AGP Executive Report

Digital Commerce Regulation: Sierra Leone is moving to close a seven-year legal gap for its electronic transactions framework, with MoCTI and MTI convening banks, telcos, mobile money operators and civil society to turn old laws into workable rules and enforcement. AI Media Cooperation: China and African broadcasters are pushing AI for media production and governance, with Sierra Leone’s information ministry calling for deeper tech collaboration. Energy Access Upgrade: Sungrow has commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, a national-scale grid-connected milestone backed by the World Bank, adding 35MWh storage. Mobile Money Fraud Response: Sierra Leone’s communications ministry and regulators are drafting a roadmap to curb mobile money fraud through tighter coordination across agencies and operators. Anti-Corruption Tech: The Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a faster digital asset declaration system, letting public officials file in under 10 minutes via a mobile short code. Academic Partnerships: University of Sierra Leone-linked IPAM renewed regional ties with AMEU in Liberia to expand exchanges and joint research. Public Finance Transparency: BudgIT marks 15 years, saying its tools have reached 22m citizens across Sierra Leone and other West African countries. Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the second-deadliest on record, with spread described as far faster than earlier Congo outbreaks.

Energy & Grid Resilience: Sungrow has commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, the country’s first major national-scale power generation in nearly a decade, now connected to the grid with 35MWh storage. Digital Governance: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission rolls out a revamped digital asset declaration platform, cutting completion to under 10 minutes and adding a mobile short code. Digital Diplomacy: UNDP equips Sierra Leone’s Foreign Service Academy with technology hardware to boost digital learning and research for future diplomats. Mobile Money Security: The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation convenes a national workshop to map a roadmap against mobile money fraud and cybercrime. Public Finance Transparency: BudgIT marks 15 years, saying its civic-tech tools have reached over 22 million people, including in Sierra Leone. Health Workforce Capacity: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry inspects $3.5m medical training projects in Jui and Lakka to expand in-country training capacity. Regional Tech & Trade Finance: EBID approves $500m+ for projects across Guinea, Ghana and Sierra Leone, including roads, healthcare, renewables and private-sector development. Ebola Watch (Regional): Reports say DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths surpassing the 2018-20 toll.

Energy & Grid Upgrade: Sungrow has commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, the country’s first major national-scale power generation project in nearly a decade, adding 35MWh of storage to support grid reliability. Digital Governance: UNDP equipped Sierra Leone’s Foreign Service Academy with technology hardware to strengthen digital diplomatic training, while the Anti-Corruption Commission rolled out a revamped digital asset declaration platform to cut filing time to under 10 minutes. Mobile Money Security: Sierra Leone’s communications ministry and regulators convened a national workshop to map a roadmap against mobile money fraud and cybercrime. Public Finance Tech: BudgIT says its civic-tech tools have reached over 22 million citizens, including in Sierra Leone, by simplifying budget tracking and project monitoring. Regional Development Finance: EBID approved more than $500m for projects across Guinea, Ghana and Sierra Leone, targeting roads, healthcare, renewables and private-sector growth. Health Workforce Expansion: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry inspected $3.5m medical training projects in Jui and Lakka to boost in-country capacity. Currency Watch: A report lists Sierra Leone’s leone among Africa’s weakest currencies, with over 22,000 units needed for $1.

Mobile Money Security: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, with the National Communications Authority, convened a two-day workshop to build a national roadmap against mobile money fraud, bringing together regulators, operators, law enforcement, civil society and cybersecurity bodies. Anti-Corruption Tech: The Anti-Corruption Commission rolled out a revamped digital asset declaration platform, cutting completion to under 10 minutes and adding a mobile short code for easier access ahead of the 2026 exercise. Public Finance Transparency: BudgIT marked 15 years, saying its civic-tech tools have reached 22m people across Sierra Leone and other countries by simplifying budgets and tracking public spending. Health & Research: A Phase II trial of NV-387 oral gummies for Ebola (Bundibugyo) is expected to begin soon in DR Congo, with a local principal investigator appointed. Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in its history, with 2,325 deaths and 4,945 confirmed cases reported. Education & Workforce: Health Ministry officials inspected $3.5m medical training projects in Freetown (Jui and Lakka) to expand in-country training capacity. Regional Skills Governance: ECOWAS ran a TVET capacity-building workshop in Conakry to improve management, quality and governance across member states. Higher Education Funding: Calls are growing for stronger government support for private universities, arguing they share national human-capital goals.

