AGP Executive Report

Designer Fashion: Sierra Leone-born Labrum creative director Foday Dumbuya wins the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026, taking home a £100,000 grant plus mentoring and legal support. Clean Energy & Health: Sierra Leone convenes a National Clean Cooking Strategy workshop in Freetown, pushing cleaner options like LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity to cut deforestation and indoor air pollution. Women’s Rights & Health: Gender Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act, despite executive backing. Child Protection & Education: ChildFund distributes school and baby kits to support re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children, aiming to keep kids in class. Governance & Accountability: ILRAJ demands full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning legal authority and transparency. Sports Development: SLFA launches the second CAF C Diploma Coaching Course in Freetown to expand certified youth and grassroots coaching. Culture & Business: Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience (June 11–14) confirms Sierra Leone exhibitors Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class, spotlighting African creativity and trade. Global Spotlight on Sierra Leone: The U.S. Embassy issues a World Cup travel advisory to Sierra Leoneans, warning against overstaying and stressing I-94 compliance. Religion & Community: Final batch of 262 home-based Hajj pilgrims returns to Freetown, completing Sierra Leone’s 2026 Hajj repatriation.

Townhall Watch: Sierra Leone’s 2026 Presidential Townhall is set for June 30 in Makeni under the “Year of Action” theme, with President Julius Maada Bio expected to engage citizens on the Big Five, the economy, gender empowerment, and ECOWAS/global leadership. Clean Cooking Push: A national clean cooking strategy workshop in Freetown brings officials and partners together to cut firewood/charcoal use, tackle deforestation and indoor air pollution, and scale cleaner options like LPG, improved stoves, biogas and electricity. Child Rights & FGM: The Gender Minister says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act, despite executive support—highlighting ongoing political and cultural resistance. Accountability in Education: ILRAJ demands full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning missing legal instruments and asking for unredacted financial terms. Girls’ Protection Allegations: Anti-FGM campaigner Neneh Rugiatu Turay accuses Chief Minister Sengeh of failing to act on a reported Bondo initiation case involving schoolgirls. Learning Support: ChildFund Sierra Leone distributes school and baby kits to back re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children under KOICA-supported education efforts. Health Milestone: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital reports maternal deaths dropping from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), aiming for near-zero preventable cases by 2026. Tech for Schools: MBSSE explores a partnership with a Chinese firm to bring AI, coding and robotics into classrooms. Hajj Returns: The final batch of 262 home-based Hajj pilgrims arrives in Lungi, completing Sierra Leone’s 2026 Hajj repatriation. Culture & Youth: Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience (June 11–14) confirms Sierra Leone exhibitors, while Liberia’s YPLS Africa cohort opens with young leaders from across the region.

Education & Tech: MBSSE is exploring a partnership with Chinese firm Legden Holdings to bring AI, coding and robotics into Sierra Leone classrooms, aiming to prepare youth for the digital economy. Girls’ Access to School: ChildFund Sierra Leone, with partners, distributed school and baby kits to support re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children under the KOICA-funded education project. Health & Women’s Safety: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital cut maternal deaths from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), a 22% drop, as specialist staffing and partner support strengthen care. Civic Engagement: Government announced the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall on June 30 in Makeni under “Year of Action,” continuing President Bio’s push for direct citizen dialogue. Environment: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to mark World Environment Day and restore degraded forest. Regional Learning: A Guinea delegation visited Sierra Leone’s School Feeding Programme to learn how the homegrown model works on the ground. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia with young leaders from across Africa, including Sierra Leone, focused on ethical governance and democratic renewal. Infrastructure & Events: A new Lungi multi-purpose complex is nearing completion, with a conference centre and hotel expected to boost Sierra Leone’s hosting capacity. Recognition: EBID President Dr George Agyekum Donkor was named recipient of a prestigious African Development Finance leadership award, with a keynote invite in London. Culture & Society: A feature revisits how Sierra Leone music has shaped post-war politics and civic accountability, from anti-corruption songs to “City Life” and everyday governance critique.

