AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh inspected the new Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, ahead of the 19 July ECOWAS Heads of State summit and its 18 July commissioning. Regional Health: WAHO marked its 39th anniversary with a push for stronger ECOWAS cooperation, sustainable funding, tech innovation and better readiness for emerging health threats. Diplomacy: Nigeria presented Letters of Credence to President Julius Maada Bio, reaffirming deeper ties; Bio also received new envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola. Security & City Services: SLCAA announced temporary airport access rules for 17–19 July, while Freetown City Council and police began strict enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign. Public Health Access: WACP (Liberia chapter) held a free specialist medical outreach in New Kru Town, combining consultations, screenings and prevention education. Social Protection: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning it can worsen harm and breach child protection laws. Tech & Connectivity: CSquared added capacity on the 2Africa West cable to strengthen internet resilience across West and Central Africa.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone’s Freetown City Council and the Sierra Leone Police have launched strict joint enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with teams registering households and businesses using approved waste providers and fining offenders 5,000 New Leones or prosecuting them. Airport Access Rules: The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority has announced temporary security and traffic management measures at Freetown International Airport in Lungi for July 17–19, restricting terminal access to passengers with valid documents and authorized staff, while meeters and greeters will be kept out. Digital Public Service Push: Government has launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, starting July 17, to build baseline digital competence across ministries and improve service delivery. Gender & Leadership: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie has been admitted as a Founding Fellow to the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, with the inaugural cohort set for August 3 in Kigali. Child Protection Warning: Authorities are urging the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, saying reposting compounds harm and may breach Sierra Leone’s child protection laws. International Ties: Canada marked its first full Canada Day celebration in Freetown, highlighting development cooperation and defence training gains. Energy Diplomacy: Sierra Leone is among countries gaining momentum in global energy dialogue, with Pakistan joining the International Energy Forum as a new member—alongside Sierra Leone’s earlier inclusion.

Canada–Sierra Leone Ties: Canada marked its first full Canada Day celebration in Freetown, with the High Commissioner and Sierra Leone’s foreign affairs deputy highlighting $18.5m in recent Canadian aid, growing trade, and expanded training for Sierra Leone’s armed forces. Child Protection Online Abuse: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged abuse video, warning reposts deepen harm and may breach child protection laws. Freetown Sanitation Crackdown: The Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police launched strict enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with fines for residents and businesses operating without registered waste service providers. ECOWAS Summit Airport Rules: The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority announced temporary security and traffic measures at Lungi airport for the ECOWAS summit, restricting terminal access while keeping commercial flights running. Digital Skills for Civil Servants: Government launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, with the first cohort starting 17 July to support the country’s digital transformation. Regional Diplomacy: President Bio received credentials from new envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola, reaffirming cooperation across security, culture, agriculture and mining. Women in Political Leadership: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie was admitted as a Founding Fellow to the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali. Local Leadership Updates: Malal Mara Chiefdom installed a new Paramount Chief, Momodu Sheku Kamara (Bailal N’soila III), as communities look to boost agriculture and youth opportunities.

ECOWAS Summit Logistics: Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has announced temporary security and traffic rules at Lungi ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, restricting terminal access to passengers with valid travel documents and authorised staff while keeping commercial flights running. City Cleanliness Crackdown: Freetown City Council and the Sierra Leone Police have launched strict joint enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with offenders facing a NLe 5,000 fine or prosecution. Diplomacy at State House: President Maada Bio received letters of recall and credence from three newly accredited envoys—Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola—reaffirming stronger bilateral and regional cooperation. Digital Government Push: The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation has launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, with the first cohort starting 17 July. Community Development: NaCSA commissioned rehabilitated community projects in Moyamba, including a court, market, school and tap water scheme. Leadership News: Sierra Leone’s Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie was admitted as a founding fellow to the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Rwanda. Tourism & Partnerships: Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis called for deeper cultural and creative collaboration with China during the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Opinion & Governance Debate: New commentaries continue to challenge “orders from above” thinking and warn against moral surrender in public life.

