AGP Executive Report

Digital Banking Security: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System, effective 30 Sept 2026 to 29 Sept 2029, as it pushes deeper into digital banking. AI for Justice: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda said the judiciary is ready to adopt AI and emerging tech to improve access to justice and legal information, while keeping the rule of law and public trust central. Cyber Fraud Crackdown: Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) warned the public after a cyber intrusion led to fraudulent vehicle licences; five suspects were arrested and citizens were urged to verify documents at official offices. Higher Education Tech Boost: The World Bank donated digital learning materials to EBKUST and two other public universities to expand blended learning and strengthen students’ digital skills. Prosthetics & Research Partnerships: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie met global academic partners in Boston, including Harvard and MIT, highlighting work with MIT on prosthetics and orthotics for Sierra Leone. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations toward a national, member-led association to improve standards and reduce fragmented support. Water & Infrastructure: Guma Valley Water Company restored Freetown’s pipe-borne supply after repairs at the Mile 13 Treatment Plant and a key transmission pipeline. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Danabelsandy launched a climate-resilient agriculture project for 210 farmers, aiming to strengthen rural livelihoods with sustainable practices.

Digital Banking Security: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Limited (SLCB) secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System, valid to 2029, as it pushes deeper into digital services. Transport System Integrity: Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) cracked down after a cyber intrusion led to fraudulent vehicle licences; five suspects were arrested and the public was urged to verify licences at official offices. AI for Justice: The Attorney-General’s Office, with UNESCO and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, held a post-conference mixer on AI, justice and the rule of law, with the Chief Justice urging responsible, human-centred adoption of technology. Higher Education Tech Support: The World Bank donated digital learning materials to EBKUST and two other public universities to expand blended learning and boost students’ digital skills. Water Supply Update: Guma Valley Water Company restored pipe-borne water to Freetown after repairs at the Mile 13 Treatment Plant and a key transmission pipeline. Agriculture & Food Security: The Agriculture Minister toured Tonkolili poultry facilities ahead of Feed Salone and World Food Day, focusing on feed costs, financing and market access. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations to form an independent, member-led national association to strengthen standards and coordination. Diaspora Recognition Call: Nominations are open for the Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards, including categories for innovators, agribusiness, green economy and policy advocates.

Higher Education Partnerships: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education Haja Ramatulai Wurie joined President Bio’s UNGA-linked push, meeting Harvard and MIT to deepen research and innovation ties, including MIT work on prosthetics and orthotics. Digital Learning Boost: The World Bank donated digital educational materials to EBKUST and two other public universities to expand blended learning, research resources, and students’ digital skills. AI for Justice: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General’s Office, with UNESCO and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, hosted a mixer on AI, justice and the rule of law, while Chief Justice Komba Kamanda said the judiciary is ready to use technology responsibly to improve access to legal information. Cybercrime Crackdown: SLRSA says a cyber intrusion led to fraudulent vehicle licences; five suspects were arrested and the public was urged to verify documents at official offices. Water Supply Restored: Guma Valley Water Company resumed pipe-borne water to Freetown after repairs to the Mile 13 treatment plant and a transmission pipeline. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations toward an independent national association to strengthen standards and reduce fragmented support. Health Tech Capacity: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health visited India to improve hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity.

AI for Justice: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda says the Judiciary is ready to embrace AI and emerging tech to improve access to justice, legal information, and case management—while keeping the rule of law and human-centred services at the core. Water & Infrastructure: Guma Valley Water Company restored Freetown’s pipe-borne water after repairs to the Mile 13 treatment plant and an 18-inch transmission pipeline, with supply resuming under the Friday rationing schedule. EU Funding Pressure: The European Commission reportedly suspended aid payments to Sierra Leone over the Bolle Jos extradition dispute, with €18m at stake this year and more funding potentially paused next year. Health Systems Upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity, including factory acceptance testing with Allengers Medical Systems. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations toward an independent, member-led national association to improve standards and reduce fragmented support. Public Procurement Transparency: NPPA and BAN signed an MoU to boost transparency, accountability, and citizen participation across Sierra Leone’s public procurement cycle. Information Integrity: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) to tackle misinformation threats and strengthen access-to-information systems. Climate-Resilient Farming: Danabelsandy launched a community-led climate-resilient agriculture project supporting 210 farmers with locally driven approaches. Security Budget Push: Sierra Leone’s Defence Ministry is seeking NLe7.59bn for 2027 to recruit and train personnel, expand border security, and strengthen cybersecurity and surveillance.

