AGP Executive Report

Blue Economy & Fisheries: Ghana unveiled Africa’s first Blue Food Innovation Hub at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, aiming to mobilise at least $10m by 2032 to support aquaculture startups, research, and finance access—especially for women, youth and inland producers—while tackling illegal fishing pressures across West Africa. Urban Waste & Clean Cities: Freetown City Council set new price caps for “Dorti Mus Go” waste collection, standardising household and business charges to improve transparency and keep sanitation services more affordable and accountable. Youth Climate Leadership: Freetown City Council backed YICA’s Young Women Climate Mentorship Programme, training 20 participants to strengthen community climate action and inclusive decision-making. Evidence-Based Education: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen the school subsidy programme and build data and research capacity for better learning outcomes. Labour & Decent Work: Sierra Leone’s employment minister met the ILO in Geneva to push labour reforms and decent work, highlighting recent national labour conference progress. Maritime Security (Gulf of Guinea): Sierra Leone joined a new Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea framework to improve regional maritime safety and protect the blue economy.

Youth Climate Action: Freetown City Council backed YICA’s Young Women Climate Mentorship Programme, supporting 20 young women from its second cohort to build leadership and skills for community climate action. Urban Sanitation: Hashaston Services carried out free fumigation at Adelaide Street Police Station under a CSR push to improve hygiene and public safety, with plans to extend pest-control support to other stations. Waste Management: Freetown City Council set price caps for “Dorti Mus Go” waste collection, standardising maximum charges by weight to curb arbitrary fees and improve service delivery. Education & Evidence: 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 data systems. Climate Resilience & Trees: PI-CREF and Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reviewed progress on the Freetown Tree Town initiative, including green jobs and plans to move toward a municipal carbon credit programme. IMF Watch: The IMF said Sierra Leone is stabilising under its reform programme, but warned that weaker revenue and rising external pressures could make progress harder to sustain. Global Health Lessons: A Sierra Leone-linked Ebola expert warned that the current DRC outbreak reflects deeper gaps in global disease surveillance and preparedness.

Urban Sanitation: Freetown City Council has set a standardized price list for “Dorti Mus” waste collection, with FCC-approved operators required to follow new maximum charges—households pay up to Le10 for 25kg, while larger loads and business rates are capped—aiming to cut arbitrary fees and improve environmental cleanliness. Climate Resilience & Nature: PI-CREF and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr reviewed progress on the Freetown Tree Town initiative, highlighting green jobs and community restoration, and pushing toward a municipal carbon credit programme ahead of a September 2026 deadline. Evidence-Based Education: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen the school subsidy programme using research on what works, improve data capacity, and support an evidence-based Education Sector Plan. Energy & Economy: The IMF says Sierra Leone’s IMF-backed reforms have stabilized the economy, but warns that weaker revenue in early 2026, rising spending pressures, and external shocks—like higher global energy and food prices—are building new strain. Labour & Decent Work: Employment Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray met ILO leadership in Geneva to deepen cooperation on labour reforms, decent work, and gender inclusion, following Sierra Leone’s national labour conference and social dialogue. Regional Security (Blue Economy): CMTF-GoG was flagged off in Lagos with Sierra Leone among pioneer states, aiming to tackle maritime insecurity and protect the Gulf of Guinea’s trade and blue economy.

Education & Evidence-Based Policy: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen the school subsidy programme, improve learning outcomes, and build capacity for data use in education decisions. Urban Waste & Clean Environment: Freetown City Council announced a standardized price list for “Dorti Mus Go” waste collection, setting maximum charges for households and businesses to improve transparency and keep the city cleaner. Climate Resilience & Carbon Finance: PI-CREF and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s team reviewed progress on the Freetown Tree Town initiative, including green jobs and steps toward making Freetown a municipal carbon credit programme by September 2026. Local Governance: The Institute for Governance Reform and MoPED launched Local Council Development Plans to boost citizen participation, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots level. Energy Focus: Information Minister Chernor Bah said the SLPP could win big in 2028 if energy becomes the campaign’s main issue, pointing to power sector investments and reforms. International Support: Planning Minister Kenyeh Barlay met JICA’s new resident representative, calling for deeper partnership to expand capacity building across government.

Freetown Sanitation Rules: Freetown City Council has set a standardized price list for “Dorti Mus Go” waste collection, capping what approved operators can charge—households pay up to Le10 for 25kg, Le15 for 50kg, Le30 for 120kg, and Le80 for 300kg, while businesses face higher caps—aimed at cutting arbitrary fees and improving urban cleanliness. Urban Climate Jobs: PI-CREF and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s team reviewed progress on the Freetown Tree Town initiative, including green jobs and wider community participation, with a next phase targeting Sierra Leone’s first municipal carbon credit programme ahead of a September 2026 deadline. Clean Cooking Roadmap: Sierra Leone is moving to advance its National Clean Cooking Roadmap through a strategic workshop, pushing for practical steps to reduce household energy risks and emissions. Education With Data: The 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 data capacity. Labour Standards Push: Employment Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray met the ILO Director-General in Geneva to deepen cooperation on labour reforms and “decent work,” highlighting Sierra Leone’s recent national labour conference and social dialogue. IMF Watch: The IMF says Sierra Leone’s reforms are stabilising the economy, but warns revenue weakness and rising external pressures could strain progress.

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.