Digital Transformation & Jobs: Sierra Leone launched a Digital Skills Training Programme to equip 1,000 civil servants in its first year, with more cohorts planned under a wider digital skills pipeline. Digital ID & Finance Access: A new report argues Sierra Leone’s digital ID-and-stablecoin push is about getting people into the financial system, not just payments—highlighting low bank account access despite ID numbers. Elections & AI: The Electoral Commission showcased Sierra Leone’s AI-elections strategy abroad, stressing human-centred safeguards, inclusivity and public trust. Youth Wellbeing: A fresh call says mental health must be treated as a development priority, linking stress and trauma to weaker learning and productivity. Governance & Party Politics: Parliament swore in a new Kono MP after the late lawmaker’s passing, while the PPRC ordered the APC to publish constituency candidate lists within 72 hours. Security & Borders: The Internal Affairs Minister urged demilitarisation of Yenga and peaceful, free movement across Mano River Union borders. Environment & Conservation: Tacugama’s work to protect Sierra Leone’s western chimpanzees faces threats from habitat loss and illegal trade. Urban Cooperation: Freetown’s mayor met Canada’s High Commissioner to strengthen ties on waste-to-energy and greener city projects. Airport Fees: Government suspended the $25 airport security fee pending a contract review and special audit.

APC Party Watch: PPRC has ordered the APC to publish full constituency candidate lists within 72 hours, with rules on how unopposed candidates are treated and where elections can’t proceed if ward disputes remain unresolved. Elections & Tech: The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone says an inclusion officer presented the country’s AI-and-elections strategy in India, stressing human-centred safeguards, transparency and public trust. Digital Identity Push: Sierra Leone and Bhutan, with Sign Foundation, signed an MoU to build a secure national digital identity platform, using verifiable credentials and focusing on local capacity transfer. Freetown Climate Cooperation: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met Canada’s High Commissioner to boost cooperation, including waste-to-energy and other sustainable urban projects. Media Reform: CJID called for a journalism rethink across West Africa, urging stronger data skills and regional cooperation, and announced expanded support for environmental and investigative reporting. Economy & Business: Trustco warns investors about delays at Meya Mining, while Sierra Leone’s airport security fee was suspended as government reviews the contract and audit process. Politics & Courts: Parliament swore in a new Kono MP after a late lawmaker’s passing, and a gold fraud case involving Admire Bio was adjourned to July 16. Regional Security: EOCO and INTERPOL stepped up action against trafficking, smuggling and online scams across West and Central Africa.

Energy & Diplomacy: African leaders warned that Middle East tensions have exposed Africa’s heavy dependence on external energy and called for stronger energy sovereignty and early warning systems. Mining & Finance: Trustco cautioned shareholders that delays in Meya Mining’s path to commercial diamond production could materially affect its investment and loan exposure. Roads & Regional Trade: Liberia’s President Boakai submitted a US$30m BADEA loan for the Salayea–Konia Road Project to lawmakers for ratification, aiming to boost connectivity and economic activity. Maritime Security: A Financial Times probe says Taiwan’s ship blacklist includes vessels linked to networks tied to North Korea smuggling, with some ships operating under Sierra Leone flags. Local Governance & Gender: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry engaged Bradford Chiefdom on gender-responsive local governance to improve inclusive service delivery. Parliament & Justice: Parliament swore in a new Kono MP after the late MP’s passing, while Admire Bio’s gold fraud case was adjourned to July 16. Media & Climate: CJID announced expanded support for environmental and investigative journalism across West Africa, including Sierra Leone. Airport Fee Review: Sierra Leone suspended the US$25 airport security fee pending a contract review and audit. ECOWAS Summit: Government says it will spend about US$86m to host the ECOWAS mid-year summit in Lungi, with President Bio commissioning the new ECOWAS complex.

Media & Accountability: CJID says it will expand environmental and climate journalism across West Africa, with specialist training now running in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and also plans to fund investigative reporting and strengthen independent newsrooms. Politics & Elections: The Political Parties Regulation Commission orders the APC to publish full constituency candidate lists within 72 hours and sets rules for unopposed candidates and unresolved disputes. Governance & Public Finance: Parliament’s PAC and the Government Audit Committee discuss how to speed up audit recommendation implementation to improve Sierra Leone’s public financial management. Digital Identity & Finance: Sierra Leone signs an MoU with Bhutan and SIGN Foundation to build a national digital identity platform, while a separate report highlights how stablecoins are pushing countries toward new money access systems. Transport & Urban Safety: SLRA, SLRSA and police launch “Operation Push Back” to clear illegal encroachments on Freetown pedestrian walkways. Security & Borders: Yenga residents remain displaced as security fears delay return home amid the Sierra Leone–Guinea border tensions. Corruption Watch: ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala says he won’t accept blame for any fall in corruption rankings, pointing to recent gains. Regional Spotlight: Sierra Leone will host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Lungi, with government budgeting US$86m plus US$15m from member states. NGO Crackdown: Sierra Leone orders seven NGOs to suspend operations over registration and compliance breaches.

