AGP Executive Report

Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation, encroachment and settlement growth in Freetown’s catchments are threatening water supply, increasing contamination and flood risk. Public Health & Climate: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with African countries dominating the worst rankings—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps and climate pressures. Maternal Health: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle (with Iceland’s embassy) to expand obstetric fistula care, including reaching remote communities with social support for survivors. Disease Preparedness: After Sierra Leone’s 2025 mpox outbreak, researchers report a portable CRISPR-based assay for faster field detection—aimed at improving outbreak containment where labs are limited. Biodiversity: Scientists caution that protected parks alone won’t save Africa’s biodiversity, arguing wildlife often depends on community-managed land outside reserves. Energy & Development: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector attracted over $400m since 2021, boosting fibre coverage and service quality—while a separate regional solar milestone shows how cheaper clean power can cut costs. Food Systems: Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic tools to strengthen border surveillance at key entry points, targeting pests and contamination that threaten food security.

Food Security & Border Control: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema, aiming for faster detection of pests, contamination and illegal activity. Water & Forests: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation and encroachment in Freetown’s catchments are threatening water security, with rising contamination and higher treatment costs. Energy & Climate Resilience: The World Bank reports West Africa’s regional power programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people and boosted cross-border power trade, with thousands of kilometres of transmission lines built. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF celebrated graduates of Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Critical Minerals: Sierra Leone joined global dialogue on rare earths and critical minerals at SPIEF 2026, pushing for local value addition and stronger supply-chain cooperation. Ebola Preparedness: UK health authorities issued an NHS alert urging PPE checks and isolation readiness as Ebola cases rise in DRC and Uganda. Electric Mobility Debate: A Sierra Leone EV youth transport pilot is welcomed, but electricity reliability and road conditions are flagged as key risks.

Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation and encroachment are degrading Freetown’s catchments, raising contamination risks and threatening long-term water supply. Electric Mobility: Sierra Leone’s youth EV pilot gets a reality check: without reliable electricity, skills, oversight, and road-ready vehicles, the 50 electric cars could sit idle. Critical Minerals: Sierra Leone joins global rare earth and critical minerals talks at SPIEF 2026, pushing for local value addition, skills transfer, and transparent supply chains. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF graduate participants from Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Ebola Preparedness: Cafod launches an emergency fundraising push as the DRC outbreak worsens, scaling community surveillance, handwashing, hygiene kits and PPE. Ebola Alert (UK): UK health services issue an Ebola readiness warning to hospitals and clinics, urging PPE checks and isolation preparedness. Electricity Access (Regional): A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme reports expanded access and cross-border trade, with thousands of kilometres of transmission lines built. Governance & Delivery: A call is made for climate action to move beyond pledges toward practical delivery systems that communities can feel. Rare Earth Cooperation: Sierra Leone signals interest in working with Russia on rare earth minerals after earlier cooperation steps. Youth Football: SLFA welcomes new Leone Stars head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa and reiterates grassroots youth development plans.

Climate Delivery Gap: A new commentary argues climate policy is stuck on big pledges while the real work is aligning daily incentives with practical delivery for communities already hit by floods, droughts, and pollution. Freetown Water Under Threat: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation, encroachment, and settlement growth around key catchments are degrading water sources and raising contamination risks. Local Climate-Smart Agriculture: Green Scenery Sierra Leone assessed 45 farmers in Pujehun for an agroecology and vertical farming pilot, with 25 expected to be selected after verification. Digital Agriculture for Resilience: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture highlights the Feed Salone Agenda at a China dialogue, including an e-voucher system for seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry. Water Sector Partnerships: SALWACO steps up collaboration with Catholic Relief Services to strengthen water and sanitation delivery under its 2026–2030 plan. Ebola Preparedness: UK health authorities issued an alert to prepare for possible Ebola cases, while Sierra Leone remains in the wider regional health conversation. Trade & Environment: Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa push is highlighted as growing in the EU market, alongside calls for stronger investment and port capacity.

