AGP Executive Report

Governance & Tech Procurement: ILRAJ has demanded full disclosure on Sierra Leone’s Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning the legal basis and asking for unredacted financial terms and documents tied to a reported partnership. Education & AI: MBSSE is exploring a partnership with China’s Legden Holdings (Lenovo) to bring AI, coding and robotics into Sierra Leone classrooms, aiming to boost youth readiness for the digital economy. Clean Cooking Roadmap: Sierra Leone convened a national workshop to push implementation of its clean cooking strategy, targeting reduced firewood/charcoal use, lower emissions, better air quality and cleaner cooking options like LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity. Connectivity & Broadband Growth: While coverage is broader than Sierra Leone, regional telecom updates highlight the push for fibre expansion and service quality—useful context for Sierra Leone’s own internet access push. Cybersecurity Talent: Sierra Leone teams are among those competing in an ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, building practical defenses against ransomware and other cyber threats. Road Project Oversight: NPPA and SLRA jointly monitored feeder road construction sites in western Freetown, checking materials, specifications and timelines to strengthen accountability.

Digital Education Push: Sierra Leone’s MBSSE is exploring a partnership with Chinese firm Legden Holdings to bring AI, coding and robotics into classrooms, aiming to boost youth readiness for the digital economy. Road Project Oversight: NPPA and SLRA jointly monitored feeder road works in western Freetown, checking progress, material quality and compliance to strengthen accountability. Infectious Disease Capacity: JICA and Ghana’s Noguchi Institute are training healthcare professionals from Sierra Leone and other African countries in modern lab skills to improve diagnosis and outbreak response. Public Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s Health Travel Portal was launched at Freetown International Airport to streamline health checks for travellers. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone marked the 2014 Ebola outbreak and reiterated safety plans to identify, isolate and inform as preparedness ramps up. Crime & Security: A major cocaine route from Sierra Leone to Europe is under scrutiny after a record seizure off the Canary Islands, with reports pointing to repeat trafficking patterns. Education & Skills: Deputy Minister Aziz-Kamara called for dedicated digital investment funds to scale digital learning and skills across Africa. Community Health Needs: Pujehun residents urged a mortuary facility to reduce the burden of transporting bodies for preservation.

Digital Education Funding: Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, urged Africa to set up dedicated digital investment funds to scale digital learning and skills development, calling for financing that supports infrastructure, platforms and locally relevant content. Health Tech at Borders: The Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect travellers’ health information digitally, streamline screening and share entry requirements. Telecom Growth: Sierra Leone’s communications minister says the sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with more districts connected to the fibre backbone, improved service quality and steps toward 5G. Ebola Preparedness & Lab Capacity: Sierra Leone continues preparedness after past Ebola impacts, while JICA and NMIMR are training biomedical staff from Sierra Leone and other countries to strengthen infectious-disease diagnostics and lab management. Public Safety & Care Support: Pujehun residents pushed for a mortuary facility, and Freetown’s “Caring City” project discussions focused on support for unpaid caregivers, especially women and girls. Tech Skills for Youth: DSTI and UNICEF-backed programmes saw graduates from Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy training at the DSTI Digital Learning Hub.

Ebola Preparedness & Health Tech: Sierra Leone launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health checks for arrivals and departures, boosting border health security with a centralised digital system. Infectious Disease Capacity: JICA and Ghana’s Noguchi Memorial Institute trained biomedical lab staff from Sierra Leone and other African countries in modern virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and lab quality practices. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes at the DSTI Digital Learning Hub in Freetown. Telecom Growth: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with fibre backbone coverage expanding and 5G introduced to improve digital access. Public Safety & Social Services: The “Freetown Caring City Project” aims to support unpaid caregivers—especially women and girls—while tackling access gaps in healthcare, education, and protection from violence. Health Equity Debate: A new opinion piece argues the world failed to invest in Ebola vaccines early enough, leaving outbreaks like Bundibugyo ebolavirus without licensed tools. Wildlife Enforcement: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales, arresting suspects and pointing to wider trafficking routes across West Africa.