AI & Justice: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda says the Judiciary is ready to embrace AI and emerging tech to improve access to justice, legal information, case management and services—while keeping adoption human-centred and rule-of-law guided. Information Integrity: Sierra Leone hosts the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) with UNESCO, focusing on access to information and tackling misinformation in the digital age; VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh calls for stronger international cooperation on information governance. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support organisations begin consultations toward an independent, member-led national association as the Startup Act process advances, with work on standards for incubators, accelerators and investment-readiness providers. Health Tech & Capacity: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health leads a five-day visit to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering, including factory acceptance testing with a medical systems firm. Solar Waste Pilot: Sierra Leone moves toward its first solar waste management pilot after a Spain benchmarking mission on end-of-life panels, batteries and circular-economy systems. Education Funding Reform: Government plans to scrap per-pupil capitation grants for a cost-based model targeting real running costs and needs of schools across locations. Procurement Transparency: NPPA and BAN sign an MoU to boost public procurement transparency, accountability and citizen participation, including contract management and monitoring. Security & Revenue: NRA Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh urges Customs to intensify domestic revenue mobilisation as he begins an internal tour.

Child Marriage Law: California has signed AB 1267 to set 18 as the minimum age for marriage with no exceptions, ending a loophole that allowed minors to marry with parental consent and court approval. Women’s Rights & Courts: A look at the ECOWAS Court highlights how its human-rights mandate and easier access are shaping rulings on marriage, domestic violence, employment, and education across West Africa. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship support groups are consulting to form an independent, member-led national association to improve standards and reduce fragmented support. Public Procurement Transparency: NPPA and BAN signed an MoU to boost citizen participation, training, and research around Sierra Leone’s procurement reforms, including contract management beyond award. EU Funding Pressure: The European Commission reportedly suspended aid payments to Sierra Leone tied to the Bolle Jos extradition dispute. Health Tech & Equipment: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity. Solar Waste Planning: Sierra Leone is moving toward its first solar waste management pilot after a Spain benchmarking mission on end-of-life panels and batteries. Information Integrity: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners to tackle misinformation and strengthen access-to-information systems. Education Funding Reform: Sierra Leone is considering scrapping per-pupil capitation grants for a cost-based model targeting real running costs and location needs. Security Budget Push: The Defence Ministry seeks NLe7.59 billion for 2027, including recruitment, border guards, C5ISTAR, cybersecurity, and military healthcare upgrades.

Higher Education & Research Partnerships: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh says Harvard University is deepening collaboration with Cabinet on health and education, including work linked to Seed Global’s Triple Zero Campaign and learning-outcome focus. Health Systems & Biomedical Capacity: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management, including factory testing discussions with Allengers Medical Systems. Waste & Circular Economy Training: Central University hosted a European delegation to develop a proposed Master’s programme in Waste Management and Circular Economy, covering curriculum, exchanges, and practical environmental solutions. Digital Governance & Public Trust: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) with UNESCO, pushing stronger information integrity and access-to-information responses to misinformation. Cyber Safety: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr warned her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit funds. Solar Waste Pilot: Sierra Leone is moving toward its first solar waste management pilot after Spain benchmarking on end-of-life panels and batteries. Education Funding Reform: Government plans to scrap per-pupil capitation grants for a cost-based model targeting real running costs and reducing headcount fraud. Food Security Youth Innovation: MAFS and MBSSE convened 16 pupils in Freetown to pitch research-backed solutions through the World Food Prize Youth Institute. Revenue Mobilisation: NRA Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh urged Customs staff to boost domestic revenue as he begins an internal tour.

