AGP Executive Report

Water Stress Watch: A new global map shows how hard countries are drawing down freshwater—Kuwait tops the list at 3,850% water stress, while the U.S. sits at 28.2%; the report warns that when withdrawals outpace renewable supply, communities increasingly rely on groundwater depletion or desalination, with climate shifts and rising demand making the gap worse. Safe Water Capacity: SALWACO completed water quality training in Makeni to build staff skills in monitoring, testing and quality assurance—aimed at improving delivery of safe drinking water as the utility pushes institutional reforms. Flood Solidarity & Climate Risk: ECOWAS chair Julius Maada Bio visited Ghana to offer condolences after devastating floods, stressing that West Africa faces shared climate threats and needs stronger disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure and better urban planning. Corruption Prevention in Sport: UNODC, Sierra Leone’s ACC and the Ministry of Sport launched a three-day Corruption Risk Management workshop in Freetown to help the ministry identify vulnerabilities and build integrity systems. Road Safety Cooperation: FRSC signed a five-year MoU with Sierra Leone’s Road Safety Authority to strengthen cross-border road safety work, including data-driven policy and enforcement. Public Safety Oversight: NDMA carried out site inspections in Freetown targeting illegal coastal encroachment and hazardous developments, including unauthorised petrol station construction. Justice Support: A Freetown lawyer donated three electric light bulbs to Magistrate Court No. 8 to improve courtroom lighting for proceedings. Water Safety Reminder: A drowning investigation continues after a jet ski incident at Long Pond in Lakeville, where a victim was found later; officials say she was not wearing a life jacket.

Water Safety & Capacity: SALWACO completed water quality training for staff in Makeni, equipping trainers to strengthen safe drinking water monitoring and quality assurance. Public Health Logistics: A Sierra Leone-linked study using machine learning to forecast medicine demand and allocation reported improved access after a pilot in five districts. Disaster Risk & Environment: NDMA carried out site inspections in Freetown to stop illegal coastal and right-of-way developments, flagging environmental encroachment and public safety risks. Regional Integration & Jobs: President Bio urged ECOWAS leaders to deliver results for citizens—jobs, democracy, integration and peace—at the commissioning of the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja. Forensics & Crime Control: Sierra Leone’s IGP commissioned a Transnational Organised Crime Unit forensic lab in Hastings to boost scientific investigations and prosecutions. Waste & Clean Cities: Freetown City Council launched a house-to-house campaign to improve waste collection services. Climate & Resilience: Sierra Leone’s PDL expressed solidarity with Ghana after deadly floods, calling for stronger resilience as extreme weather worsens. Road Safety: FRSC and Sierra Leone’s Road Safety Authority signed a five-year MoU to deepen cross-border road safety cooperation. Food Security Procurement: WFP invited women-led enterprises to manage a Makeni food processing facility for fortified complementary foods using climate-smart approaches. Extreme Heat Awareness: Coverage highlighted how extreme heat is endangering vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and babies. Community Security (Context): A commentary interview discussed how insecurity can spread from northern mining sites to other regions, stressing community-based solutions.

ECOWAS Push for Results: Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio urged West African leaders to move beyond promises and deliver jobs, democracy and peace as the China-aided new ECOWAS headquarters was commissioned in Abuja. Regional Integration Meets Climate Reality: ECOWAS leaders and Tinubu framed the “Eye of Africa” as a push for industrialisation and a shift from importing to producing—while warning that climate change and food insecurity remain major threats. Sierra Leone Waste & Safety: Freetown City Council begins a door-to-door drive to register households for formal waste collection, with fines for dirty frontages, as NDMA also inspected coastal and right-of-way encroachments tied to petrol-station risks. Cleaner Growth & Jobs: Nigeria’s green transition plans got a boost with ILO/FG/France Phase II just-transition work aimed at green jobs and worker protection—relevant to the region’s low-carbon push. Food Security Tender: WFP opened an expression of interest for a women-led enterprise to run a Makeni food-processing facility using climate-smart approaches for infant nutrition. Police Forensics Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police commissioned a Transnational Organised Crime Unit forensic lab in Hastings to strengthen investigations and prosecutions. AfCFTA Recognition: Sierra Leone received continental praise for AfCFTA implementation progress, including tariff gazetting and a readiness assessment model. Extreme Heat & Health Tech: A Sierra Leone-linked machine-learning project improved medicine allocation in pilot districts, while broader reporting highlights how extreme heat hits the poorest hardest.

