AGP Executive Report

Freetown Sanitation: Freetown City Council has set a standardized price list for “Dorti Mus” waste collection, with FCC-approved operators required to follow tariff caps—households pay up to Le10 for 25kg, Le15 for 50kg, Le30 for 120kg, and Le80 for 300kg, while businesses/institutions face higher caps—aimed at transparency, affordability, and keeping the city clean. Climate & Nature Finance: PI-CREF and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s team reviewed progress on the Freetown Tree Town initiative, including green jobs and community restoration, with a next step to position Freetown as Sierra Leone’s first municipal carbon credit programme ahead of a September 2026 deadline. Education With Data: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen evidence-based education decisions, including improving the school subsidy programme and building capacity for data collection and analysis. IMF Watch: The IMF says Sierra Leone has made progress under its ECF reforms, but warns revenue shortfalls and rising external pressures (including energy and food price shocks) are increasing strain. Local Governance: IGR and MoPED launched Local Council Development Plans to boost citizen participation, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots level. Wildlife & Conservation: NPAA launched a Sierra Leone chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to boost wetland conservation.

Urban Waste Rules: Freetown City Council has set a standardized price list for “Dorti Mus” waste collection, with FCC-approved operators required to follow tariff caps—households pay up to Le10 for 25kg, Le15 for 50kg, Le30 for 120kg, and Le80 for 300kg, while businesses face higher caps—aiming to curb arbitrary charges and improve sanitation. Mangrove Protection: The National Protected Area Authority launched Sierra Leone’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance, pushing stronger local stewardship and restoration to protect coastal wetlands and communities. Tree Town Progress: PI-CREF and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr reviewed the Freetown Tree Town initiative, highlighting green jobs and community restoration, and discussing a next phase toward a municipal carbon credit programme. Clean Cooking Push: Sierra Leone’s National Clean Cooking Strategy was introduced through a familiarization workshop, targeting reduced firewood/charcoal use to cut deforestation, indoor air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Finance Watch: An IMF update says Sierra Leone’s reforms have stabilized the economy, but warns revenue shortfalls and rising external pressures could make progress harder to sustain. Weather Monitoring: A new rainfall dataset upgrade (CHIRPS v3) is improving near-real-time rainfall tracking—useful for drought and flood early warning in places like Sierra Leone.

Urban Forestry & Carbon Finance: PI-CREF and Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr reviewed progress on the Freetown Tree Town initiative, including green jobs and a push toward making Freetown Sierra Leone’s first municipal carbon credit programme ahead of a September 2026 deadline. Clean Cooking Strategy: Sierra Leone convened a National Clean Cooking Strategy familiarization workshop, aiming to cut firewood/charcoal use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and improve air quality through options like LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity. Mangrove Protection: The National Protected Area Authority launched the Sierra Leone chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to strengthen mangrove restoration and sustainable management, with concerns raised about the condition of some sites like Aberdeen Creek. Weather & Food Security Tools: A new rainfall dataset update (CHIRPS v3) improves near-real-time precipitation monitoring, supporting drought and flood planning and early warning for food insecurity in places like Sierra Leone. Climate-Linked Migration Pressure: A Guardian analysis says US entry restrictions are hitting people from some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, including Sierra Leone, as storms, floods and droughts worsen. Local Governance for Resilience: IGR and MoPED launched Local Council Development Plans to boost citizen participation, accountability and service delivery—key for tackling climate and development pressures at the grassroots.

Education & Climate Resilience: Sierra Leone’s Government, with UNDP and China, handed Freetown Polytechnic 770 classroom furniture units (with more expected) under the China Education Project, aiming to improve learning conditions for thousands of students. Energy & Development: The SLPP says it could win the 2028 election “by a landslide” if energy stays the campaign focus, pointing to ongoing power-sector reforms and projects like the proposed MCC compact and the Nant Energy Project. Clean Cooking & Forest Protection: Sierra Leone convened a national clean cooking strategy familiarization workshop to cut firewood/charcoal use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and improve air quality through LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity. Mangroves & Coastal Protection: The NPAA launched Sierra Leone’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to protect, restore and manage mangrove ecosystems, with local leaders and conservation partners calling for stronger stewardship. Weather & Food Security Tools: A new rainfall dataset update (CHIRPS v3) is set to strengthen global weather monitoring and drought/food insecurity early warning—relevant for climate-sensitive farming in Sierra Leone. Media Support: SLAJ received a 2026 government subvention of SLE 2.7 million to support journalist safety, media freedom and professional development.