Education Funding Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Education says it will scrap the per-pupil capitation grant and move to a cost-based model that targets real school running costs, location needs, and structural requirements—aimed at cutting headcount fraud and protecting underfunded schools. Cybersecurity & Scams: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr warns her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit money, urging residents to ignore any messages until a fresh statement. Information Integrity: Sierra Leone hosts the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) with UNESCO and the Right to Access Information Commission, focusing on access-to-information and tackling misinformation in the digital age. Renewables & Circular Economy: Sierra Leone moves toward its first solar waste management pilot after a Spain benchmarking mission on end-of-life solar panels, batteries, and producer-responsibility systems. Food Security Innovation: MAFS and MBSSE bring 16 pupils in Freetown to present ideas for improving food systems and agriculture through the Sierra Leone World Food Prize Youth Institute. Defence & Security Budget: The Defence Ministry seeks NLe7.59 billion for 2027, including recruitment/training, border guards, C5ISTAR and cybersecurity, and upgrades to military healthcare and barracks. Revenue Mobilisation: NRA Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh urges Customs to strengthen domestic revenue collection as he begins an internal tour. Tech for Energy Accountability: Tango Brook expands its digital fuel-management platform to deploy across Sierra Leone and other African markets to reduce fuel leakages and improve spending visibility. Global Health Watch: Coverage continues on Ebola research and outbreak response, including new reporting on experimental vaccine trials and ongoing cases in the DRC.

Information Integrity & Access to Knowledge: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in Lungi, bringing together regulators and stakeholders to tackle misinformation and strengthen public trust through better access to timely, credible information. Digital Safety for Children: At UNGA in New York, a Türkiye-organised panel urged stronger international standards to protect children from online risks as AI advances faster than safeguards. Cybersecurity Warning: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said her WhatsApp account was hacked and her number is being used to solicit money, urging the public to ignore messages until further notice. Solar Waste Planning: Sierra Leone moved toward its first solar waste management pilot after a Spain benchmarking mission on end-of-life panels and batteries, supported by UNOPS and the EU-funded SOGREA project. Ebola Response Tech & Trials: In the DRC, a Phase II trial of NV-387 oral gummies began patient enrollment for Ebola, while global reporting highlights the strain on health systems during the outbreak. Energy Tech for Accountability: Tango Brook expanded its digital fuel-management platform across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, DRC and Zimbabwe to reduce fuel leakages and improve spending visibility. Higher Education Pressure: Sierra Leone’s university lecturers’ strike continues, with economic strain and rising transport costs cited as key drivers.

Defence Industry Watch: Russia showcased a broader defence-industrial push at Africa Aerospace & Defence 2026 in Pretoria, pitching full “lifecycle” support—platforms, weapons, spares, maintenance, training and possible local production—alongside major Rosoboronexport displays. Ebola & Health Systems: New documents and reporting keep spotlighting Ebola vaccine research risks, while a clinician returning from Congo described how limited surveillance and treatment capacity are still straining outbreak response. Information Integrity & Access: Sierra Leone’s VP Juldeh Jalloh opened the ICIC+IDUAI events in Lungi, calling for stronger international cooperation to expand reliable information access and improve information governance. Cyber Safety: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr warned her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit funds, urging residents to verify messages independently. Digital Sovereignty: Sierra Leone linked its digital sovereignty push to local control of digital public infrastructure, citing national digital ID coverage and scaling payment and data exchange systems. Solar Waste Pilot: Sierra Leone moved toward its first solar waste management pilot after a Spain benchmarking mission, aiming to operationalise rules for end-of-life panels and batteries. Higher Education Crisis: A nationwide strike by university academic staff has left classrooms silent, with lecturers citing rising living costs and stalled negotiations. Tech for Accountability: Tango Brook expanded its digital fuel-management platform across Sierra Leone and other African markets to cut fuel leakages and improve spending visibility.

