AGP Executive Report

Meningitis Push in Freetown: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry, NPHA and partners held a Cotton Tree–to–Youyi Building health walk to boost meningitis prevention, early recognition and vaccination ahead of World Meningitis Day (Oct 5). Education Support: ActionAid Sierra Leone backed a new school block at National Islamic Mission School in Up Town Bar, adding three classrooms, toilets and a computer room for 1,300+ learners. Feed Salone Poultry Drive: Agriculture Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka toured major poultry projects in Northern and Northwestern regions, inspecting hatcheries and expanding farms tied to Feed Salone. Ebema Movement Goes Grassroots: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s Ebema Movement launched its structure in Mendewa, Bo District, featuring a women’s football tournament to promote inclusion and empowerment. Ports and Jobs Plan for 2027: SLPHA says its 2027 priorities include port infrastructure upgrades, youth employment, women’s empowerment and trade facilitation to support Feed Salone. EU Aid Freeze Dispute: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Senfeh denied claims the EU “suspended” Sierra Leone, saying budget support delays relate to unmet triggers, while the EU linked a €18m freeze to non-cooperation on a Dutch cocaine trafficker. Legal Challenge to New Districts: The Lawyers’ Society demanded withdrawal of gazetted statutory instruments creating new districts and councils, citing consultation and parliamentary process concerns. Digital Banking Security: SLCB secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system.

EU Aid Freeze: The EU has suspended €18 million of Sierra Leone’s 2026 budget support over the country’s refusal to arrest and extradite Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, with a warning of more funding cuts if non-cooperation continues. Local Governance & Law: The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone is demanding withdrawal of government statutory instruments creating new districts and councils, saying required consultation and parliamentary steps were not followed. Ports & Jobs: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority says it will expand support for the “Big Five Game Changers” agenda, including port infrastructure, youth employment, women’s participation in maritime work, and trade facilitation for Feed Salone. Community Security: Harbour Police in Freetown carried out sensitisation against vandalism and theft of public utilities, warning that attacks on power infrastructure endanger lives and disrupt commerce. Access to Information & Justice: Sierra Leone’s justice sector held a high-level AI, justice and rule-of-law mixer, urging responsible and ethical use of AI to improve access to justice. Digital Banking: SLCB achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system, strengthening protections as digital banking grows.

WAUG Sports: About 50 West African universities, including Sierra Leone’s, have converged on Obafemi Awolowo University for the 2026 West African University Games, with 18 sports over 10 days and more teams expected to arrive. Governance & Accountability: Civil society advocate Valnora Edwin urged Sierra Leoneans to judge elected leaders by performance, not party loyalty, saying governments must be judged on delivery after elections. Community Safety in Freetown: Harbour Police sensitised residents in eastern communities on vandalism and theft of public utilities, warning that damaged EDSA cables and destroyed signage threaten commerce and public safety. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Henry Musa Kpaka toured Tonkolili poultry facilities ahead of Feed Salone’s 3rd anniversary and World Food Day, discussing feed costs, inputs, markets and financing options. EU Aid Freeze: The EU suspended €18m in 2026 budget support over Sierra Leone’s alleged non-cooperation on the extradition of Dutch drug fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, while the Chief Minister said it was a delay tied to unmet triggers, not a suspension. Local Government Restructuring: The Lawyers’ Society demanded withdrawal of gazetted instruments creating new districts and councils, alleging missing consultation and parliamentary steps. Digital Banking Security: SLCB secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system, strengthening protection as banking goes more digital. Access to Justice & AI: The Attorney-General’s Office held a stakeholder mixer on AI, justice and the rule of law, urging responsible, ethical use to improve justice delivery.