Ebola & Public Health Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ebola legacy is back in focus as authorities strengthen readiness amid renewed cases in the DRC, while global coverage continues to debate how to screen travellers and protect borders during major events like the World Cup. Digital Health at Borders: Sierra Leone launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect travellers’ health information and streamline entry and exit screening. Lab Capacity for Infectious Diseases: JICA and Ghana’s Noguchi Institute are training healthcare professionals from Sierra Leone and other African countries in modern lab skills, including virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and biosafety. TVET Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held strategic talks on TVET reform, aiming to align training with labour market needs and upgrade agriculture-focused technical training. Telecom & Connectivity: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with more districts connected to the fibre backbone and improvements in coverage and service quality. Women’s Care & Safety: The “Freetown Caring City Project” is moving forward with plans to support unpaid caregivers, expand access to services, and reduce violence against women and girls. Crime & Accountability: A Sierra Leone Development Scorecard report says progress on reducing physical and sexual assault has been limited, with thousands of cases reported in 2025. Education & Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Critical Minerals: Sierra Leone joined global dialogue on rare earths and critical minerals at SPIEF 2026, stressing responsible governance and local value addition.

Caring City for Women: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry and the Freetown City Council are pushing the “Freetown Caring City Project” to support unpaid caregivers, improve access to health and welfare services, and reduce sexual and gender-based violence. Public Health at Borders: The Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect travellers’ health documents and streamline screening. Digital Skills Push: DSTI and UNICEF held a graduation for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes at the DSTI Digital Learning Hub in Freetown. Telecom Investment: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with fibre backbone coverage, service-quality gains, and 5G rollout highlighted. Ebola Preparedness Memory: Sierra Leone marked the 2014 Ebola legacy as authorities strengthen readiness for renewed regional threats, alongside safety planning and travel-health measures. Safety and Justice Tech: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission projects including a modern forensic lab and upgrades to improve public safety and investigation capacity. Health Data Accountability: A Salone Development Scorecard report says progress on reducing physical and sexual assault is slow, with thousands of cases recorded in 2025. Science and Minerals: Sierra Leone joined global dialogue on critical minerals and rare earths at SPIEF 2026, focusing on local value addition and transparent supply chains.

Telecom Boost: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has pulled in over $400m since 2021, with 14/16 districts linked to the national fibre backbone, coverage up 90%, and service quality up 88%, plus 5G rollout. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held a graduation for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids at the DSTI Digital Learning Hub, pushing foundational digital learning for youth and children. Health at Borders: The Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health checks and travel updates. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone is strengthening readiness as DRC Ebola cases evolve, with safety planning and lessons from the 2014–2015 outbreak still shaping response. Agriculture Tech: Sierra Leone showcased its Feed Salone Agenda at a China dialogue, highlighting an e-voucher system for inputs and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry with IVR/call support. Public Safety Tech: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission projects including a new divisional HQ at Masingbi and a modern forensic lab at TOCU. Critical Minerals: Sierra Leone joined SPIEF 2026 discussions on rare earths and critical minerals, stressing local content and value addition.

Telecom Investment Boost: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has pulled in over $400 million since 2021, with 14 of 16 districts now on the national fibre backbone, coverage up 90%, and service quality improving by 88%, plus 5G rollout plans. Digital Skills Push: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids at the DSTI Digital Learning Hub, expanding age-appropriate digital training in Freetown. Health at Borders: The Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to centralise travellers’ health submissions and streamline screening and updates. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone is strengthening readiness tied to Ebola activity in the DRC, with safety planning and lessons from the 2014 outbreak still shaping response efforts. Agriculture Tech for Resilience: Sierra Leone showcased its Feed Salone Agenda in China, including an e-voucher system for inputs and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry to support climate-smart farming. Public Safety Upgrades: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission projects including a new forensic lab and upgrades to Masingbi Police Station to improve investigations and response times. Critical Minerals Dialogue: Sierra Leone joined global talks on rare earths and critical minerals at SPIEF 2026, stressing local value addition and transparent supply chains.