World Cup Host Tensions: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears kickoff, reports say Asian and African teams and officials faced visa delays and denials in the US, including Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan being denied entry. Civic Engagement in the North: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information announced the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall will be held June 30 in Makeni under the “Year of Action” theme. Health Gains at PCMH: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital says maternal deaths dropped from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), aiming for near-zero preventable cases by 2026. Education & Skills Push: Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara urged digital education investment and sustainable financing at an Africa digital education round table in Ghana. School Feeding Learning Trip: A Guinea delegation visited Sierra Leone to study the Integrated Homegrown School Feeding Programme. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia with over 50 young leaders, including participants from Sierra Leone. Environment Action: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for World Environment Day.

Cancer Care Boost: Merck Foundation is expanding cancer training across Africa, including Sierra Leone, with scholarships for clinical oncology and pain management to grow the first generation of local oncologists and care teams. Youth Leadership: Over 50 young leaders started the 13th YPLS Africa cohort in Liberia, with Sierra Leone among participating countries, pushing ethical governance and youth-led change. Environment & Community: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day. Health System Focus: Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby urged urgent reforms to end preventable maternal and child deaths, stressing action at community, household and facility levels. Violence Against Children: Sierra Leone’s Salone Development Scorecard reports high physical and sexual assault cases, including child rape, calling out slow progress. Local Governance & Justice: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited imprisoned social commentator Zainab Sheriff, adding fuel to debate over consistency in the application of law. TVET Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education met partners on upgrading TVET to better match labour market needs, especially in agribusiness. Football & Identity: Music and politics in Sierra Leone remain intertwined, with post-war artistes using songs to challenge governance and spotlight everyday life in Freetown.

Ebola Fear vs Reality: A new discussion challenges why Ebola dominates headlines more than everyday killers, urging Sierra Leoneans to focus on practical risk, clear information, and smarter public response. Health Capacity Boost: JICA and Ghana’s Noguchi institute are training Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals in lab skills to strengthen infectious-disease diagnosis. TVET Reform Talks: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is meeting partners to align TVET with jobs, including plans to upgrade an agriculture institute into a Centre of Excellence. Maternal & Child Health Push: At the SLMDA congress in Kenema, Health Minister Austin Demby called for urgent system reform and “Triple-Zero” action to end preventable deaths. Violence Against Children Data: The Salone Development Scorecard reports high physical and sexual assault cases, with domestic violence and child rape figures still alarming. Police Discipline Drive: The Internal Affairs Minister ordered tougher action on police conduct, including checkpoints and extortion, and faster handling of pending cases. Education Integrity: The Basic Education Minister says new legislation will criminalise examination malpractice to protect the value of Sierra Leone’s certificates. FGM/Bondo Debate: Fresh commentary and reactions keep the First Lady’s FGM stance and Sierra Leone’s legal gaps in the spotlight, with calls for consistency and child protection. Freetown Governance & Decay: A new piece argues Freetown’s problems grow from unclear municipal vs central authority, leaving disorder to become “normal.” Infrastructure Financing: Liberia’s US$125m World Bank package for energy, digital integration, and roads is reported as part of wider regional development momentum. Women’s Health Access: Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula rehabilitation outreach to remote communities.

Violence Watch: The Salone Development Scorecard says physical and sexual assault cases remain alarmingly high, with 3,053 reported at Rainbo Centres in 2025 and police recording 15,188 cases involving women and children. Prison Visit & Justice Debate: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited imprisoned social commentator Zainab Sheriff, renewing public questions about consistency in how the law is applied. Women’s Rights in Focus (FGM/Bondo): Fresh debate flares around First Lady Fatima Bio’s FGM-related remarks and her withdrawal from a UK event, while lawmakers and commentators argue over what Sierra Leone’s laws actually cover. Caregiving Support: The “Freetown Caring City Project” is being discussed to back unpaid caregivers—especially women and girls—and reduce SGBV. Health & Dignity: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to strengthen obstetric fistula care, aiming to reach remote communities. Education Integrity: The Basic Education Ministry plans to criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s certificates. Energy for Rural Growth: Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to expand clean power, skills, and entrepreneurship. Sports & Travel Disruption: Visa issues delayed South Africa’s Bafana Bafana World Cup preparations—another reminder of how off-field problems can spill onto the pitch.