EU Aid Freeze: The EU has suspended €18 million in 2026 budget support to Sierra Leone over alleged non-cooperation in the extradition of Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, with a warning of more cuts if delays continue. Local Response: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh’s office says the “suspension” claim is false, pointing instead to procedural trigger delays and a plan to shift unmet conditions to the next cycle. Anti-Corruption & Access to Info: ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala represented Sierra Leone at the ICIC/UNESCO IDUAI forum in Lungi, while the Attorney-General’s Office held a high-level AI, justice and rule-of-law dialogue to improve access to justice. Digital Banking Security: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, strengthening information security for digital banking. Diaspora Awards: Nominations are open for the Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards across multiple categories. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Entrepreneurship support groups began consultations toward a national, member-led association to strengthen the Startup Act process. Health & Education Link: Education Minister Conrad Sackey stressed that hunger undermines learning, launching youth ideas on hunger, climate and poverty. Geohazards Training: Sierra Leone will host its first PanAfGeo training on geohazards and mine environmental management in December.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 4,018 with 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, as weak infrastructure, remote areas and armed-group conflict keep response efforts under pressure, including after a key Ituri transit centre burned and displaced 19,000 people. Education Partnerships: Sierra Leone’s Education Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie joined President Bio in talks with global institutions in Boston, including collaboration discussions with Harvard and MIT to boost education, health innovation and research. Labour Dialogue: The Labour Ministry opened fresh engagement with the Sierra Leone Employers Federation to strengthen implementation of labour laws, including the Employment Act, through the tripartite framework. Justice & AI: The Attorney-General’s Office led a stakeholder mixer on AI, justice and the rule of law with UNESCO and the communications ministry to improve access and efficiency in Sierra Leone’s justice delivery. Procurement Transparency: NPPA and the Budget Advocacy Network signed an MoU to boost public education, civil society participation and accountability in Sierra Leone’s procurement system. Entrepreneurship Support: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations toward forming an independent national association to improve standards and coordination as the Startup Act process advances. EU Aid Freeze: The EU suspended about €18m in budget support to Sierra Leone over alleged non-cooperation with the Netherlands’ extradition request of a suspected cocaine kingpin.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths, with confirmed cases reaching 8,300 across seven provinces, as conflict and weak infrastructure keep response efforts struggling. EU–Sierra Leone Ties: The EU has suspended about €18m in budget support to Sierra Leone over alleged failure to cooperate with the Netherlands’ extradition request for alleged cocaine kingpin Joseph “Jos” Leijdekkers. Local Governance: APC strongman Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara “JFK” has challenged Sierra Leone’s gazetting of new districts and councils, questioning the legal basis and consultation process. Information Integrity: Sierra Leone hosted the ICIC-IDUAI 2026 conference on upholding information integrity, with CAMDL’s Taweh Johnson urging better media and digital literacy to close gaps in West Africa. Education & Food Security: Education Minister Conrad Sackey says hunger directly harms learning, as Sierra Leone launches a youth institute focused on hunger, climate change and poverty solutions. Mining & Safety Training: Sierra Leone will host its first PanAfGeo training on geohazards and mine environmental management from Dec 7–12, 2026. Flood Recovery: Caritas Freetown, with CAFOD support, provided building materials to 40 flood-affected households in the Western Area. Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations have started consultations toward forming an independent national association to strengthen the startup ecosystem.

Education & Food Security: Sierra Leone’s Education Minister Conrad Sackey says hunger directly harms learning, urging youth to turn ideas from the World Food Prize Youth Institute into long-term solutions for food security, climate and poverty. Mining & Disaster Risk: Sierra Leone will host its first PanAfGeo training on geohazards and mine environmental management (Dec 7–12, 2026), building capacity for safer, more sustainable mining and better early preparedness. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Entrepreneurship support organisations begin consultations toward an independent, member-led national association to improve standards, reduce fragmentation and strengthen the Startup Act process. Public Procurement Watch: NPPA and the Budget Advocacy Network sign an MoU to boost transparency, accountability and citizen participation across Sierra Leone’s procurement system, including contract monitoring. Health Systems Upgrade: The Health Ministry visits India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity, including factory testing and maintenance planning. Flood Recovery in Western Area: Caritas Freetown and CAFOD provide building materials to 40 flood-affected households, prioritising vulnerable families and follow-up monitoring. Local Security at the Border: Mano River Division police intensify community-based security talks with Community Safety Volunteers and Local Policing Partnership Boards along the Sierra Leone–Liberia border. Waste Management Education: Central University hosts European partners to advance a proposed Master’s programme in Waste Management and Circular Economy.

ECOWAS Court & women’s rights: A new analysis highlights how the ECOWAS Court’s human-rights mandate has made it a go-to forum for cases on discrimination, violence, marriage, widowhood and domestic violence across West Africa. Entrepreneurship ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations have started consultations to form an independent, member-led national association, aiming to improve standards, reduce fragmentation and strengthen referrals as the Startup Act process moves on. Public procurement reforms: NPPA and the Budget Advocacy Network signed an MoU to boost transparency, accountability and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s procurement system, with focus on contract management and implementation. Flood recovery support: Caritas Freetown, with CAFOD support, provided building materials to 40 flood-affected households in Western Area to help repairs and resilience. Health systems upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity. Local governance changes: Government gazetted new districts—Bandajuma and Kpanguima—and new/reorganised local councils, giving legal effect to the decentralisation push. Community security at border: Police engaged Community Safety Volunteers and Local Policing Partnership Boards in Mano River border communities to improve information-sharing and coordination. Sports—Leone Stars pressure: U-20 media head Hawa Dauda urged SLFA and Government to act over Leone Stars’ recent losses and points dropped. Climate-resilient farming: Danabelsandy launched a community-led project supporting 210 farmers with climate-resilient agriculture approaches.

