AGP Executive Report

Telecom Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry says over $400m has been invested in telecom since 2021, with 14/16 districts on the national fibre backbone, 90% coverage growth, 88% service-quality gains, and 5G rollout plans. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids at the DSTI Digital Learning Hub, pushing early digital literacy for youth and children. Health Tech at Borders: The Health Ministry and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect entry/exit health documents and streamline screening. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone marks the 2014–2015 Ebola legacy as authorities strengthen “identify, isolate and inform” safety plans amid renewed DRC risk. Caregiving Support: The Gender Ministry and FCC partner on the Freetown Caring City Project to back unpaid women caregivers with healthcare, education, welfare services, safe spaces, and economic opportunities. Education Admissions Reform: JAMB pledges support for Sierra Leone’s centralised admissions system, sharing Nigeria’s technology-driven approach. Infrastructure Watch: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi.

Education Tech Reform: JAMB says it will support Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to build a transparent, technology-driven Centralised Admissions System (CAS) after a study visit to Nigeria’s admissions framework. Agriculture Digitalisation: Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Agenda was showcased in China, with plans including an E-Voucher system for seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry plus IVR/call-centre support. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police will commission three projects—upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ, launching a modern forensic lab at TOCU, and expanding policing infrastructure and capacity. Healthcare Innovation: Surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi gained global recognition for surgical care and medical education work in resource-constrained settings. Ebola Preparedness (Regional): Kenya activated enhanced Ebola surveillance and screening as the Bundibugyo strain evolves across Uganda and DRC. Digital Public Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s communications minister argues Africa should move from isolated DPI projects to interoperable regional digital ecosystems. Right to Information: A new West Africa study highlights strong RTI laws but persistent access gaps for citizens and media in Sierra Leone and neighbours. Electricity Access: The World Bank reports West Africa power integration is expanding electricity access and cross-border trade, including Sierra Leone.

Agritech Digitalisation in Sierra Leone: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security used a WFP China dialogue to spotlight the Feed Salone Agenda, including an E-Voucher system for seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry with IVR and a call centre to improve delivery and transparency. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police say three projects are set for commissioning this month—upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling a modern forensic laboratory at TOCU to strengthen investigations with scientific methods. Healthcare Innovation Recognition: Surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi was featured internationally for surgical care and medical education work, including system-strengthening efforts like supporting accreditation and social health insurance development. Regional Digital Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s ICT minister urged African countries to move from standalone digital public infrastructure to interoperable regional ecosystems that can support trade, cross-border services, and digital trust. Cybersecurity Skills Push: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Cyber Circuit University Edition to train students in securing Sierra Leone’s digital future. Ebola Watch (Regional): As the Bundibugyo Ebola strain evolves in Uganda and the DRC, regional health systems are ramping up surveillance and testing, with public guidance on accessing Ebola information. Electricity Access (West Africa): A World Bank-backed power programme reports major gains in transmission links, cross-border electricity trade, and electricity access for millions across West Africa.

Agriculture Digitalisation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security used a high-level WFP China dialogue to reaffirm its Feed Salone Agenda, spotlighting an e-voucher system for subsidised seeds and fertiliser and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry with IVR and a call centre to improve targeting and transparency. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police say three major projects will be commissioned this month, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling the first modern forensic laboratory at TOCU to strengthen investigations. Healthcare Innovation: Surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi earned global recognition for surgical care and healthcare innovation in resource-constrained settings, including work supporting accreditation and social health insurance. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya activated enhanced surveillance and border screening as the Bundibugyo Ebola strain evolves in the region, with isolation centres on standby and public guidance via *719# / 719. Digital Governance: Sierra Leone’s ICT minister urged African countries to move from standalone digital public infrastructure projects to interoperable regional digital ecosystems that can support trade, finance, mobility and trust. Electricity Access: The World Bank reported major progress in West Africa’s power integration, citing thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and electricity access for over three million people across the region. Cyber Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit for university students to build cybersecurity capacity. Right to Information: Transparency International chapters launched a West Africa RTI research report assessing access-to-information laws and implementation gaps in Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone. Newborn Survival Push: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister called for stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, urging better antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Education Reform via Data: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials to learn from Rwanda’s integrated digital assessment ecosystem for real-time learning and exam integrity. Community Tech Services: Orange Foundation and Sierra Leone’s ICT ministry launched the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City, starting construction of a school and hospital and donating learning materials.