FGM Debate & First Lady Fallout: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio has withdrawn from a UK event after concerns over misrepresentation and anti-FGM pressure, reigniting a heated national conversation on women’s rights, Bondo/Sande traditions, and what the law actually protects. Anti-FGM Voices: Multiple opinion pieces argue Sierra Leone must stop using FGM as political leverage, while others insist there’s no national statutory ban for all ages—pointing to gaps and voluntary community MOUs. Women’s Empowerment & Care: The Gender Ministry and Freetown City Council discussed the “Freetown Caring City Project” to support unpaid caregivers, reduce SGBV, and expand services for women and girls. Health & Maternal Care: Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to strengthen obstetric fistula outreach, linking clinical care with social reintegration. Education & Integrity: The Basic Education Ministry announced plans to criminalise examination malpractice, pushing “real success” and credible certificates. Energy for Rural Livelihoods: Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to boost clean power, skills, and entrepreneurship. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF celebrated graduates from Tech 101 and Tech for Kids programmes in Freetown. Climate Reality: A feature highlights how climate change is reshaping everyday life in Sierra Leone, from floods to lost harvests.

Education & Youth Skills: The Education Collaborative’s career services push at Limkokwing University is turning workshop ideas into a full career fair, helping students move from training to real opportunities. Women’s Health & Care: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand long-term obstetric fistula care, including social worker outreach to remote communities. Gender, Culture & Debate: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio remains at the centre of intense FGM/Bondo Society arguments, with fresh commentary defending her stance and others challenging it. Digital Learning: DSTI and UNICEF celebrated graduates of Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Water & Environment: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water security and raising contamination risks. Economy on the Ground: A local opinion piece says hardship is deepening fast, with most workers reporting salaries disappearing before payday. Higher Education Reform: JAMB reaffirmed support for Sierra Leone’s move toward a centralised tertiary admissions system.

Climate & Daily Life: A new report paints a grim picture of how climate change is disrupting everyday life in Sierra Leone, with erratic rains and floods hitting farms and homes hard. Education Integrity: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Ministry says it will criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s certificates. Women & Care Work: The Gender Ministry and Freetown City Council discussed the “Freetown Caring City Project,” focused on supporting unpaid caregivers—especially women and girls—through services, safer spaces, and economic opportunities. Child Rights & Reform: Former Social Welfare minister Sylvia Blyden credits First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s role in Sierra Leone’s child marriage reforms, including UN engagement. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF celebrated graduates of Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply and raising contamination risks. Community Empowerment: CCSL and Christian Aid back women displaced by land conflict in Malen Chiefdom with savings groups and small business support.

Cost of Living Pressure: A new Sierra Leone survey paints a grim picture: 48% report extreme hardship and 33% severe hardship, with over half saying salaries run out before payday and 80% within two weeks. Ebola Watch & Health Safety: With Ebola still a concern in the DRC, health partners are pushing “identify, isolate and inform” safety plans, while scientists say future outbreaks may be blunted by new vaccines. First Lady, Bondo & FGM Debate: Fresh controversy continues around First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s stance on the Bondo Society and FGM, with competing claims about respect for tradition versus child protection. Digital Skills for Youth: DSTI and UNICEF celebrated graduates from Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown, boosting early tech access for children and young people. Water Security in Freetown: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply, with contamination risks rising as catchments shrink. Women’s Economic Support: CCSL and Christian Aid back displaced Malen Chiefdom women through savings and loan groups to restart small businesses. Higher Education Admissions Reform: JAMB reaffirms support for Sierra Leone’s move toward a centralised tertiary admissions system, following stakeholder engagement in Freetown. Culture & Community: World Vision’s “Story of Hope” immersive exhibit launches June 7 at Oxford Shopping Centre, using a Sierra Leone child’s story to spotlight health and clean-water challenges.

Ebola Response & Vaccines: Cafod has launched an emergency fundraising push as the DRC outbreak worsens, while scientists say new Ebola vaccines could blunt the impact of future outbreaks. Health & Education: Sierra Leone’s Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi earned global recognition for healthcare innovation and surgical training, and a Chinese medical team delivered a public academic lecture for Njala University nursing students in Bo. Water & Environment: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply, with contamination risks rising. Women’s Empowerment: CCSL and Christian Aid support Malen Chiefdom women displaced by land conflict through savings and loan groups and small businesses. Higher Education Reform: JAMB reaffirmed support for Sierra Leone’s centralised admissions reform, backing a more transparent, technology-driven system. Rights & Accountability: INCHR urges Liberia’s legislature to pass a war crimes court bill, and a separate call argues Sierra Leone’s civil society activism is weakened without key independent voices. Culture & Community: Jazz & Soca at The Vineyard is set to benefit St Xavier’s Private School, adding a feel-good spotlight on local youth and learning.