Child Online Safety: A Türkiye-organised UN panel at UNGA 81 urged stronger international rules to protect children from online risks as AI advances faster than safeguards, with first ladies and officials warning children must not be “guinea pigs” for data-driven business models. AI for Justice: UNESCO highlighted how AI in justice can either widen or narrow access gaps, stressing that digital systems must improve knowledge and services without weakening core safeguards. Digital Sovereignty & DPI: Sierra Leone says its digital sovereignty push is moving from policy to delivery, citing a national digital ID covering 93% of people, a scaling payment switch, and a data exchange pilot in finance. Higher Education Tech: Sierra Leone’s higher education ministry outlined plans to expand AI-enabled learning through a World Bank-supported management system, plus support for lecturers’ digital skills. Health Tech Expansion: The health minister spotlighted advanced diagnostics, including a 128-slice CT scanner and mobile ultrasound for maternal care. Tourism Innovation: Sierra Leone’s tourism ministry soft-launched WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning tool, as part of World Tourism Day activities. Energy + Digital Economy: A UNGA roundtable linked electricity, telecoms, 5G and trade to accelerate Sierra Leone’s digital economy. Conservation Restart: Liberia relaunched the €4.7m Taï-Grebo-Krahn conservation project after a long suspension, refocusing on Grebo-Krahn National Park and community livelihoods. Public Info Integrity: SLAJ reaffirmed commitment to universal access to accurate information as Sierra Leone marked International Day for Universal Access to Information. Fuel Tech Growth: Tango Brook expanded its digital fuel-management platform across Sierra Leone and other African markets to cut leakages and improve spending visibility.

Fishing & Nutrition: An Oceana-led peer-reviewed study warns that bottom-trawling vessels remove nutrient-rich fish from West Africa, including Sierra Leone, and says fairer access deals could help millions meet key nutrient needs. Digital Child Safety: A UN panel hosted by Türkiye urged stronger international standards for safer digital systems for children, warning that fast AI advances must not treat kids as “guinea pigs.” Higher Education Tech: Sierra Leone’s higher education ministry says it will expand technology and responsible AI via a World Bank-supported Higher Education Management Information System with AI-assisted learning support. Health Tech Expansion: Health Minister Austin Demby highlights Sierra Leone’s diagnostic upgrades, including a 128-slice CT scanner and mobile ultrasound for maternal care, plus work on an integrated ambulance system. Tourism AI: The Tourism Ministry soft-launched WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning platform, to modernise how visitors discover Sierra Leone. Governance & Delivery: Sierra Leone ministers gained implementation-focused insights at a Columbia University executive seminar, pushing for measurable policy outcomes. Access to Information: On International Day for Universal Access to Information, UN-linked efforts focus on upholding information integrity in the digital age, with UNESCO set to hold a Sierra Leone conference. Pharmacy Modernisation: Sierra Leone’s pharmacy authorities stress digitising professional practice while tackling the continued sale of medicines through informal channels.

Higher Education Digital Reform: Sierra Leone’s Technical and Higher Education Minister says the higher education system will expand AI-enabled learning through a World Bank-backed Higher Education Management Information System, with AI academic support and stronger digital skills for lecturers. Health Services Upgrade: Health Minister Austin Demby highlights expanded diagnostics, including a 128-slice CT scanner at Connaught Public Hospital and mobile ultrasound for hard-to-reach communities, plus work on an integrated national ambulance system. Youth Jobs Push: Youth Minister Ibrahim Sannoh reaffirms a target of 500,000 sustainable jobs for young people, with programmes for 70,000+ youths via cash transfers, skills training and local-language practical training. Tourism Tech: The Tourism Ministry soft-launches WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning platform for World Tourism Day 2026. Digital Economy Link-Up: Sierra Leone convenes ministries and private partners at UNGA to connect energy, telecoms, data infrastructure and trade for digital growth. Pharmacy Modernisation: Pharmacy authorities flag ongoing informal medicine sales as they move to digitise and strengthen regulated pharmacy care.

