ECOWAS ECO Currency Push: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans to launch a single “ECO” currency in 2027, with a phased rollout for countries meeting inflation, debt and monetary stability criteria—while key questions remain on the central bank and whether CFA-using states join early. African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Milestone: West African leaders signed the intergovernmental agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in Sierra Leone, aiming to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually across 13 countries toward Morocco and onward to Europe—an energy-security and regional-integration step that still stops short of a final investment decision. Sierra Leone ECOWAS Parliament Oversight: Sierra Leone’s ECOWAS Parliament delegation tabled the 2026 First Ordinary Session report, highlighting the bloc’s focus on integration, democratic governance, peace, security and sustainable development. Western Chimpanzee Conservation: Tacugama’s work to protect Sierra Leone’s western chimpanzees faces mounting pressure from habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and climate change, with community livelihood support helping reduce forest dependence. Water Sector Reform: Sierra Leone’s SALWACO Act review reached a key milestone after technical working group consensus on reforms to modernise governance and improve service delivery, moving next to stakeholder validation and government approval. Road Safety Commitment: Sierra Leone’s Road Safety Authority reaffirmed support for a UN global road safety push to halve deaths and serious injuries by 2030.