Disaster Risk & Safety: NDMA carried out site inspections across Freetown to stop illegal developments and environmental encroachment, including unauthorised coastal construction linked to a petrol station, and moved to investigate cleared right-of-way activity. Waste & Urban Sanitation: Freetown City Council launches a door-to-door push next week to register households and businesses for formal waste collection, warning non-compliance could bring fines up to five million leones. Police Reform & Safeguards: UNDP opened public feedback on the Environmental and Social Management Plan for its project supporting the Sierra Leone Police transition to a Police Service, with a 30 July deadline for comments. Climate-Resilient Food Systems: Food Systems Resilience Program donated 15 tablets to NDMA to strengthen disaster data collection, early warning, and food crisis decision-making. Youth Climate Action: Youth Climate Action Accelerator closed its project in Freetown, urging young groups to keep scaling mangrove, recycling, renewable energy and other community climate solutions. Health & Access Tech: A machine-learning tool in Sierra Leone improved medicine allocation in pilot districts, boosting consumption of allocated products by 19%. Women-Led Enterprise for Nutrition: WFP invited expressions of interest from women-led enterprises to manage a food processing facility in Makeni for fortified complementary foods under an EU-funded infant nutrition project.

Regional Integration & Climate Risk: President Bola Tinubu commissioned the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, calling it the “Eye of Africa” and urging West Africa to shift from a regional market to a regional production base—while warning that terrorism, food insecurity, climate change and public health risks still threaten progress. Sierra Leone in the Spotlight: President Julius Maada Bio arrived in Abuja ahead of the ECOWAS commissioning, underscoring Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional solidarity. Urban Sanitation: Freetown City Council launches a door-to-door drive to register households and businesses for formal waste collection, with fines for dirty frontages—aimed at improving environmental sanitation as informal settlements expand. Disaster Preparedness: UNDP Sierra Leone invites public feedback on its Environmental and Social Management Plan for supporting the transition of the Sierra Leone Police to a Police Service, including safeguards and grievance mechanisms. Flood Impacts Across West Africa: Sierra Leone’s PDL expressed solidarity with Ghana after deadly floods in Accra, stressing the need for resilient, safer living as the climate crisis worsens. Extreme Heat & Women’s Livelihoods: A new report highlights how extreme heat is draining city economies and hitting women workers hardest, with Freetown included among modeled cities.

Extreme Heat & Livelihoods: A new HERA report, Counting the Cost of Heat, models heat impacts in cities including Freetown, finding heat can drain 4–8% of city GDP and hit women in informal work hardest, with losses estimated at $57bn in earnings globally. Urban Waste & Sanitation: Freetown City Council launches a house-to-house registration drive to boost formal waste collection, warning property owners to clean frontages or face fines up to five million leones. Disaster Risk & Early Warning: NDMA receives 15 tablets from the Food Systems Resilience Program to strengthen data collection and early warning for disaster preparedness and food crisis management. Climate Finance & Global South Voice: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh pushes for fair, grant-based climate finance and lower capital costs for climate-vulnerable countries at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. Environmental Governance: UNDP opens public feedback on an Environmental and Social Management Plan for transitioning the Sierra Leone Police to a modern police service, with submissions due 30 July. Water Disaster Spillover: Sierra Leone’s PDL expresses solidarity with Ghana after deadly floods in Accra, stressing resilience as climate risks grow. Palm Oil Sustainability: RSPO warns Africa’s palm oil expansion must avoid repeating Asia’s deforestation and social harms, urging sustainability at every step. Renewables for Learning: EBKUST commissions a solar electrification project, aiming for reliable, greener power for classrooms and labs. Community Climate Action: Youth Climate Action Accelerator closes with a push for young people to keep scaling local climate solutions. Water Safety Tragedy: Authorities identify a jet ski drowning victim in Massachusetts; the case highlights the need for life jackets and safer boating practices.