Higher Education Labor: UASA has issued a 21-day strike notice to Sierra Leone’s government over non-implementation of reviewed Conditions of Service for public tertiary academics and a demand for a 100% salary increase. Public Finance Tech: BudgIT says its fiscal transparency work has reached over 22 million citizens, using tools like Tracka and GovSpend to help people follow budgets and project spending across Sierra Leone and other countries. Health Training Upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry inspected $3.5m medical training projects in Jui and Lakka, including a new Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences expected to expand capacity for 1,000+ students. Civic-Tech & Youth Online: A UNICEF/GSMA U-Report poll on young people’s digital experiences drew 211,300 responses across 119 countries, including questions on AI use and what youth want from government. Ebola Watch (Regional): DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths reported at 2,325 and cases at 4,945. Governance & Party Infrastructure: SLPP chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa visited Kenema to push completion of the party’s Eastern Regional Headquarters ahead of 2028 elections.

Health Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry inspected $3.5m medical training works in Jui and Lakka, including a new Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at COMAHS expected to expand capacity to 1,000+ students with labs and a 350-seat auditorium. Civic-Tech & Transparency: BudgIT marks its 15th anniversary, saying its tools for tracking budgets and spending have reached 22m people across Sierra Leone and other West African countries. Education Policy: Baze University’s VC, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, urged government support for private universities and more TETFund backing, arguing private schools face heavy costs beyond “profit-making.” Digital Youth Voices: A UNICEF/GSMA U-Report poll collected 211,300 responses in 119 countries on life online, including how often young people use AI. Regional Skills & TVET: ECOWAS ran a TVET capacity workshop in Conakry to improve management, governance, and employability across member states. Public Health Shock (Region): DRC Ebola deaths hit 2,325 and confirmed cases 4,945, with the outbreak now the second-deadliest on record and the deadliest in DRC history.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in its history, with confirmed deaths rising to 2,325 and cases reaching 4,945; officials warn the fatality rate has climbed sharply as more patients are detected late in communities. Public Finance Tech: BudgIT Foundation says its fiscal transparency tools have reached more than 22 million citizens across Africa, including Sierra Leone, helping people track budgets and spending. Cybersecurity & Scams: Orange Sierra Leone launched a new scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious calls and report phishing and mobile money fraud. Education & Skills: ECOWAS trained TVET stakeholders in Conakry to strengthen how technical and vocational education is managed, aiming for better employability and governance. Agriculture Digital Support: Sierra Leone’s Agriculture Ministry is upgrading an IVR platform so farmers can reach officials directly, cutting communication costs and speeding up problem reporting. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone was ranked as having Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff, highlighting pressure on household budgets. Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone is preparing bankable projects for WAIIS 2026 to attract financing and create jobs. University Updates: University of Sierra Leone announced 2026 graduation dates for FBC, IPAM and COMAHS.

Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths, now the deadliest in the country’s history, with health systems struggling to keep up and fears of wider spread. Cyber & Disinformation: Sierra Leone’s parliament is pushing cybersecurity and anti-fake-news measures, warning that AI-driven misinformation and cyberattacks can disrupt democratic institutions. Digital Fraud Response: Orange Sierra Leone launched a new scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious calls/messages and report mobile money scams. Agriculture Tech: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an Agricultural IVR platform so farmers can reach officials faster and more cheaply, with development work reportedly 98% complete. Energy Cost Pressure: Sierra Leone tops a regional ranking for expensive residential electricity tariffs, highlighting how household power costs remain a major burden. Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone is preparing bankable projects for WAIIS 2026 to attract financing and create jobs, with emphasis on commercial viability and coordination. Critical Minerals & Lithium: A new report warns that lithium extraction in the Sahel is increasingly entangled with conflict and smuggling—raising risks for the wider region’s stability and supply chains.

Lithium & Conflict in the Sahel: A new report warns that the rush for lithium supply in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Nigeria is increasingly entangled with insurgency and cross-border smuggling, driven by weak governance. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone tops an African comparison for residential electricity prices, with households paying about 22.8 US cents per kWh—raising pressure on already stretched families. Constitutional Tech & Governance: Sierra Leone’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill dispute is headed to the Supreme Court over what “two-thirds of MPs” means for passage, with ILRAJ raising red flags about how the threshold was applied. Ebola Watch (Regional): WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is moving faster than any previous one and could become the deadliest on record; WHO also recommends a Phase III trial of an Ebola vaccine for Bundibugyo virus. Cyber & Fraud Tools: Orange Sierra Leone launches a scam alert and fraud reporting platform, while Parliament pushes cybersecurity and anti-disinformation measures through CPA Africa. Agriculture Digital Access: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an IVR platform so farmers can reach officials faster and cheaper, supporting the Feed Salone Agenda. Education Tech Expansion: Sierra Leone targets 751 tech-enabled schools, adding 278 in six months and planning 203 more by year-end. Investment Pipeline: Sierra Leone steps up project preparation for WAIIS 2026, aiming for bankable, investor-ready proposals. Mining & Minerals: De Beers is reportedly up for sale amid pressure from lab-grown diamonds, reviving scrutiny of conflict-diamond legacies tied to Sierra Leone’s civil war.

