AGP Executive Report

AI for Learning: Google DeepMind’s AI tutor trial claims faster learning gains in classrooms, with researchers urging readers to treat results carefully. Digital Skills for Police: Sierra Leone’s DSTI, with Sierra Leone Police and Victory Teens Organisation, rolled out ICT training across Freetown, Kenema and Makeni to support digitised police systems. AI Access for Creators: Google and Idris Elba’s Elba Hope Foundation are funding free Gemini AI tools for about 100,000 African creators, including in Sierra Leone, to cut production costs and boost output. Inclusive Tech Training: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone signed an MoU to create a digital inclusion training centre for 150 persons with disabilities. Education Reform: Minister Conrad Sackey outlined a labour-market-focused education overhaul, including “Five Cs” competencies and a new Education Sector Plan by 2027. Local Justice Case: A Freetown student accused of WASSCE result forgery was granted bail and the case adjourned to 6 July.

AI in Classrooms: Google DeepMind says an AI tutor trial helped students gain “more than a year” of extra schooling in about eight weeks, while a DeepMind research director urged readers to “take it with a grain of salt.” Connectivity & Local AI: At Google’s Africa Cloud Summit in Johannesburg, the company announced it has surpassed a $1bn Africa investment pledge and plans an Eastern Cape connectivity hub plus Ghana’s applied AI lab to boost local startup access to AI models. Creator AI for Sierra Leone: Google and Idris Elba’s Elba Hope Foundation will fund Gemini AI access and other tools for about 100,000 African creators (including Sierra Leone) worth around $1m, aiming to cut production costs and speed content creation. Police ICT Training: Sierra Leone’s DSTI, with Sierra Leone Police and Victory Teens Organisation, launched nationwide ICT training to digitise police systems and improve modern service delivery. Solar for Research & Learning: EBKUST commissioned a university-wide solar electrification project to power classrooms, labs, libraries and IT. Tech & Energy Transparency: ILRAJ asked for full details of a Sierra Leone–US health cooperation deal, citing concerns over unpublished terms and public finance obligations. Local Justice: A Freetown student accused of WASSCE result forgery was granted bail and the case adjourned to 6 July.

AI for Creators: Google and actor Idris Elba’s Elba Hope Foundation will fund free access to Gemini AI and other digital tools for about 100,000 African creators across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and South Africa—aiming to cut production costs and speed up higher-quality content. Digital Inclusion in Sierra Leone: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone signed an MoU to set up a Digital Inclusion Training Centre for 150 persons with disabilities, with digital literacy, skills training and assistive technology access to boost jobs and entrepreneurship. Health Transparency Push: ILRAJ has demanded the full text and financial details of a Sierra Leone–U.S. five-year health cooperation deal, saying the agreement hasn’t been published and could shift public health financing burdens. Energy for Research & Learning: EBKUST commissioned a University-wide solar electrification project to power classrooms, labs, libraries and IT—reducing reliance on conventional electricity. Earth Science Upgrade: TGS says it applied advanced depth imaging to Sierra Leone seismic data, including reprocessing thousands of kilometres to improve offshore hydrocarbon exploration clarity. Climate & Cities: A new report flags extreme heat as a growing economic and health threat, including impacts measured for Freetown.