Flood Relief in Ghana: Sierra Leone’s PDL voiced solidarity with Ghana after deadly floods in Accra killed at least 13 people, urging fair, fast humanitarian support and warning more rain could worsen conditions. Extreme Heat and Women’s Livelihoods: A new HERA report, “Counting the Cost of Heat,” says extreme heat is already cutting city economies by 4–8% of GDP and hitting women in informal work hardest, with global earnings losses estimated at $57bn a year. Heat, Health, and City Planning: The same report highlights rising heat as a growing public health threat and calls for urgent city solutions to protect workers and reduce heat-related deaths. Disaster Preparedness Support: Sierra Leone’s NDMA received 15 tablets from the Food Systems Resilience Program to strengthen disaster data collection and early warning for food crisis prevention. Youth Climate Action Wrap-Up: The Youth Climate Action Accelerator closed in Freetown with a push for young people to keep expanding climate and recycling, mangrove and renewable-energy initiatives. Environmental Rights Push: The ERA coalition launched 20-country environmental rights case studies to assess how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Power Sector and Reliability: UK-funded support with EDSA aims to improve electricity tracking, billing and payments—targeting losses and weak governance that undermine reliable power. Renewables for Education: EBKUST commissioned a university-wide solar electrification project to cut power disruptions and support greener, dependable learning and research. Global South Climate Finance: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh urged fairer climate finance in Hamburg, warning debt costs crowd out clean energy, health and education. Palm Oil Sustainability Warning: RSPO urged African governments and producers to keep sustainability central as palm oil expands, warning against environmental and social harm. Oil Exploration Move: Sierra Leone granted offshore exploration rights for four blocks to Nigeria’s Marginal Energy, as the country seeks renewed investor interest in upstream oil and gas.

Extreme Heat and Health Costs: A new HERA report launched at London Climate Action Week warns extreme heat is already draining city economies (up to 4–8% of GDP) and overwhelming health systems, with women in informal work hit hardest—Freetown is included in the modeled cities. Disaster Preparedness Boost: FSRP handed NDMA 15 tablets to strengthen disaster data collection, early warning, and evidence-based decisions for food crisis prevention and management in Sierra Leone. Renewable Power for Learning: EBKUST commissioned a university-wide solar electrification project, promising more reliable power for classrooms, labs, libraries, and admin—cutting dependence on conventional electricity. Water Access in Freetown: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, part of the city’s push to expand clean, reliable water to underserved communities. Digital Inclusion: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone signed an MoU to create a Digital Inclusion Training Centre, equipping 150 persons with disabilities with digital skills for jobs and entrepreneurship. Youth Climate Action: The Youth Climate Action Accelerator wrapped up with a call for young people to keep expanding climate initiatives, showcasing mangrove, recycling, renewable energy, and eco-tourism projects. Energy Finance for Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone secured US$60m World Bank funding to boost rural electrification and economic growth, aiming to improve access and reliability. Skills-to-Work Push: Education Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie urged reforms that link education directly with industry needs, so young people can transition into dignified employment. Environmental Journalism Fellowship: Sierra Leone’s Solomon Gumah was selected for a CJID environmental storytelling fellowship focused on strengthening reporting and protecting environmental journalists across West Africa.

Extreme Heat’s Toll on Sierra Leone: A new HERA report, “Counting the Cost of Heat,” says extreme heat is already cutting city economies by 4–8% of GDP and killing more than 1,000 people a year, with women in informal work losing about $57bn globally—Freetown is included in the modelling. Climate Finance Push: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urged fair, predictable climate funding for the Global South at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, warning debt burdens are crowding out clean energy and resilience. Power Sector Upgrade: UK-supported work with EDSA aims to improve how electricity is tracked, billed, and paid for—targeting losses and weak data systems to make Sierra Leone’s power supply more reliable. Solar for Higher Education: The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education commissioned EBKUST’s university-wide solar electrification project to cut reliance on conventional power and keep teaching and research running. Clean Water in Freetown: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, part of the city’s push to expand safe water access in underserved communities. Oil Exploration Move: Sierra Leone granted exploration rights for four offshore oil blocks to Nigeria’s Marginal Energy as it seeks to revive investor interest in upstream activity. Sustainability in Palm Oil: RSPO urged African stakeholders to keep sustainability central as palm oil expands across the continent. Health Facility Sanitation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide monthly cleaning drive for hospitals and health centres, starting in Kono. Environmental Awareness Walk: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura joined a tree-planting walk to promote nature protection and climate action, ending at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Maritime Education Leadership: Sierra Leone’s transport minister took over RMU chancellorship, while RMU graduation news highlighted continued training for the blue economy.

