delays, tax refunds, residence permits and road maintenance. Food Security: Construction has begun in Bombali District on an EU-backed factory to produce fortified foods for young children, with plans for a women-led enterprise to operate it. Regional Investment: President Julius Maada Bio and investor Tony Elumelu are rallying West African businesses to back investment and job creation ahead of a regional summit in Freetown in November.

Emergency Health: Sierra Leone says 105 ambulances are now deployed nationwide to speed referrals and help prevent maternal and child deaths, though officials say poor roads and difficult terrain still hinder access. Development Partnership: Sierra Leone and Germany reviewed customs delays, unpaid tax refunds, residence permits and upkeep of German-funded roads at talks that ended October 9. Tourism & Culture: Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis discussed Angola’s participation in the UN Africa Gastronomy Summit, set for December 2–4 in Freetown. Girls’ Education: A programme will support 135 girls in nine villages with school supplies, counselling and peer support through the 2026–27 school year. Nutrition: Construction has begun in Bombali District on an EU-backed factory to produce fortified foods for young children, using locally sourced ingredients. Football: The SLFA secured NLe 4.13 million from Leone Rock Metal Group to support the 2026/27 Premier League. Police Service: Police questioned the authenticity of a resignation letter from a Daru constable who said she had gone 23 years without promotion, saying she remains in service.

Drug Hunt: The Netherlands has enlisted Ghana’s help to pursue fugitive Dutch trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, who is believed to be in Sierra Leone. Reports say he has been sentenced to more than 80 years in prison and allegedly channelled billions in drug money into the country. Football: The SLFA has secured a NLe4.1 million sponsorship from Leone Rock for the 2026/27 Premier League, its fourth straight season backing the competition. Justice: The Lawyers’ Society has urged the Supreme Court to release former Attorney-General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara unconditionally after he was remanded for contempt, citing his public apology and contribution to the legal profession. Investment: President Julius Maada Bio and investor Tony Elumelu are rallying West African businesses to invest in industry, agribusiness, energy and digital transformation ahead of a regional summit planned for Sierra Leone in November. Child Nutrition: Construction has begun in Bombali District on a food-processing plant to produce fortified foods for young children, with plans for a women-led enterprise to operate it.

Regional Investment: President Julius Maada Bio and investor Tony Elumelu urged West African businesses to turn regional integration into investment, industry and jobs, focusing on energy, minerals, agriculture and digital growth. Constitutional Dispute: The Supreme Court hearing over the contested 2025 amendment bill saw a tense exchange between the Chief Justice and opposition lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara; the case concerns how Parliament approved changes to election rules. Child Nutrition: Construction has begun on an EU-funded food factory in Bombali to produce fortified foods for young children, with plans for a women-led enterprise to operate it. Digital Security: Google says attackers hijacked Sierra Leone’s .sl domain registry, along with Ghana’s and American Samoa’s, to obtain unauthorised security certificates; the company says its own systems were not breached. Community and Culture: Police cleared the Liberation People’s Party to hold district meetings in Bo and Freetown, but barred processions and rallies. Sierra Leone’s university theatre group is also in Ghana to showcase the country’s dramatic arts at a regional festival. Football: Sierra Leonean midfielder Ibrahim Fullah scored and made two assists in MK Dons’ 7–1 EFL Trophy win.

Cybersecurity: Google says attackers hijacked Sierra Leone’s .sl domain registry, altering DNS records to obtain unauthorised certificates for Google and other sites. Google stressed its own systems were not breached and blocked the certificates. Constitutional Dispute: A tense Supreme Court hearing over the contested 2025 amendment bill saw judges dismiss preliminary objections from APC lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara. The court is handling challenges to how Parliament passed changes affecting election rules. Regional Investment: President Julius Maada Bio and investor Tony Elumelu are rallying West African businesses to mobilise capital for energy, mining, agriculture and digital projects ahead of an investment summit. Child Health: Sierra Leone and Germany have unveiled plans for a child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital, with staff training to support care during disease outbreaks. Tourism Links: Sierra Leone and Guinea plan joint cross-border tourism packages and a working group on culture and heritage, with talks also covering a proposed cooperation agreement.

Children’s Health: Sierra Leone and Germany are backing a child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital, with plans to train staff in infection control, triage and intensive care. Tourism: Sierra Leone and Guinea have agreed to form a joint working group on cross-border tourism, culture and heritage, including shared tourism packages and possible UNESCO nominations. Economic Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray has urged Sierra Leone’s missions abroad to pursue investment, trade and technology partnerships that deliver tangible benefits at home. Social Services: A 25-member delegation of welfare workers is heading to China for two weeks of professional training, the ministry’s largest such group. Local Governance: Government says Freetown West City Council will bring services closer to residents, while the Lawyers’ Society is calling for the instruments creating new councils to be withdrawn pending consultation and viability studies. Sports and Safety: Peace and national cohesion officials are seeking a partnership with the Sports Ministry to curb fan violence; separately, the SLFA has signed a deal for FIFA Arena facilities at Albert Academy and Bo School.

Constitutional Disputes: The Supreme Court is due to hear challenges over the passage of the constitutional amendment bill, a test of the required two-thirds parliamentary threshold. Local Governance: The government says a new Freetown West City Council will bring services closer to residents; lawyers warn the restructuring could fragment city management and want the instruments withdrawn. Tourism: Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Russia is courting Russian visitors, touting the country’s beaches and welcoming people. A Zimbabwean motorcycle vlogger also praised Sierra Leone’s peace, food, roads and police. Community Safety: Police and residents joined forces to repair hazardous roads in Koidu, while peace officials and the Sports Ministry plan to work together to curb fan violence. Grassroots Sport: The SLFA signed a deal with Albert Academy and Bo School for FIFA Arena football facilities, and boxing leaders are expanding equipment and training to the provinces.