Right to Information Research: Transparency International’s West Africa study checks how RTI laws are working in Liberia, Ghana, Togo, and Sierra Leone—strong legal rules, but real access problems for citizens, journalists, and civil society. Health Workforce Training: A Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture for nursing students at Njala University (Bo), focusing on early detection and standard nursing responses for common ENT conditions, with case simulations and a plan for continued education support. Education Reform & Digital Learning: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials in Kigali to learn from Rwanda’s digital assessment system, aiming to strengthen evidence-based reforms and improve accountability in exams and student progress. Public Accountability Tech: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in real time, using independent research and verified data. Digital Inclusion in Bo: Orange Foundation and Sierra Leone’s ICT ministry began the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City (Bo) with plans for a local school and hospital plus digital growth support. Newborn Survival Push: The gender minister urged stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, citing gaps in antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and calling for better collaboration across partners and health workers.

Digital Public Infrastructure & Identity: African delegations met in Estonia to discuss DPI partnerships, focusing on digital identity, interoperability, and how cross-border cooperation can speed up national digital transformation. Higher Education Tech Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is moving ahead with a Cabinet-approved Centralized Admissions System, with Nigeria’s JAMB pledging technical support after a stakeholder visit. Cybersecurity Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK launched the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition to train students in securing Sierra Leone’s digital future. Maternal & Newborn Health: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care to cut preventable newborn deaths, citing child marriage and harmful practices as key barriers. Accountability for Development: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in near real time. Drug Enforcement (Regional): Liberia’s LDEA reported 233 arrests and over 422kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, including Kush, marijuana, cocaine, and tramadol.

Digital Skills & Cybersecurity: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition in Freetown, training students to secure Sierra Leone’s digital future. Public Accountability Tech: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in real time, aiming to close the gap between government promises and lived results. Education & Community Tech: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launched the Orange Village project at Felei-Tech City in Bo District, starting construction of a school and hospital to boost access to services and local digital growth. Higher Education Admissions Reform: JAMB pledged technical support to Sierra Leone for a technology-driven Centralized Admissions System, following Cabinet approval for the reform. Business Digitisation: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT deal for an Online Business Registration System to modernise company registration and improve transparency. Public Health Alert: WHO-linked reporting highlights Ebola risks in Central Africa as travel concerns rise, with Sierra Leone mentioned in the wider outbreak context. Governance & Leadership: PYPP held the 2026 Emerging Public Leaders Alumni Network forum in Monrovia, bringing together young public servants from across West Africa. Security & Crime: Liberia’s LDEA reported a sharp drop in drug seizures in Q1 2026, while Sierra Leone news also flagged a Port Loko murder case with arrests in Lungi.

Ebola Watch: WHO has flagged the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak as a public health emergency, raising fresh travel concerns as cases and deaths climb and border measures tighten. Education & Tech: Sierra Leone’s Orange Foundation and the ICT ministry have launched the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City (Bo), aiming to build a school and hospital while boosting local digital growth. Accountability Dashboard: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in real time, using independent research and verified data. Higher Ed Admissions: JAMB says it will support Sierra Leone to set up a technology-driven Centralized Admissions System for tertiary institutions. Digital Business Registration: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT deal to digitise business registration through an Online Business Registration System. Gender & Media Safety: A new Sierra Leone media-sector study reports women face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online abuse most common. Climate Policy: Sierra Leone’s environment leadership pushed climate finance and green investment in Parliament, framing climate action as an economic and jobs agenda.