Agroecology & Food Security: Green Scenery Sierra Leone has assessed 45 farmers in Pujehun as part of a new agroecology and vertical farming push, with 25 expected to be selected for a pilot after final verification—project leaders say the process is meant to be transparent and climate-resilient. Climate-Smart Agriculture & Digital Inputs: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security used a high-level China dialogue to spotlight the Feed Salone Agenda, including an e-voucher system for seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry to improve targeting and transparency. Water & Sanitation Partnerships: SALWACO is stepping up collaboration with Catholic Relief Services to strengthen delivery under its 2026–2030 plan, focusing on institutional reform, infrastructure, service quality, and revenue. Maternal Health Upgrade: A rehabilitated maternity ward at Moyamba Government Hospital has been commissioned, boosting maternal and newborn care in the district. Electricity Access Across West Africa: The World Bank says its regional power programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people and strengthened cross-border power trade via new transmission links. Trade & Environment: Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa is now the EU’s third-largest supply source, with officials urging more investment and better port protection to grow sustainable exports. Climate Justice: A landmark case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on governments’ duties to protect people from the climate crisis and shift away from harmful economies.

Electricity & regional trade: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Water & sanitation delivery: Sierra Leone’s water utility SALWACO is stepping up partnerships after talks with Catholic Relief Services to implement its 2026–2030 plan, aiming for stronger services, better revenue, and wider SDG 6 progress. Water sector capacity-building: SALWACO’s reforms focus on infrastructure expansion, improved service delivery, and institutional strengthening, with external support needed for key interventions. Critical minerals push: Sierra Leone’s Mines Minister says the country is exploring cooperation with Russia on rare earth minerals after a 2024 MoU, including training and geological data work. Climate justice in court: A landmark case at the African Court seeks guidance on states’ duties to protect people from the climate crisis and move away from harmful economies. Agriculture resilience: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry and UN partners are advancing agricultural insurance policy work to help farmers manage production risks. Maternal health upgrade: A rehabilitated maternity ward at Moyamba Government Hospital has been commissioned, boosting maternal and newborn care. Cocoa & forests: World Bank-backed carbon finance credits in Ghana’s cocoa forest landscape highlight forest restoration and emissions cuts, with support planned beyond 2027. Sports governance: SLFA and FIFA begin a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures to guide future grassroots support. Cultural tourism: The Ministry of Tourism announces the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026), with a focus on sustainable tourism and youth empowerment.

West Africa Power Push: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme is boosting supply across the region, with 4,000+ km of transmission lines built to connect 15 countries and about 3 million people gaining electricity access in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Senegal and The Gambia between 2019 and 2025. Climate Finance for Forests: The World Bank also praised Ghana’s cocoa forest carbon credits under the Ghana Cocoa REDD+ Programme, saying the emissions-reduction work is restoring forests and supporting communities, and that it’s ready to help sustain gains beyond 2027. EU Trade & Sustainability: Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa has earned major EU recognition, with the EU ambassador saying the country is now the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa and urging more EU investment to back jobs and sustainable development. Agriculture Risk Protection: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture, with UNCDF and EU support, is working on agricultural insurance policy to protect farmers from production risks and expand access to agricultural finance. Youth Leadership: Young public leaders from Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Kenya and Sierra Leone met in Monrovia to push governance reform and stronger youth transition into public service. Climate Justice in Court: A landmark case is before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights asking what duties African states have to protect people from the climate crisis and shift away from harmful economies.

EU–Agriculture Trade: Sierra Leone has been named the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa, with the EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski pointing to cocoa as a key bridge between Sierra Leone’s farmers and European demand, while urging more EU investment to boost jobs and sustainable development. Climate Justice: A landmark case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on states’ duties to protect people from the climate crisis, arguing that a safe, stable climate is essential for human rights. Climate Finance & Farming Resilience: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with UNCDF support and EU backing, is pushing agricultural insurance policy work to help farmers manage production risks under the Feed Salone agenda. Education & Access: Sierra Leone’s push for a Centralized Admissions System is getting technical support from Nigeria’s JAMB, aimed at making tertiary admissions more transparent and technology-driven. Sports Development: SLFA and FIFA have started a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures, focusing on grassroots and non-elite football systems. Mining & Communities: The Court of Appeal has dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for residents in Kono District (MAPO) to continue a case alleging environmental and social harm.