Local Governance & Flood Recovery: Caritas Freetown, with CAFOD support, delivered building materials to 40 flood-affected households in Western Area to help repairs and boost resilience. Health Systems: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management, maintenance and procurement standards. Public Health & Media: NPHA and partners trained journalists and bloggers on meningitis awareness ahead of World Meningitis Day, pushing accurate public messaging. Waste Management Education: Central University hosted a European delegation to advance a proposed Master’s programme in Waste Management and Circular Economy. Budget & Planning: MoPED presented its Le40.7bn FY2027 budget and 2027–2029 strategic plan to the Ministry of Finance. Decentralisation: Government gazetted new districts (Bandajuma, Kpanguima) and new city councils for Freetown and Lungi. Information Integrity: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th ICIC conference in Lungi to tackle misinformation and strengthen access-to-information governance. Sports (Leone Stars): Former player Musa Kallon urged health and nutrition checks before national duty, while sports journalist Hilton John criticised Leone Stars’ late tactical changes after losses in AFCON qualifiers.

Education Funding Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Education is set to scrap the per-pupil capitation grant and move to a cost-based model that targets real school running costs, location needs, and structural requirements. Local Government Overhaul: The government has gazetted new districts—Bandajuma and Kpanguima—plus new and reorganised local councils and city councils for Freetown and Lungi. Public Transport Scrutiny: Stakeholders are questioning SLPTA’s Waka Fine bus availability, saying far fewer buses are seen on roads than the authority reports, with the SLPTA DG promising more documents. Information Integrity Push: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners in Lungi, calling for stronger cooperation to fight misinformation. Sports—Leone Stars Under Pressure: After losses in AFCON qualifiers, sports journalists and former player Musa Kallon are demanding better health and nutrition checks and earlier tactical changes. Security Budget Request: The Defence Ministry is seeking NLe7.59 billion for 2027 recruitment, border guards, surveillance upgrades, cybersecurity, and military healthcare. Land Administration: A World Bank mission engaged Port Loko communities on land title registration and land governance reforms. Renewables—Solar Waste Plan: Sierra Leone is moving toward its first solar waste management pilot after benchmarking in Spain.

Information Integrity & Civic Space: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in Lungi, bringing together information commissioners and regulators to tackle misinformation and strengthen access-to-information rules, with Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urging stronger information governance and public trust. Public Transport Accountability: SLPTA is under pressure over Waka Fine bus availability, as stakeholders questioned whether reported operational numbers match what commuters see; the SLPTA boss apologized and promised more documentation. Leone Stars Preparation & Tactics: Former player Musa Kallon called for stronger health and nutrition checks before national duty, while sports journalist Hilton John criticized Leone Stars’ late tactical changes after conceding early in the AFCON qualifier. Land Administration Reforms: A World Bank mission engaged Port Loko district and community land governance structures to review progress and challenges in Sierra Leone’s land administration project. Infrastructure Update: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh says feasibility studies for the Lungi Bridge will start in November 2026 with US$1.6m USTDA support. Solar Waste Pilot: Sierra Leone is moving toward its first solar waste management pilot after a Spain benchmarking mission on end-of-life panels and batteries.

Information Access & Civic Space: Sierra Leone’s Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urged stronger international cooperation on access to reliable information as the country hosts the 17th ICIC and UNESCO’s IDUAI commemoration in Lungi, stressing information integrity for public trust. Public Transport Accountability: Stakeholders challenged SLPTA over “Waka Fine” bus availability, saying reported operational numbers don’t match what commuters see; the SLPTA boss apologized and promised more documentation. Solar Waste Push: Sierra Leone moves toward its first solar waste management pilot after a five-day benchmarking mission to Spain on end-of-life panels and batteries, aiming to shift plans into real implementation. Lungi Bridge Progress: Feasibility studies for the Freetown–Lungi Bridge are set to start in November with US$1.6m support from USTDA, including traffic, environmental and social studies. Tourism & Community Life: The Ministry of Tourism held a World Tourism Day health walk in Freetown, while police engaged Morthaim residents to boost community security and information sharing. Sports & Regional Focus: Sierra Leone’s AFCON 2027 group rivals—DR Congo—beat Zimbabwe 2-1, with Yoane Wissa scoring again.