Extreme Heat and Women’s Livelihoods: A new report launched at London Climate Action Week warns extreme heat is already cutting city economies by 4%–8% of GDP, killing over 1,000 people a year, and hitting women hardest—especially those working in the informal sector—while urging urgent, affordable city solutions. Clean Energy Push for Sierra Leone: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access using clean, distributed renewables like solar home systems and mini-grids, aiming to reach over 1.2 million people and about 24,000 businesses, especially in rural and underserved areas. Safe Water in Freetown: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, part of the city’s drive to expand access to clean, reliable water through community-based infrastructure. Wildlife Trade Spotlight: A feature on chimpanzees at Kenya’s Sweetwaters Sanctuary shows how global wildlife trade and conflict-era trauma can echo into animal welfare and conservation work. Palm Oil Sustainability Call: RSPO urged African governments and investors to keep sustainability central as palm oil production expands, warning growth must not come at the cost of people or the environment. Environmental Stewardship in Sierra Leone: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura joined an Environmental Awareness Walk 2026 to plant trees and push nature-based climate action. Media Capacity for Climate-Era Reporting: The U.S. Embassy trained provincial journalists in Bo on digital journalism, AI use, audience engagement, and monetization—skills that can strengthen local reporting on environment and climate impacts.

Clean Energy Finance: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through distributed renewable power (solar home systems and mini-grids), aiming to reach 1.2m people and 24,000 businesses and unlock more private investment. Extreme Heat Costs: A new London Climate Action Week report warns extreme heat is already cutting city economies by 4–8% of GDP and hitting women in informal work hardest, with Freetown included among the modeled cities. Water Access in Freetown: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, part of the city’s push to improve clean water access in underserved areas. Oil Exploration Push: Sierra Leone granted exploration rights for four offshore oil blocks to Nigeria’s Marginal Energy as the country seeks fresh investor interest. Palm Oil Sustainability: RSPO urged African governments and investors to keep sustainability central as palm oil production expands across the continent. Maritime Training Boost: Sierra Leone’s transport leadership links to regional maritime capacity as RMU graduation news highlights continued skills-building for the blue economy. Environmental Action: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura joined an Environmental Awareness Walk 2026 that included tree planting at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Media Skills: The U.S. Embassy completed digital journalism and AI training for provincial journalists in Bo, strengthening local reporting capacity. Governance & Innovation: Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Sengeh met UN Global Compact leadership ahead of GABI 2026 to shape Africa’s innovation and investment agenda.

Clean Power Push: The World Bank has approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through distributed renewable energy under the DARES/“Mission 300” plan, aiming to reach over 1.2 million people and about 24,000 businesses with solar home systems and mini-grids, especially in rural and underserved areas. Safe Water in Freetown: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, part of the city’s drive to improve clean water access in communities facing shortages. Health & Sanitation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide monthly cleaning exercise for hospitals and health centres, starting in Koidu, to improve hygiene and patient care conditions. Climate & Heat Costs: A new global report on extreme heat highlights major economic losses for cities and says informal-sector women lose an estimated $57bn in earnings yearly, with modelling that includes Freetown. Environmental Stewardship: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura joined an Environmental Awareness Walk 2026, planting tree species at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and urging climate action inspired by nature. Maritime Security: The EU donated two new RHIB patrol boats and forensic kits to Sierra Leone’s navy to strengthen maritime patrols, anti-piracy work, and efforts against illegal fishing and trafficking.