Ebola Watch: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is moving faster than any previous one, with confirmed cases now around 4,449 and deaths above 2,000, as conflict and strained health services make containment harder. Vaccine Update: WHO recommends a Phase III trial of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo for protection against Bundibugyo virus, aiming to speed up safe, effective options for the current outbreak. UK Aid Cuts: Britain plans steep reductions in bilateral aid to Sierra Leone, cutting expected support from £16m (2025–26) to £5m (2027–28), raising alarms for health and public services. Investment Push: Sierra Leone is preparing bankable projects for WAIIS 2026 (16–18 Nov) to attract major financing, with MoPED stressing commercial viability and better coordination. Agri Tech for Farmers: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an Agricultural IVR system to connect farmers with officials, cutting rural communication costs and flagging grassroots challenges. Digital Education: Sierra Leone targets 751 tech-enabled schools, adding 203 more after launching 278 in six months. Cybersecurity & Disinfo: Sierra Leone’s parliament urges stronger cyber defenses and anti-disinformation measures at CPA Africa in Malawi. Fraud Protection: Orange Sierra Leone launches a scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify and report phishing and mobile money scams. Mining & Minerals: Rabotec targets its first fully-owned gold mine within five years, with a West Africa portfolio nearing $1.8bn including Sierra Leone. Energy & EV Tech: ELEKTROS continues promoting Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and EV charging plans amid AI and electrification investment trends.

UK Aid Cuts: Britain plans to cut bilateral development assistance to Sierra Leone sharply, with bilateral aid dropping from £16m (2025–26) to £5m (2027–28), raising alarms for health services and other public programmes. WAIIS 2026 Investment Push: Sierra Leone is preparing “bankable” projects for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, aiming for commercially viable deals and better coordination across ministries. Digital Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an Agricultural IVR platform so farmers can reach officials faster and cheaper, with development work reported at 98%. Education Tech Expansion: Sierra Leone targets 751 tech-enabled schools, adding 278 in six months, with a focus on local ownership and curriculum-aligned learning. Cybersecurity & Fraud Tools: Orange Sierra Leone launches a scam alert and fraud reporting tool, while Parliament leaders urge stronger cybersecurity and anti-disinformation measures across Africa. Ebola Update (Region): Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with DRC confirmed cases reported around 4,449 and deaths around 2,061; WHO also recommends a Phase III vaccine trial for Bundibugyo. Energy & Minerals (ELEKTROS): ELEKTROS continues pitching Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and EV charging tech, tying the strategy to AI-driven power and storage demand. University Dates: University of Sierra Leone sets 2026 graduation dates for FBC, IPAM and COMAHS (Nov 24–26). Labour Compliance: Labour Ministry engages recruitment agencies to improve compliance with Sierra Leone’s employment laws and ILO private agency standards.

University of Sierra Leone: USL has set its 2026 graduation dates for Fourah Bay College, IPAM and COMAHS, with ceremonies running Nov 24–26 and fees ranging from Le2,500 to Le6,500 depending on level. Cyber & Fraud Safety: Orange Sierra Leone launched a new scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious numbers and report phishing and mobile money scams, while the National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre urged people to “stop, think and verify” before sharing sensitive info. Agriculture Tech for Farmers: The Ministry of Agriculture is upgrading an Agricultural IVR system so farmers can reach officials directly, cutting communication costs and helping identify grassroots challenges. Digital Education Expansion: Sierra Leone is scaling digital learning, adding 278 tech-enabled schools in six months and targeting 751 by year-end, with a push for locally owned platforms. Health & Ebola Watch: WHO recommended a Phase III trial of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo for Bundibugyo virus, as Central Africa’s outbreak continues to surge. Energy & Power Access: A new report warns mini-grids may not be the full answer for universal electrification, as tech and funding realities shift. Road Safety Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s road safety authority is seeking deeper technical ties with Nigeria under a five-year FRSC partnership.