Ebola Watch: In eastern DR Congo, a rare Ebola type is testing global readiness as WHO flags the outbreak and countries tighten travel measures ahead of the World Cup—while DRC communities report attacks on Ebola treatment sites, showing how trust can make or break containment. Digital Business Services: Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified a 15-year BOT deal to build and run an Online Business Registration System, aiming to speed up registration and cut bottlenecks for entrepreneurs. National AI Push: Sierra Leone’s government has begun developing a national AI strategy, signaling a new push to shape how emerging tech is used in public services. Media Safety: A new study reports high levels of sexual harassment in Sierra Leone’s media industry, with women facing verbal and online harassment at about twice the rate of men. Green Finance in Parliament: Sierra Leone’s environment leadership discussed climate finance and green investment opportunities, framing climate action as both an economic and security priority. Connectivity for Communities: Orange Foundation and MoCTI have launched the Orange Village project in Bo District to expand education, healthcare, and local tech access.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with the latest figures showing rapid growth since mid-May—raising fears of wider spread and renewed pressure on regional health systems. Climate & Rights: A landmark climate case is being heard at the African Court, arguing governments have duties under human rights law to protect people from climate harm and shift away from environmentally damaging economies. Health (Sierra Leone): The Gender Minister is calling for urgent, coordinated action to cut preventable newborn deaths, urging stronger antenatal, delivery and postnatal care plus tackling child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Digital Government (Sierra Leone): Parliament has ratified a 15-year BOT deal for an Online Business Registration System, aiming to make business registration faster, clearer and easier for entrepreneurs. AI Strategy (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone has begun developing its first national AI strategy with support from the World Bank, starting with an AI readiness diagnostic. Connectivity (Sierra Leone): Sierratel officials presented a SIM card to the Vice President during a courtesy visit, highlighting telecoms support for Sierra Leone’s digital transformation. Media Safety (Sierra Leone): A new report finds women in Sierra Leone’s media industry face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online harassment most common. Energy Regulation (Sierra Leone): NPRA says Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction remains in force while compliance checks continue.

Digital Identity & Security: Sierra Leone begins a nationwide biometric verification exercise for all foreign nationals from June 1, with a multi-agency task force checking residence and work permit compliance across workplaces and communities. Online Business Tech: Parliament ratifies a 15-year BOT deal for an Online Business Registration System, with Multi GIS E-Services set to build, run and maintain the platform before transfer back to government. AI Strategy: The ICT ministry, with the World Bank Group, starts work on Sierra Leone’s first national AI strategy after assessing the country’s AI readiness. Connectivity & Telecoms: Sierratel presents SIM cards to the Vice President during a courtesy visit focused on Sierra Leone’s digital transformation; Orange Sierra Leone also highlights connectivity gains at NATCA’s 7th Consumer Parliament. Health & Infrastructure: Government begins a $3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh Town to expand medical training capacity. Energy & Safety Regulation: NPRA keeps Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction in force while it conducts compliance checks. Media & Society: A WAN-IFRA-backed report finds women in Sierra Leone’s media face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men.

Online Business Tech: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified a 15-year Build-Operate-Transfer deal for the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), with Multi GIS E-Services SL Ltd set to develop, run and maintain the platform before transferring it back to government—aimed at faster, more transparent company registration. Digital Identity & Connectivity: Sierratel officials handed a SIM card to Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s telecom and digital transformation push, while the country also moves toward enforcing biometric verification for foreign nationals starting June 1. AI Strategy: Government has begun work on Sierra Leone’s first national AI strategy with the ICT ministry and the World Bank Group, starting from a readiness diagnostic. Health & Safety Tech: The Ministry of Health started a $3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh with labs for up to 1,500 students, and NPRA reaffirmed a moratorium on new fuel station construction pending safety compliance checks. Media & Society: A Sierra Leone media industry study reports women face about twice the sexual harassment rate of men, with online harassment most common.