Higher Education AI Push: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie says the World Bank-backed Higher Education Management Information System will roll out a Learning Management System with AI-assisted academic support, plus digital upskilling for lecturers and dialogue on tertiary staff concerns. Health Tech Expansion: Health Minister Dr Austin Demby highlights advanced diagnostics, including a 128-slice CT scanner at Connaught Public Hospital and mobile ultrasound for maternal care, alongside plans for an integrated national ambulance system. Youth Jobs Drive: Youth Minister Ibrahim Sannoh reiterates the 500,000 sustainable jobs target, with new programmes for 70,000+ youths via cash transfers, skills training and employment in agriculture, climate, tech and entrepreneurship. Open Information Act Pressure: A new analysis warns officials are trying to limit the Official Information Act under election cover, using cost claims as a “Trojan horse” for reduced access. Tourism Gets an AI Assistant: The Tourism Ministry soft-launches WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning tool aligned with World Tourism Day’s digital AI theme. Digital Economy Infrastructure: Sierra Leone uses UNGA week to link energy, telecoms and trade for digital growth, including connectivity, 5G and regional commerce. Pharmacy Modernisation: World Pharmacists Day coverage flags the challenge of informal medicine sales as Sierra Leone pushes a more digitally enabled, professional pharmacy sector. Developer Standards Tool: UNICEF-linked event showcases an AI-assisted DPG Pipeline to help Sierra Leone developers meet Digital Public Goods standards before submission.

Digital Infrastructure & Energy: Sierra Leone used a UNGA side roundtable to link energy, telecoms, data systems and trade—pushing connectivity as a whole digital value chain, with Sierratel’s Africell MVNO model highlighted. Pharmacy Modernisation: World Pharmacists Day spotlighted Sierra Leone’s push for a more professional, digitally enabled pharmacy sector, even as informal medicine sellers keep operating outside regulation. AI for Developers: UNICEF’s UNGA81 event showcased an AI-assisted “DPG Pipeline” to help Sierra Leonean developers meet Digital Public Goods standards before submitting to the registry. Oil & Gas Investment: Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate will pitch offshore upstream opportunities at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, including technical sessions with major operators. Education & Fees: University of Sierra Leone set 2026 graduation dates (24–26 Nov) and fees, with payment due by 13 Nov. Regional Connectivity: Liberia’s LTA urged Mano River Union states to coordinate cross-border digital infrastructure for cheaper, more reliable connectivity.

Digital Health Regulation: Sierra Leone’s pharmacy authorities say informal medicine sellers are still undermining regulated care, with World Pharmacists Day highlighting the need to empower pharmacists and digitise medicine consumption, stock and distribution data. Digital Future Coordination: Three Sierra Leone ministries and private-sector partners met during UNGA week to link energy security, telecoms and data infrastructure—aiming to attract investment across the digital value chain. AI for Developers: UNICEF’s UNGA81 event showcased an AI-assisted “DPG Pipeline” to help Sierra Leonean developers assess and improve digital products against Digital Public Goods standards before registry submission. Conflict Prevention & Early Warning: Sierra Leone’s Peace Commission met NYU’s Center on International Cooperation to strengthen practical conflict prevention, including early-warning and risk identification mechanisms. Energy & Tech Link: Sierra Leone will pitch offshore oil and gas opportunities at African Energy Week 2026, with upstream sessions focused on frontier basin development and investment readiness. Budget Watch: Sierra Leone’s FY2027 budget hearings continued as MoICE presented civic education and strategic communications priorities, alongside capital spending plans.