Airport Fees & Fuel Quality: Sierra Leone has suspended the $25 Airport Security Fee at Freetown International Airport while a contract review and special audit are completed, and officials say the move is meant to improve how the fee is collected. Separately, lawmakers are questioning whether poor fuel quality is behind vehicle engine failures, with concerns that sulphur levels are not matching what consumers pay for under pricing formulas. Politics & Justice: Discussions on former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return from Nigeria are reportedly at an advanced stage, with plans that could halt treason proceedings and pave the way for him to come home. Anti-Crime & Immigration: EOCO and INTERPOL have stepped up regional action against trafficking, migrant smuggling and online scams, while the US has published an updated “Worst of the Worst” deportation list naming 26 Sierra Leoneans. Governance & Public Safety: SLRA, SLRSA and police launched “Operation Push Back” to clear illegal encroachments on Freetown pedestrian walkways, and the NPPA rolled out new e-GP modules to boost transparency in procurement. Tech & Tourism: UNDP says UniPod Sierra Leone will launch at Fourah Bay College, and Sierra Leone signed an MoU to pilot an AI tourism branding initiative. Civil Society Crackdown: The government ordered seven NGOs to suspend operations over registration and compliance breaches.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone will host the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government summit in Freetown on 19 July, with a busy run of statutory meetings from 12–17 July and President Bio set to commission the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and ECOWAS Logistics Depot on 18 July. NGO Crackdown: The government has ordered seven NGOs to suspend operations immediately after a review found registration and operational breaches, including failure to maintain a verifiable office in Sierra Leone. Tourism Tech Push: Sierra Leone signed a three-month AI-powered tourism partnership with Passporter Limited to boost destination marketing, trip planning, and tourism data for policy decisions. Innovation for Youth: UNDP says President Bio will launch UniPod Sierra Leone at Fourah Bay College on 9 July, a UNDP-supported hub to help young innovators build and test technology-driven solutions. Public Procurement Upgrade: NPPA launched new e-GP modules for procurement requisitions and bid publication to improve transparency and access to bidding opportunities. Workers’ Pension Worry: CARL-SL urged President Bio to order an independent audit of NASSIT after concerns that workers’ retirement savings are not being protected. Politics at Home: Talks on the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma from Nigeria are at an advanced stage, with plans reportedly involving a nolle prosequi to halt treason prosecution and a parliamentary resolution paving the way for his return. Sports Abroad: Sierra Leone forward Ali Conteh arrived in Sarajevo with Inter Turku ahead of the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier against FK Sarajevo.

Tourism & AI: Sierra Leone has signed a three-month MoU with Passporter Limited to pilot an AI-powered tourism branding and trip-planning platform, aiming to boost destination visibility and generate data for policy. Innovation & Youth Skills: UNDP says President Bio will launch UniPod Sierra Leone at Fourah Bay College on July 9, a new innovation hub for young innovators to build tech-driven solutions. Public Procurement Reform: Sierra Leone’s NPPA has rolled out new e-GP modules for procurement requisitions and bid publication to improve transparency and reduce manual steps. Road Safety Cooperation: The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority and Nigeria’s FRSC signed a five-year MoU covering training, research, data management and enforcement support. Workers’ Pensions Watch: CARL-SL has urged President Bio to order an independent audit of NASSIT investments after concerns they are underperforming. ECOWAS Summit Logistics: Sierra Leone is set to host the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State summit in July, with China donating 15 presidential vehicles to support preparations.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: President Bio will host the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government summit in Sierra Leone on 19 July 2026, with a run of statutory meetings in Freetown from 12–17 July and Bio set to commission the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and ECOWAS Logistics Depot on 18 July. Diaspora Investment Push: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio urged Sierra Leoneans in Canada to invest and stay engaged as she promoted trade, investment and partnerships during events in Edmonton. Workers’ Pensions Under Scrutiny: CARL-SL called on President Bio to order an independent audit of NASSIT after concerns that workers’ retirement savings are not being protected. Public Procurement Digital Shift: Sierra Leone’s NPPA launched new e-GP modules to automate procurement requisitions and publish bids online, aiming to boost transparency and competition. Road Safety Cooperation: Sierra Leone and Nigeria signed a five-year road safety partnership to improve enforcement, training, crash data and public education. Health Watch: WHO and Africa CDC are racing to contain a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda, with a $518m response plan.