Sierra Leone Digital Identity & Migration: Sierra Leone begins a nationwide biometric verification drive for all foreign nationals from June 1, with a multi-agency task force checking residence and work permit compliance at homes and workplaces. AI Strategy: The ICT ministry is developing Sierra Leone’s first national AI strategy with the World Bank, starting from a readiness diagnostic to guide AI adoption for all citizens. Telecom Connectivity: Sierratel hands over a SIM card to Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during a courtesy visit, underscoring private-sector support for Sierra Leone’s digital transformation. Health & Safety Oversight: NPRA keeps Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction in force while it conducts safety compliance checks; Health Alert Sierra Leone also blames the Lands Ministry for frequent building collapses, calling for urgent investigation. Media Workplace Rights: A new report finds women in Sierra Leone’s media face about twice the sexual harassment rate of men, with online and verbal abuse most common. Green Growth & Climate Finance: The environment deputy minister tells MPs climate finance must turn vulnerability into green investment, jobs, and resilience.

Sierra Leone AI Push: The ICT ministry has started work on Sierra Leone’s first national AI strategy, using a World Bank-backed diagnostic to map readiness and guide how AI can serve citizens. Digital Identity & Migration: A nationwide biometric verification for all foreign nationals in Sierra Leone is set to begin June 1, as authorities move from issuing permits to enforcement checks across workplaces and residences. Telecom Connectivity: Sierratel officials presented a SIM card to Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during a visit aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s telecom and digital transformation agenda. Health & Safety: NPRA reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction, warning permits won’t be issued during compliance checks. Media Workplace Rights: A 2025 report finds women in Sierra Leone’s media industry face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online abuse most common. Climate Finance: The environment deputy minister told Parliament that climate finance and green investment can turn vulnerability into jobs and resilient growth. Education Infrastructure: Government has begun a $3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh Town, targeting completion by March 2026.

AI Strategy: Sierra Leone has started work on its first national artificial intelligence strategy, led by the ICT ministry with the World Bank Group, using an AI readiness diagnostic to map how the country can adopt AI fairly. Digital Identity & Connectivity: Sierra Leone is rolling out a mandatory biometric verification drive for foreign nationals from June 1, while Sierratel also handed a SIM card to the Vice President during a push for telecom and digital transformation; Orange Sierra Leone meanwhile reaffirmed connectivity gains at NATCA’s Consumer Parliament. Health & Safety Infrastructure: The government has begun a $3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh Town with labs for up to 1,500 students, and NPRA reiterated a moratorium on new fuel station construction while it checks compliance. Public Trust in Health: Ebola coverage highlights how attacks on treatment centres in the DRC are driven by mistrust, fear, and rumors—underscoring that community trust is now a core part of outbreak response. Identity Security Research: EU-backed work is targeting face morph attacks that threaten border and identity systems, as generative AI makes manipulation easier.

AI Strategy: Sierra Leone has started work on its first national AI strategy, led by the ICT ministry with the World Bank Group, using a readiness diagnostic to map how the country can adopt AI for all citizens. Digital Identity & Migration: The government is set to begin a mandatory biometric verification drive for all foreign nationals in Sierra Leone from June 1, with inspections across workplaces and residential areas to enforce residence and work permit rules. Telecom Connectivity: Sierratel officials presented a SIM card to Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during a courtesy visit, signaling continued push for telecom and digital transformation. Health & Safety Infrastructure: The Ministry of Health has begun building a $3.5m COMAHS faculty facility in Kossoh Town with labs for up to 1,500 students per session. Fuel Station Moratorium: NPRA reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel filling and gas station construction, warning no permits will be issued until a compliance assessment is published. Ebola Focus: Coverage highlights how trust and community engagement are central to stopping attacks on Ebola clinics as the outbreak spreads in Central and East Africa.