Education & Conflict-Zone Learning: CSEA and partners urged stronger government ownership, innovative financing and cross-country collaboration to tackle West Africa’s education crisis, highlighting Sierra Leone’s Accelerated Education Programmes as a workable model. Ebola Update (Central Africa): Africa CDC and WHO report Ebola in the DRC has surged to about 4,000+ confirmed cases and 2,000+ deaths, with WHO recommending a Phase III trial of the Ervebo vaccine for Bundibugyo. Cybersecurity & Scams: Sierra Leone Parliament pushed cybersecurity and disinformation warnings to CPA Africa in Malawi, while the National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre urged “stop, think and verify” against mobile fraud. Digital Agriculture: Sierra Leone’s Agriculture Ministry is upgrading an IVR system to connect farmers directly with officials and cut rural communication costs. Mobile Money Fraud Tool: Orange Sierra Leone launched a scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify and report phishing, impersonation and mobile money scams. Energy & Power Reliability: EDSA announced a planned outage to support integration works for the NANT power project, aiming to improve grid stability. Road Safety Cooperation: SLRSA seeks deeper technical ties with Nigeria’s FRSC to strengthen road safety systems and crash data sharing. STEM & Skills: MTHE announced fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leoneans, and youth-focused programmes continue to expand digital and employability training. Governance Watch: ILRAJ raised constitutional concerns over Parliament’s handling of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, and fact-checkers flagged misleading claims about amendments already being approved.

Employment Compliance: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security met private recruitment agencies to close compliance gaps under ILO Convention 181 and the Employment Regulations 2023, with labour leaders urging agencies to follow the Employment Act 2023 and protect workers’ rights. EV & Lithium Investor Push: ELEKTROS kept spotlighting Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and U.S. EV charging technology, tying its strategy to AI, data centers, electrification and energy-storage demand. Border Tech & Security: NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, where “intelligent border management” featured biometrics, digital identity and document checks from regional tech partners. Road Safety Cooperation: SLRSA sought deeper technical support from Nigeria’s FRSC model under a renewed five-year cooperation framework to cut crashes and strengthen crash data and enforcement. Digital Education: Sierra Leone is scaling digital learning, adding 278 tech-enabled schools in six months and targeting 751 by year-end. Cyber Safety: The National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre warned citizens to “stop, think and verify” to avoid mobile scams and WhatsApp code theft. Power Works: EDSA scheduled a planned outage for NANT power integration, with line conversion from overhead to underground feeder connections. Ebola Watch (Region): DRC Ebola deaths crossed 2,000 as cases surged, with health officials citing delayed detection, conflict and strained services.

Critical Minerals & EV Charging: ELEKTROS says U.S. investment in AI, data centers and electrification is boosting demand for electricity and energy storage, and it is positioning its Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium and U.S. EV charging patent for the next wave of growth. Border Tech & Identity: Sierra Leone’s NACSA is taking part in West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, focused on “intelligent border management” with biometrics, identity verification and digital security partners. Road Safety Cooperation: SLRSA met Nigeria’s envoy to deepen ties under a five-year MoU with FRSC, targeting crash data, enforcement and public education. Digital Education Expansion: Sierra Leone is pushing digital learning, adding 278 tech-enabled schools in six months and aiming for 751 by year-end. Scholarships for Tech & Research: MTHE announced fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leoneans to study Master’s and PhD in the UK. Cyber Safety Warning: The National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre urges “stop, think and verify” to avoid mobile scams and WhatsApp hijacking. Health Watch (Regional): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,400 cases, with officials citing delayed detection, conflict and strained health services. Constitutional Process Debate: ILRAJ raises constitutional red flags over Parliament’s handling of the 1991 Constitution amendment bill threshold.

EV & Critical Minerals Push: ELEKTROS (ELEK) says U.S. market momentum around AI, data centers, electrification and energy storage is boosting investor interest in its Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium plans and its U.S. EV charging patent. Digital Education Expansion: Sierra Leone is scaling tech-enabled learning, launching 278 digital schools in six months and targeting 203 more to reach 751 by year-end, with a focus on community ownership and curriculum-aligned platforms. Constitutional & Governance Watch: ILRAJ warns Parliament’s handling of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill may have breached the 1991 Constitution’s voting threshold rules, urging clarity on procedure. Cyber Safety: Sierra Leone’s National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre urges “stop, think and verify” to curb mobile scams and WhatsApp account takeovers. Energy Access Debate: A new analysis argues mini-grids may not be the full answer for Africa’s electrification goals, citing funding and technology shifts. Health Crisis Regionally: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,400 cases, described as the fastest-spreading on record. Scholarships: MTHE announces fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships for eligible Sierra Leoneans to study in the UK.