Renewable Power Push: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through clean, distributed renewable energy under the DARES/DARES-style push, targeting solar home systems and mini-grids to reach rural and underserved communities and power more than 1.2 million people. Coastal Rights Under Pressure: Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission, with partners, held talks on protecting coastal fishing communities, warning that environmental degradation and weak governance are now a human rights issue affecting food, health, education, and clean environment, with concerns including child labour and discrimination. Freetown Water Upgrade: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, part of the city’s drive to improve safe water access in underserved areas under her “Transform Freetown” agenda. Heat Costs for Cities: A new global report using Freetown as a case study says extreme heat already cuts city GDP and hits women in informal work hardest, calling for urgent city-level solutions. Maritime Security Boost: The EU donated two RHIBs and forensic kits to Sierra Leone’s Navy to strengthen patrols against piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. Health Facility Cleanliness: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry launched a nationwide monthly cleaning exercise for hospitals and health centres, starting in Koidu, to improve sanitation and patient care conditions. Environmental Awareness Walk: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura joined an Environmental Awareness Walk 2026 to plant trees and urge climate action aligned with World Environment Day themes.

Renewable Energy Boost: The World Bank has approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through distributed renewable power under the DARES/“Mission 300” push, targeting solar home systems, mini-grids and other off-grid solutions for rural and underserved communities. Clean Water in Freetown: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, part of the city’s drive to improve access to safe drinking water in communities facing shortages. Climate Action in the Streets: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura joined hundreds for the Environmental Awareness Walk 2026, ending at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary with tree planting and a push for nature-based climate action. Health Facility Sanitation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide monthly cleaning exercise for hospitals and health centres, starting at Koidu Government Hospital, with partners supporting improved hygiene and patient care. Coastal Rights for Fishers: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, with Danish support, held talks on protecting coastal fishing communities as environmental degradation and weak governance threaten livelihoods and rights. Extreme Heat Warning: A new report launched in London highlights how extreme heat is already cutting city economies and hitting women in informal work hardest, using Freetown as one of the modeled cities. Maritime Security Upgrade: The EU donated two RHIBs and forensic kits to Sierra Leone’s navy to strengthen patrols against illegal fishing and other maritime crimes.

Renewable Power Boost: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through solar home systems, mini-grids and other off-grid renewables, aiming to reach over 1.2 million people and about 24,000 businesses, with extra private investment expected. Local Climate Leadership: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr pushed cities’ role in climate solutions at London Climate Action Week, including talks on urban resilience and women-led green innovation, plus meetings focused on cleaner air for Freetonians. Heat and Women’s Livelihoods: A new report launched in London warns extreme heat is already cutting city economies and hitting informal-sector women hardest, using Freetown as one of the modeled cities. Coastal Rights Under Pressure: Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission, with partners, held talks on protecting coastal fishing communities as environmental degradation and weak governance threaten food, health, education and clean environments. Maritime Security for the Blue Economy: The EU donated RHIBs and forensic kits to Sierra Leone’s navy to strengthen patrols against illegal fishing and trafficking. Education Financing for Resilience: UNICEF and the government wrapped a workshop on blended financing for education, aiming to protect learning from climate-related shocks. Business Skills for Sustainable Growth: Felei TechCity and partners trained 30 experts across nine districts to support entrepreneurs with practical business development skills.

Renewable Power Push: The World Bank has approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through clean, distributed renewables—solar home systems and mini-grids—aimed at reaching rural and underserved communities, with plans to mobilize more private investment and power millions. Coastal Rights Under Pressure: Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission warns that worsening environmental degradation and weak governance are undermining coastal fishing communities’ livelihoods, with gaps in fisheries law awareness, coordination, and discrimination against small-scale fishers. Maritime Security for a Healthier Blue Economy: The EU has donated two new RHIB patrol boats and forensic kits to Sierra Leone’s Navy to strengthen surveillance against illegal fishing and trafficking along the coast. Heat Hits the Vulnerable: A new report using Freetown data flags extreme heat as a growing economic threat, hitting women in informal work hardest and draining city productivity. Energy Compact Momentum: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy links the financing to Mission 300 and the National Energy Compact, stressing faster off-grid rollout where grid extension is difficult. Sports Infrastructure Watch: Parliament’s sports committee inspected rehabilitation at Siaka Stevens National Stadium, including drainage upgrades and new floodlights, as contractors continue work.