Economic Hardship: A new Sierra Leone Telegraph survey paints a grim picture of daily life, with 48% reporting “extreme hardship” and 33% “severe hardship,” as prices, transport, electricity and fuel costs rise faster than incomes. Women’s Livelihoods: CCSL and Christian Aid are supporting women displaced by the Malen Chiefdom land conflict through 21 Village Savings and Loan groups, helping them restart small businesses with lower-interest loans. Justice & Accountability: INCHR urges Sierra Leone’s legislature to pass the War Crimes Court bill, arguing it’s a key step to end impunity and strengthen justice. Healthcare & Training: A Sierra Leonean surgeon, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi, earns global recognition for surgical care and healthcare innovation, while a Chinese medical team delivered a public academic lecture at Njala University to strengthen nursing skills. Digital Transformation: Sierra Leone’s communications minister calls for interoperable regional digital ecosystems, saying digital public infrastructure must become economic infrastructure. Women in Governance: MoGCA pushes stronger women representation through NEWMaP, focusing on coordination, mentorship and decision-making roles. Culture & Youth: Idris Elba is knighted for youth empowerment, and Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio is set to speak at the Global Power Women Forum 2026. Public Safety: The US announces plans to deport 355 West Africans, including Sierra Leoneans named in the list.

Digital Governance: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, says Africa must move from isolated digital public infrastructure projects to interoperable regional digital ecosystems to boost trade, mobility, and trust. Health & Training: A 27th Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture at Njala University, training nursing students on early detection and standardized interventions for common ENT conditions through case simulations. Women’s Empowerment: First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio handed over food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and boost productivity. Education Reform: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials to learn from Rwanda’s integrated digital assessment system, aiming for more transparent, data-driven reforms. Justice & Wellbeing: The Judiciary of Sierra Leone began construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with proper healthcare facilities. Culture & Youth: Idris Elba was knighted by King Charles III for youth-focused work, including his Elba Hope Foundation. Community & Faith: Catholic leaders and civil society groups in Africa are pushing united action against human trafficking, calling it a “wound to humanity.”

Education Reform & University Life: A Sierra Leone student advocate calls for rebuilding “broken systems” in universities, citing disrespectful lecturer-student relations, unfair grading, and overstretched facilities. Health & Skills Development: A Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture at Njala University (Bo Campus), training nursing students on early detection and standardized interventions for common ENT conditions. Power & Everyday Living: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration is boosting electricity supply, with thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and millions gaining access across Sierra Leone and neighbours. Women in Leadership & Agriculture: MoGCA pushes stronger women representation in governance through NEWMaP, while First Lady Fatima Bio donates food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors. Digital Learning & Accountability: Sierra Leone’s education minister studies Rwanda’s digital assessment model to strengthen evidence-based reforms. Sports & Culture: SLFA and FIFA begin a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures. Culture Calendar: The Ministry of Tourism announces the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026). Justice & Wellbeing: Construction starts on Sierra Leone’s first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff health.

Maternal & Child Health: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, calling out gaps across antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and the social pressures that raise risk. Judiciary Care: Freetown’s Main Law Courts saw the sod-turning for the first-ever Judiciary Clinic, meant to support judges, magistrates, and staff with proper treatment spaces and reliable utilities. Migration & Safety: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants intercepted over five days, highlighting the ongoing dangers along the Atlantic route. Drug Enforcement: Liberia’s LDEA reported 233 arrests and 422.08kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, including kush, marijuana, cocaine, and tramadol. Politics & Trust: A CHRDI poll found widespread distrust in Sierra Leone’s two main parties ahead of 2028, with many saying neither can manage economy and national security well. Culture & Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026), with performances, cultural showcases, and youth-focused forums. Education & Tech: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System to improve transparency in tertiary admissions. Sports Development: SLFA and FIFA began a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures, focusing on grassroots and development pathways.