Nutrition & Climate Resilience: Sierra Leone and the wider region face a hunger risk as drought, conflict and rising food prices push families toward cheaper, less nutritious diets—prompting calls for coordinated climate-resilient food and health systems instead of siloed responses. Fragile Economies & Climate Shocks: VP Juldeh Jalloh urged partners to refocus on resilience, stronger public institutions and youth jobs as aid declines and climate shocks hit fragile states harder. IMF Review & Climate Finance: An IMF mission reached staff-level agreement on Sierra Leone’s third ECF review and a request for RSF support to boost resilience to climate change, with debt sustainability and social spending protection flagged. Clean Cooking Strategy: Sierra Leone convened stakeholders to advance its National Clean Cooking Strategy, aiming to cut firewood/charcoal dependence, reduce greenhouse gases and deforestation, and improve air quality and livelihoods through LPG, improved cookstoves and other cleaner options. Mangrove Protection: The NPAA launched Sierra Leone’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to restore and sustainably manage mangrove wetlands, with leaders warning some sites are deteriorating. Weather Data for Food Security: A new rainfall dataset update (CHIRPS v3) strengthens near-real-time monitoring to support drought warnings and food insecurity planning. Wildlife & Illegal Trade: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735.5kg of pangolin scales, highlighting continued pressure on trafficking networks. World Cup Emissions Spotlight: Reports estimate the 2026 World Cup could emit 7.8 million tons of CO2, driven largely by travel—an environmental reminder for climate-conscious planning.

Mangrove Protection: Sierra Leone’s National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) has launched the Sierra Leone Chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance, bringing together government, district leaders and communities to push stronger mangrove protection, restoration and stewardship. Clean Cooking: A National Clean Cooking Strategy familiarization workshop in Freetown focused on cutting firewood and charcoal use to reduce greenhouse gases, deforestation and indoor air pollution, with cleaner options like LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity. AfCFTA Services Push: The Ministry of Trade and Industry held a workshop on AfCFTA regulatory audits for trade in services, targeting reforms in finance, communications, tourism and business services to help Sierra Leone compete regionally. Climate Data for Farmers: A new rainfall dataset update (CHIRPS v3) is improving near-real-time rainfall monitoring, supporting drought and flood warnings that matter for Sierra Leone’s farming communities. World Cup Emissions Watch: Reports say the 2026 World Cup could generate 7.8 million metric tons of CO2, driven largely by travel—an environmental reminder for countries planning big events. Debt Pressure: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7 billion, with projections pointing to further increases by end-2026. Tree Planting for World Environment Day: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary planted 5,000 trees across degraded forest in Western Area Peninsula National Park to support reforestation and climate action. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: An EU-supported taskforce in Liberia seized 735.5kg of pangolin scales, highlighting the wider West African fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. Bondo/FGM Accountability: An anti-FGM campaigner accused Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh of failing to act on alleged schoolgirls’ Bondo initiation during his time as Education Minister.

Climate Data for Farmers: A new CHIRPS rainfall dataset update is improving near-real-time weather monitoring, helping drought and flood warnings reach places like Sierra Leone where subsistence farming still depends on the rains. Reforestation in Freetown’s Peninsula: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees across degraded forest in Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day 2026, pushing back on climate and habitat loss. Wildlife Protection: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales in Liberia, showing how regional enforcement is targeting illegal wildlife trade networks. Energy for Rural Livelihoods: Dr Kandeh Yumkella backed the commissioning of an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, linking renewable power with skills, digital connectivity, and entrepreneurship. Sierra Leone Debt Watch: Public debt stock for end-2025 closed at NLe 62.7bn, with projections pointing to further increases by end-2026—raising pressure on fiscal space. Education Support: ChildFund distributed school and baby kits for re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children under a KOICA-funded education effort. Digital Learning Push: Sierra Leone’s deputy minister called for dedicated digital investment funds to speed up digital education and skills across Africa.

Heat-Disaster Drills: Cities are rehearsing for deadly heat, with Paris-style emergency simulations showing how extreme temperatures can overwhelm hospitals and services. World Cup Emissions: The expanded 2026 World Cup is projected to emit 7.8 million metric tons of carbon, with travel driving most of the footprint—raising fresh climate concerns for global sport. Reforestation for Wildlife: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary planted 5,000 trees in degraded forest inside Western Area Peninsula National Park to support nature and climate resilience. Housing and Student Accommodation Finance: Sierra Leone’s government is seeking financing support for affordable housing and student hostels, alongside a new Country Planning Act aimed at safer, disaster-aware development. Public Debt Watch: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7 billion, with projections pointing to further increases by end-2026. Education Support for Girls: ChildFund distributed school and baby kits to help re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children stay in school. Biodiversity Protection Funding: BirdLife secured £7.5 million to protect and restore a major migratory flyway, linking habitat recovery to livelihoods. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735.5kg of pangolin scales in Liberia, targeting trafficking networks. Water Safety Pressure: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected. Border Surveillance Boost: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry received equipment to strengthen border surveillance and faster detection of pests and contamination.