Infrastructure & Industry Financing: President Bio met First Bank Group in Freetown to discuss blended financing for Sierra Leone’s roads, electricity, water, bridges and industrial infrastructure. Climate Finance & Green Investment: Sierra Leone’s parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue on community green energy zones and distribution corridors, with the environment deputy minister warning climate change is already hitting livelihoods, food systems, biodiversity and coastal communities. Agriculture Resilience: MAFS and partners, with UNCDF and EU support, ran an agricultural insurance workshop aimed at expanding farmer protection and access to finance. Mining & Community Rights: The MoPED inspected Sembehun communities affected by Sierra Rutile’s expansion, reviewing resettlement plans, compensation and grievance processes under the 2023 resettlement law. Legal Accountability in Kono: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for residents’ MAPO case over alleged environmental and social harm to proceed. Health & Travel Risk: WHO-linked reporting highlights rising Ebola concerns in Central/East Africa, affecting travel safety decisions. Tourism & Sustainability: The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026) and launched its Creative Clinic report, tying culture to sustainable tourism. Football Development: SLFA and FIFA began a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures to guide future grassroots support.

Maritime Security: President Bola Tinubu lauded the Nigerian Navy at its 70th anniversary, commissioning three new vessels (NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, NNS Gurara) and flagging off a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea to curb piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing and smuggling—actions he says are boosting oil output and revenue. Health & Outbreak Watch: Coverage of the DRC’s escalating Ebola situation highlights how quickly cases and deaths are rising, with renewed calls for strong cross-border vigilance as global travel ramps up. Climate Justice in Court: A landmark African Court climate case argues governments have duties to protect the climate system because a stable climate underpins human rights—bringing Africa’s climate crisis into the legal spotlight. Sierra Leone Climate Finance & Green Investment: Sierra Leone parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue on community green energy zones and distribution corridors, pushing for bankable climate projects and tighter monitoring of climate funds. Mining & Resettlement Compliance: MoPED inspected communities affected by Sierra Rutile’s expansion in Sembehun, reviewing resettlement action plans, compensation, grievances and relocation timelines under the 2023 resettlement law. Agricultural Insurance: MAFS and UNCDF discussed expanding agricultural insurance policies and financing to protect Sierra Leonean farmers from production risks. Electricity & Accountability: A local commentary flags ongoing power outages during public events, questioning claims of progress on sustainable electricity.

Climate Finance & Green Investment: Sierra Leone’s parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue in Freetown, pushing for bankable community green energy zones and distribution corridors, while the Environment Deputy Minister warned that climate change is already hitting livelihoods, food systems, health, energy access, and biodiversity. Agriculture Resilience: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with UNCDF and EU support, renewed efforts to expand agricultural insurance policy and financing to protect Sierra Leonean farmers from production risks. Mining & Resettlement Compliance: MoPED inspected Sembehun communities affected by Sierra Rutile’s expansion, reviewing resettlement action plans, compensation, land acquisition, livelihood restoration, and grievance systems under the 2023 resettlement law. Legal Accountability for Environmental Harm: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s case in Kono District to proceed over alleged environmental, economic, and social harm. Regional Climate Justice: A landmark case is before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on states’ duties to protect people from the climate crisis and shift away from environmentally harmful economies. Water & Sanitation Focus (Africa Day): Sierra Leone marked Africa Day at UN Headquarters with a theme on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems, linking water to health, dignity, gender equality, and development.

Climate Finance & Green Investment: Sierra Leone’s parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue in Freetown, pushing “community green energy zones” and distribution corridors to speed up renewable energy, low-carbon industry, and community-led energy access, while MPs called for stronger monitoring of climate funds to stop misuse. Resettlement & Mining Impacts: MoPED inspected Sembehun communities affected by Sierra Rutile Limited’s expansion in Moyamba, reviewing resettlement action plans, relocation sites, and how compensation, crop valuation, land acquisition, and livelihood restoration are being handled. Parliamentary Oversight on Climate: The Environment and Climate Change Deputy Minister told MPs that climate change is already hitting livelihoods, food systems, health, energy access, and biodiversity—citing flooding, coastal erosion, deforestation, land degradation, and irregular rainfall. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker, a public platform showing real-time electricity access progress across Africa, including connections, project status, and geographic coverage. Legal Fight Over Mining in Kono: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO and affected residents to continue their case over alleged environmental, economic, and social harm. Community Health & Tech: Orange Foundation and partners broke ground on the Orange Village project in Bo District to expand education, healthcare, and technology access, and also refurbished a maternal health facility in York Village.