Mpox Diagnostics Breakthrough: A Nature Communications study reports a portable CRISPR-based assay for Mpox detection, built for fast, on-site testing—an approach shaped by lessons from Sierra Leone’s recent outbreak. Climate Impacts on Daily Life: A new report highlights how shifting rains and floods are already disrupting farming and hydropower-dependent livelihoods, with Sierra Leone flagged among the most climate-vulnerable economies. Biodiversity Warning: Scientists argue protected parks alone won’t save Africa’s wildlife, urging conservation that also protects community-managed lands beyond park borders. Telecom Investment Boost: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with major gains in fibre coverage, network reach, service quality, and 5G rollout plans. Digital Health at the Airport: The Health Ministry and NPHA launch a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline entry and departure health checks. Ebola Preparedness Focus: Sierra Leone continues strengthening preparedness as Ebola cases evolve in the region, with safety and screening measures emphasized. Digital Skills for Youth: DSTI and UNICEF graduate participants from Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Critical Minerals Dialogue: Sierra Leone joins global talks on rare earths and critical minerals at SPIEF 2026, pushing for local value addition and stronger supply-chain cooperation. Public Safety Upgrades: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission projects including a new divisional HQ at Masingbi and a modern forensic lab at TOCU. Agriculture Tech Push: The Feed Salone Agenda is showcased abroad, including digital input distribution via an E-Voucher system and a geo-tagged farmers registry.

Telecom Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry says over $400m has been invested in telecom since 2021, with 14/16 districts on the national fibre backbone, 90% coverage growth, 88% service-quality gains, and 5G rollout plans. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids at the DSTI Digital Learning Hub, pushing early digital literacy for youth and children. Health Tech at Borders: The Health Ministry and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect entry/exit health documents and streamline screening. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone marks the 2014–2015 Ebola legacy as authorities strengthen “identify, isolate and inform” safety plans amid renewed DRC risk. Caregiving Support: The Gender Ministry and FCC partner on the Freetown Caring City Project to back unpaid women caregivers with healthcare, education, welfare services, safe spaces, and economic opportunities. Education Admissions Reform: JAMB pledges support for Sierra Leone’s centralised admissions system, sharing Nigeria’s technology-driven approach. Infrastructure Watch: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi.

Education Tech Reform: JAMB says it will support Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to build a transparent, technology-driven Centralised Admissions System (CAS) after a study visit to Nigeria’s admissions framework. Agriculture Digitalisation: Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Agenda was showcased in China, with plans including an E-Voucher system for seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry plus IVR/call-centre support. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police will commission three projects—upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ, launching a modern forensic lab at TOCU, and expanding policing infrastructure and capacity. Healthcare Innovation: Surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi gained global recognition for surgical care and medical education work in resource-constrained settings. Ebola Preparedness (Regional): Kenya activated enhanced Ebola surveillance and screening as the Bundibugyo strain evolves across Uganda and DRC. Digital Public Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s communications minister argues Africa should move from isolated DPI projects to interoperable regional digital ecosystems. Right to Information: A new West Africa study highlights strong RTI laws but persistent access gaps for citizens and media in Sierra Leone and neighbours. Electricity Access: The World Bank reports West Africa power integration is expanding electricity access and cross-border trade, including Sierra Leone.

Agritech Digitalisation in Sierra Leone: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security used a WFP China dialogue to spotlight the Feed Salone Agenda, including an E-Voucher system for seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry with IVR and a call centre to improve delivery and transparency. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police say three projects are set for commissioning this month—upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling a modern forensic laboratory at TOCU to strengthen investigations with scientific methods. Healthcare Innovation Recognition: Surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi was featured internationally for surgical care and medical education work, including system-strengthening efforts like supporting accreditation and social health insurance development. Regional Digital Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s ICT minister urged African countries to move from standalone digital public infrastructure to interoperable regional ecosystems that can support trade, cross-border services, and digital trust. Cybersecurity Skills Push: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Cyber Circuit University Edition to train students in securing Sierra Leone’s digital future. Ebola Watch (Regional): As the Bundibugyo Ebola strain evolves in Uganda and the DRC, regional health systems are ramping up surveillance and testing, with public guidance on accessing Ebola information. Electricity Access (West Africa): A World Bank-backed power programme reports major gains in transmission links, cross-border electricity trade, and electricity access for millions across West Africa.