Conservation Funding: BirdLife secured £7.5m to protect and restore the African–Eurasian Flyway, including work in Sierra Leone’s Gola Rainforest National Park and a new World Bank-linked push to tie biodiversity to livelihoods. Youth & Governance: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia with 200 young leaders from across the region, including Sierra Leone, urging ethical leadership and democratic renewal. Reforestation in Sierra Leone: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees across degraded forest in Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales in Liberia, arresting suspects and targeting trafficking networks. Public Finance Watch: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7bn, with projections to rise by end-2026 amid higher interest pressures. Water & Health Access: The Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula support to remote communities, while a portable CRISPR mpox test highlights progress in field diagnostics. Climate & Food Security: Sierra Leone’s rainy-season disruption and flood impacts are spotlighted as climate change drives major GDP losses and repeated flood events.

World Environment Day Reforestation: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary planted 5,000 trees across six acres of degraded forest in Western Area Peninsula National Park, pushing reforestation and climate action. Water Security Under Threat: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation, encroachment and settlement growth are degrading Freetown’s catchments, raising flood risk and water contamination. Clean Energy for Rural Communities: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, backed by partners including GOAL Sierra Leone and Conservation Society Sierra Leone, to expand renewable power, skills and entrepreneurship. Food Safety at Borders: The Ministry of Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema, targeting pests, contamination and illegal trade. Digital Skills Push: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids programmes in Freetown, expanding access to digital learning. Climate Finance & Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s wider region saw major World Bank-backed financing for energy, digital integration and roads, underscoring the push for resilience and connectivity. Biodiversity Beyond Parks: Scientists warn protected areas alone won’t save Africa’s biodiversity, arguing wildlife also depends on community-managed land outside reserves. Ebola Preparedness: UK health services issued an alert to prepare for suspected Ebola cases, reflecting ongoing regional health risk.

Water Security Warning: Guma Valley Water Company says deforestation, encroachment and sanitation problems are eroding Freetown’s catchments, raising flood risk and contamination threats. Border Biosecurity & Food Safety: The 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 and contamination. Clean Energy for Rural Livelihoods: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to expand renewable power, digital connectivity and skills for rural entrepreneurs. Climate-Linked Health & Dignity: The Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to scale up obstetric fistula support, including reaching remote communities with social workers. Digital Access Push: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over US$400m since 2021, with more districts connected to fibre and improved service quality. Biodiversity Reality Check: A commentary argues protected parks alone can’t save Africa’s wildlife, since many animals survive outside reserve boundaries. Global Climate Talks Access: Sierra Leone is among countries reporting visa barriers that may shrink delegations to the Bonn climate talks. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: (Regional context) World Bank funding is also backing major energy, digital and road connectivity efforts in the wider region.

Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation, unregulated settlement and encroachment in Freetown’s catchments are threatening water supply, raising flood risk and increasing bacteriological contamination. Clean Energy & Jobs: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, pitching renewable power as a practical route to entrepreneurship, digital connectivity and skills for rural communities. Food Security at Borders: The Ministry of Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema, aiming to spot pests and contamination faster. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids in Freetown, expanding early digital learning. Climate Reality Check: A feature on how climate change is reshaping everyday life in Sierra Leone—broken rainy seasons, floods and farm losses—highlights the urgent need for adaptation delivery. Health & Community Support: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care and social worker outreach to remote areas.

Clean Energy for Rural Livelihoods: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, built by The Energy Nexus Network with GOAL Sierra Leone and Conservation Society Sierra Leone, to expand renewable power, digital connectivity, skills and entrepreneurship. Water Security Under Threat: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are degrading Freetown’s catchments, raising contamination risks and flood impacts. Safe Water Crisis: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with African countries dominating the lowest ranks. Health Access for Women: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to strengthen community-based obstetric fistula care and reintegration for survivors. Food Security at Borders: Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to boost surveillance at key entry points, helping detect pests and contamination faster. Digital Skills Push: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids in Freetown. Climate-Change Reality Check: A feature shows how shifting rains and floods are disrupting everyday life and agriculture, with Sierra Leone facing major projected GDP losses without faster adaptation. Biodiversity Beyond Parks: Scientists warn protected areas alone won’t save Africa’s wildlife, since many species rely on community-managed lands outside reserves. Clean Transport Debate: A commentary argues climate policy must match real-life incentives, not just pledges.

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.