Climate Finance & Green Investment: Sierra Leone Parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue in Freetown, pushing for “community green energy zones” and stronger oversight of climate funds to ensure projects deliver real results for farmers, fishers, coastal communities, and vulnerable households. Mining & Resettlement Compliance: MoPED inspected Sembehun communities affected by Sierra Rutile’s expansion, reviewing relocation sites, compensation and crop valuation, grievance redress, and the Resettlement Action Plan under the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act. Environment Minister on Climate Funding: The Deputy Environment Minister told MPs that climate change is already hitting Sierra Leone through flooding, coastal erosion, deforestation, land degradation, irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, and biodiversity threats—calling for resilient, job-creating green growth. Court Decision in Kono Mining Dispute: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, allowing MAPO’s case over alleged environmental, economic, and social harm in Kono to proceed in the High Court. Community Health & Sustainability: Orange Foundation launched the Orange Village project in Bo District and also refurbished a maternal health facility in York Village, improving access to education, healthcare, and essential services. Food Security Context: Coverage highlights rising hunger pressures globally, underscoring the wider stakes for nutrition and resilience in vulnerable communities.

Mining & Justice in Kono: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal has dismissed Octea Mining Limited’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO and affected residents to continue their High Court case over alleged environmental, economic and social harm from mining in Kono. Climate Finance & Green Investment: Parliamentarians held a National Green Investment Dialogue in Freetown, pushing for bankable community green energy zones and stronger monitoring of climate funds to stop misuse and deliver real results. Resettlement Oversight: MoPED inspected Sembehun communities affected by Sierra Rutile’s expansion, reviewing relocation sites, compensation, crop valuation, grievance systems and RAP processes under the 2023 resettlement law. Environment Policy in Parliament: The Environment and Climate Change Deputy Minister told MPs climate finance must turn vulnerability into opportunity, warning Sierra Leone faces flooding, coastal erosion, deforestation, land degradation, irregular rainfall and biodiversity threats. Fuel Station Safety: NPRA reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction, saying it’s assessing compliance with safety siting rules and will sanction illegal projects. Community Health & Sustainability: Orange Sierra Leone Foundation refurbished a maternal health facility in York Village, upgrading labour and post-natal care with key equipment. Press Freedom Watch: A new global index says press freedom is at a 25-year low, with most countries facing “difficult” or “very serious” conditions—an issue that shapes how environmental risks get reported.

Climate Finance & Green Growth: Sierra Leone’s Deputy Environment Minister, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, told Parliament that climate finance should turn vulnerability into opportunity—highlighting flooding, coastal erosion, deforestation, land degradation, irregular rainfall, rising temperatures and biodiversity loss as urgent economic and security risks. Africa Day Water & Sanitation: Sierra Leone marked Africa Day with a high-level UN dialogue focused on “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems,” linking water and sanitation to health, dignity, gender equality and Agenda 2063. Mission 300 Power Push: AfDB and partners backed “Mission 300,” aiming to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, with calls to mobilise African development finance institution assets. Child Protection Policy: Government and UNICEF completed regional validation of Sierra Leone’s Draft Child Safeguarding Policy to protect children from abuse and harm across homes, schools, communities and online spaces. Health & Community Support: Orange Sierra Leone Foundation refurbished a maternal health facility in York Village, upgrading labour and post-natal care with key equipment. Freetown Building Safety Alarm: Health Alert Sierra Leone urged investigation into alleged negligence and weak enforcement blamed for frequent building collapses in the capital. Energy Regulation: NPRA reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction, warning of sanctions during compliance checks.

Rokel River Crackdown: Sierra Leone’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA-SL) has raided illegal riverbed mining along the Rokel River during weir maintenance, destroying mining pumps, arresting an excavator operator, and handing him to police for investigation—after reports showed the use of excavators and a bigger environmental risk. Freetown Building Safety Alarm: Health Alert Sierra Leone is calling for urgent action over frequent building collapses in Freetown, accusing the Lands Ministry of weak enforcement, permit approvals for unqualified contractors, and use of substandard materials. Fuel Station Moratorium Update: The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s nationwide moratorium on new fuel filling and gas station construction, saying it’s running compliance checks and will treat any violations as illegal. Child Protection Policy Step: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, with UNICEF, completed regional validation of Sierra Leone’s Draft Child Safeguarding Policy to better protect children from abuse and harm across homes, schools, communities, and online spaces. World Bank Roads (Regional Watch): The World Bank approved US$500m for Ghana’s rural feeder roads to improve market access and reduce post-harvest losses—relevant for Sierra Leone as a model for climate-resilient rural connectivity.