Agriculture Digitalisation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security used a high-level WFP China dialogue to reaffirm its Feed Salone Agenda, spotlighting an e-voucher system for subsidised seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry with IVR and a call centre to improve targeting and transparency. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police say three major projects will be commissioned this month, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling the first modern forensic laboratory at TOCU to strengthen investigations. Healthcare Innovation: Surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi earned global recognition for surgical care and healthcare innovation in resource-constrained settings, including work supporting accreditation and social health insurance. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya activated enhanced surveillance and border screening as the Bundibugyo Ebola strain evolves in the region, with isolation centres on standby and public guidance via *719# / 719. Digital Governance: Sierra Leone’s ICT minister urged African countries to move from standalone digital public infrastructure projects to interoperable regional digital ecosystems that can support trade, finance, mobility and trust. Electricity Access: The World Bank reported major progress in West Africa’s power integration, citing thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and electricity access for over three million people across the region. Cyber Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit for university students to build cybersecurity capacity. Right to Information: Transparency International chapters launched a West Africa RTI research report assessing access-to-information laws and implementation gaps in Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone. Newborn Survival Push: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister called for stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, urging better antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Education Reform via Data: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials to learn from Rwanda’s integrated digital assessment ecosystem for real-time learning and exam integrity. Community Tech Services: Orange Foundation and Sierra Leone’s ICT ministry launched the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City, starting construction of a school and hospital and donating learning materials.

Right to Information Research: Transparency International’s West Africa study checks how RTI laws are working in Liberia, Ghana, Togo, and Sierra Leone—strong legal rules, but real access problems for citizens, journalists, and civil society. Health Workforce Training: A Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture for nursing students at Njala University (Bo), focusing on early detection and standard nursing responses for common ENT conditions, with case simulations and a plan for continued education support. Education Reform & Digital Learning: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials in Kigali to learn from Rwanda’s digital assessment system, aiming to strengthen evidence-based reforms and improve accountability in exams and student progress. Public Accountability Tech: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in real time, using independent research and verified data. Digital Inclusion in Bo: Orange Foundation and Sierra Leone’s ICT ministry began the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City (Bo) with plans for a local school and hospital plus digital growth support. Newborn Survival Push: The gender minister urged stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, citing gaps in antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and calling for better collaboration across partners and health workers.

Digital Public Infrastructure & Identity: African delegations met in Estonia to discuss DPI partnerships, focusing on digital identity, interoperability, and how cross-border cooperation can speed up national digital transformation. Higher Education Tech Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is moving ahead with a Cabinet-approved Centralized Admissions System, with Nigeria’s JAMB pledging technical support after a stakeholder visit. Cybersecurity Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK launched the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition to train students in securing Sierra Leone’s digital future. Maternal & Newborn Health: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care to cut preventable newborn deaths, citing child marriage and harmful practices as key barriers. Accountability for Development: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in near real time. Drug Enforcement (Regional): Liberia’s LDEA reported 233 arrests and over 422kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, including Kush, marijuana, cocaine, and tramadol.

Digital Skills & Cybersecurity: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition in Freetown, training students to secure Sierra Leone’s digital future. Public Accountability Tech: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in real time, aiming to close the gap between government promises and lived results. Education & Community Tech: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launched the Orange Village project at Felei-Tech City in Bo District, starting construction of a school and hospital to boost access to services and local digital growth. Higher Education Admissions Reform: JAMB pledged technical support to Sierra Leone for a technology-driven Centralized Admissions System, following Cabinet approval for the reform. Business Digitisation: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT deal for an Online Business Registration System to modernise company registration and improve transparency. Public Health Alert: WHO-linked reporting highlights Ebola risks in Central Africa as travel concerns rise, with Sierra Leone mentioned in the wider outbreak context. Governance & Leadership: PYPP held the 2026 Emerging Public Leaders Alumni Network forum in Monrovia, bringing together young public servants from across West Africa. Security & Crime: Liberia’s LDEA reported a sharp drop in drug seizures in Q1 2026, while Sierra Leone news also flagged a Port Loko murder case with arrests in Lungi.