Immunisation Push: Africa’s vaccination coverage is lagging behind population growth and inequities, with outbreaks and funding pressure rising; Africa CDC has launched a 2026-2030 Continental Immunisation Strategy to tackle financing, data systems, community engagement, supply, and emergency readiness. Information Integrity: The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) marked International Day for Universal Access to Information, urging timely, credible public information to fight misinformation and strengthen trust. Electoral Transparency: The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has started regional validation talks in Kenema for its 2025-2029 strategic plan, focusing on transparency, participation, and public confidence. Digital Sovereignty: Communications Minister Salima Monorma Bah says Sierra Leone is building local capacity for digital public infrastructure, citing a national digital ID reaching over 93% of the population and scaling payment and data exchange systems. Health & Safety: Agriculture officials reaffirmed efforts to eliminate rabies deaths by 2030, urging dog vaccination and immediate wound care after bites. Tourism & Community: Tourism Ministry stakeholders joined a World Tourism Day health walk in Freetown, while police engaged Morthaim residents to boost community security and information sharing. Sports: Sierra Leone’s AFCON qualifier vs Equatorial Guinea is set for Yaoundé, as regional qualifiers continue.

Ebola Update: DRC reports Ebola cases have surged past 8,000 with nearly 4,000 deaths, as health officials warn the outbreak is still “not under control” amid conflict and weak systems. AFCON Qualifiers: Leone Stars play Equatorial Guinea today in Yaounde (4:00pm Sierra Leone time) after losing 3-2 to Zimbabwe in their opener. UN Digital Safety: A UN panel hosted by Türkiye in New York urged stronger international standards to protect children from online risks, as AI creates new dangers. Western Area Governance: President Bio reappoints Benjamin Macfoy as NCD Commissioner for another five-year term, tasking him with civic education and electoral awareness. Access to Information: Sierra Leone marks the International Day for Universal Access to Information, with UNESCO-backed focus on information integrity in the digital age. Tourism Tech: The Tourism Ministry soft-launches WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning tool for World Tourism Day 2026. Constitutional Reform: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay outlines proposed changes that could shift Sierra Leone from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation. Sports Venue Prep: Security forces join a major cleaning exercise at Bo Stadium to improve hygiene and readiness for upcoming events.

Constitutional Reform: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay says Sierra Leone’s Constitutional Amendments Bill could shift elections from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation, lower the presidential threshold to 50% plus one vote, require 30% women on party candidate lists, and allow dual citizens to contest parliament and serve in Cabinet. Women & Youth Rights: Gender Minister Isata Mahoi unveils legal reforms to protect women and girls, while Youth Minister Ibrahim Sannoh reiterates a 500,000 jobs push with expanded programmes for 70,000+ youths. Tourism Innovation: The Tourism Ministry soft-launches WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning tool for World Tourism Day 2026. Local Governance & Services: District development coordination reports a 73.28% action-point implementation rate, and Cottage Hospital (Princess Christian Maternity Hospital) receives a rehabilitated 10-bed ward to boost maternal and newborn care. Sports & Community Football: Sports Ministry and NSA thank security forces after a major Bo Stadium cleaning; Western Area Mini-League organizers ask to finish suspended fixtures. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray meets Libya’s FM on climate, peacebuilding, and ICJ candidature support.

Girls’ Education Push: First Lady Fatima Bio, guest of honour at Mandingo culture celebrations in North America, urged Sierra Leoneans to invest in girls’ education, saying it builds leadership and shapes the future. Chieftaincy Election Update: Njaluahun Chiefdom in Kailahun District has confirmed six aspirants for the Paramount Chieftaincy election, with the process overseen under the 2009 Chieftaincy Act by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, ECSL and security officials. Tourism Tech: The Tourism Ministry soft-launched WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning platform, as part of World Tourism Day 2026 activities to modernise how visitors discover Sierra Leone. Sports Facilities & Grassroots Football: Security forces cleaned Bo Stadium ahead of fixtures, while Western Area Mini-League organizers asked the Sports Ministry to let suspended community competitions finish. Health System Strengthening: Cottage Hospital (Princess Christian Maternity Hospital) received an upgraded 10-bed ward to improve maternal and newborn care. Pharmacy Modernisation: Authorities marked World Pharmacists Day by calling for stronger regulation and support for pharmacists as informal medicine sellers continue to operate outside the system. Land Governance: A World Bank team visited Port Loko’s Bakeh Loko Chiefdom to support Sierra Leone’s land title registration pilot under the SLLAP project. Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray met Libya’s foreign minister on climate change, inclusive peacebuilding and ICJ candidature support, including plans for a C-10 meeting hosted by Sierra Leone.