China-Sierra Leone ECOWAS Push: China has donated 15 presidential vehicles to Sierra Leone to boost logistics ahead of the 69th ECOWAS summit, with an official handover ceremony expected later. ECOWAS Summit Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio visited Ghana to commiserate with President John Dramani Mahama after the June 29 floods, discussing regional security ahead of the July 12–19 ECOWAS summit in Freetown. Labour Rights Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has begun a three-day workshop to prepare for ratifying six ILO conventions and the UN migrant workers rights convention. AI Skills for Youth: PI-CREF chair Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella urged IPAM students to learn practical skills and use AI to become job creators, linking innovation to energy trade, minerals, agribusiness and digital transformation. Border Trade Resumes: Sierra Leone and Guinea reopened the Yenga border crossing after diplomatic talks, easing hardship caused by a long closure. Energy Access Win: Easy Solar received international recognition after winning a 2026 Ashden Award for its energy-as-a-service work in rural Sierra Leone. Airport Fee Suspension: Sierra Leone temporarily suspended the US$25 airport security fee while reviewing the Securiport contract, raising concerns about possible financial liability.

Border Trade & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone and Guinea have reopened the Yenga border crossing after sustained diplomatic talks, easing the humanitarian and economic strain caused by a closure that began in April 2025. Energy & Jobs: PI-CREF chief Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella urged IPAM students in Freetown to embrace AI and other practical skills to become job creators. Elections & Democracy: ECSL Chairman Edmond Sylvester Alpha leads Sierra Leone’s delegation to an African electoral forum in Egypt focused on diaspora voting. Local Development Watch: Government has cleared the Wusum Field shopping stores project in Makeni to proceed after a review found the football field was not sold. Clean Power Recognition: Easy Solar won a 2026 Ashden Award for its energy innovation partnership expanding “Energy as a Service” in rural Sierra Leone. Public Finance Concern: Sierra Leone suspended the US$25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport while reviewing the Securiport contract and auditing the arrangement. Human Capital & Inclusion: A Pujehun school headmaster urgently appealed for rehabilitation of a deteriorating primary school, while 30 persons with disabilities graduated from a vocational training programme. Digital Payments: Visa says it is expanding Visa Pay across Africa, including Sierra Leone, using a software kit to speed up virtual cards and payment services. Regional Spotlight: Sierra Leone’s aviation market growth was highlighted by World Bank data showing a 23% rise in passenger arrivals in early 2026.

Airport Fees Review: Sierra Leone has suspended the US$25 airport security fee for international passengers at Freetown International Airport, effective July 6, pending a government contract review and an independent special audit, with Securiport (SL) continuing passenger data management during the process. ECOWAS Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh wrapped up high-level engagements in Hamburg, pushing for more flexible financing for small economies and speaking on child nutrition and the wider impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Aviation Growth: Sierra Leone is among West Africa’s fastest-growing aviation markets, recording a 23% year-on-year rise in estimated passenger arrivals in Q1 2026, boosting hopes for tourism and connectivity. Road Safety Push: President Julius Maada Bio called the Makeni–Freetown highway a “death trap” and pledged to start upgrading it into a dual carriageway. Justice Reform Tech: Attorney General Alpha Sesay met UNESCO officials on ethical AI for justice systems, stressing safeguards for due process and human rights. Human Development Watch: Sierra Leone ranked 13th out of 16 West African countries on the latest Human Development Index report, underscoring ongoing health, education and living-standard challenges.

Aviation & Tourism: Sierra Leone posted a 23% year-on-year jump in estimated passenger arrivals in Q1 2026, ranking among the fastest-growing aviation markets in West and Central Africa. Airport Fees: Government suspended the US$25 airport security fee for international passengers at Freetown International Airport, pending a review and independent audit, while saying the contract with Securiport (SL) remains active. Road Safety & Infrastructure: President Julius Maada Bio says the Makeni–Freetown highway is a “death trap” and pledged to start upgrading it to a dual carriageway, with further road improvements planned. Governance & Peace: The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion urged politicians and citizens to uphold national peace and collective responsibility. Justice & Tech: Justice Minister Alpha Sesay met UNESCO officials on ethical AI use to strengthen Sierra Leone’s justice reforms. Health & Skills: NAYCOM and IOM reviewed TVET training for youth reintegration, while African lab professionals from Sierra Leone and others completed JICA-NMIMR infectious disease training. Politics Abroad: SLPP Secretary General Umaru Napoleon Koroma urged party unity as the party inaugurated its Canada region. Human Development: UN-linked data places Sierra Leone among Africa’s lowest life expectancy countries, and a separate HDI ranking puts Sierra Leone 185th globally. Sports Funds: Sports Ministry asked the former NSA executive director to refund money linked to Leone Stars and U-20 AFCON qualification.