AI for Creators: Google and Idris Elba’s Elba Hope Foundation will fund access to Gemini AI for about 100,000 African creators, including Sierra Leone, to help them produce content faster and cheaper. Digital Inclusion in Sierra Leone: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone signed an MoU to set up a Digital Inclusion Training Centre for 150 persons with disabilities, with digital skills and assistive technology support. Tech for Learning & Work: Sierra Leone’s Technical and Higher Education leadership pushed reforms aimed at aligning education with industry needs, while EBKUST commissioned a university-wide solar electrification project to power classrooms, labs and IT. Health Governance Transparency: ILRAJ demanded full disclosure of a Sierra Leone–U.S. health cooperation deal, saying the full agreement text and financial schedules were not published. Maritime Skills: Sierra Leone-linked Regional Maritime University updates continued as leadership rotated and RMU graduated hundreds of professionals, including marine engineering and computer engineering. Ebola Preparedness Debate: UK MPs raised alarms over Ebola readiness plans after suspected cases, while experts warned that diagnostic tools can miss rare Ebola strains.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: A new report using Freetown data warns extreme heat is already cutting city output by 4–8% of GDP and driving over 1,000 deaths a year, with women in informal work hit hardest—urging faster heat plans for cities and health systems. Seismic Tech for Sierra Leone: TGS says it has applied advanced depth imaging to Sierra Leone’s offshore seismic data, reprocessing thousands of kilometers and a large 3D volume to sharpen subsurface clarity for hydrocarbon exploration, with early outputs expected in 2026. Health Deal Transparency: ILRAJ has demanded full disclosure of a five-year Sierra Leone–U.S. health cooperation agreement, saying the full MOU text and financial schedules were not published despite major public commitments. Solar for Research & Learning: EBKUST’s deputy minister commissioned a university-wide solar electrification project to keep classrooms, labs, libraries and IT running reliably while reducing dependence on conventional power. Digital Inclusion for Disability: Orange SL Foundation and ActionAid Sierra Leone signed an MoU to set up a Digital Inclusion Training Centre for persons with disabilities, focusing on digital literacy and assistive technology access. AI & Human Development: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister met UN Global Compact leadership and also joined UN AI and human development meetings in Cairo, pushing an “AI Lab” agenda tied to education, healthcare and governance. Maritime Education Leadership: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe assumed RMU chancellorship as the university graduated 417 professionals, including computer engineering and marine engineering tracks.

AI & Innovation (Sierra Leone): Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer Dr Moinina David Sengeh met UN Global Compact CEO Sanda Ojiambo in Cairo to shape Africa’s innovation agenda ahead of GABI 2026, with plans for sessions on responsible AI, inclusive growth and public-private investment. Digital Inclusion (Sierra Leone): Orange SL Foundation and ActionAid Sierra Leone signed an MoU to set up a Digital Inclusion Training Centre for persons with disabilities, offering digital literacy, skills training and assistive technology access. Tech for Policing (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone Police, with Victory Teens Organisation, completed a five-day AI training to strengthen cybercrime detection, investigations and tech-driven law enforcement. Skills & TVET Reform (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s NCTVE launched a major overhaul push for TVET, aiming to align technical education with industry needs and put the private sector at the centre of training. Labour Data & Governance (Nigeria): Nigeria’s labour market institutions signed an MoU with ILO and others to share labour market information and modernise labour inspection systems. Digital Tax Expertise (West Africa): ACBF reaffirmed its partnership with WATAF to train tax leaders on taxing the digital economy. Extreme Heat (Freetown focus): A new report says extreme heat is already cutting city output and hitting women in informal work hardest, with Freetown included in the study. Maritime Training (Region): Regional Maritime University graduation and board leadership updates highlighted continued investment in maritime education and the blue economy.

Digital Tax Skills: ACBF and WATAF reaffirmed plans to train West African tax leaders on taxing the digital economy, with a second in-person master class set for later this year. Inclusive Tech Training: Orange SL Foundation and ActionAid Sierra Leone signed an MoU to build a Digital Inclusion Training Centre for persons with disabilities, focusing on digital literacy and assistive technology access. AI for Public Service: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister/Chief Innovation Officer Dr Moinina Sengeh met UN Global Compact CEO Sanda Ojiambo to shape Africa-focused GABI 2026 sessions on responsible AI and investment. Police AI Capacity: Sierra Leone Police, with Victory Teens Organisation, completed a five-day AI training to boost tech-enabled policing, cybercrime detection, and investigations. Electricity for Rural Growth: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone under DARES to expand distributed renewable power via solar home systems and mini-grids. TVET Overhaul: Sierra Leone’s NCTVE launched a push to realign technical education with industry needs, putting the private sector at the centre of skills training. Maritime Education: RMU graduation and leadership handover coverage highlights continued regional investment in maritime engineering, logistics, and computer engineering. Media & Journalism Tech: The US Embassy ran a digital journalism and AI training for provincial journalists in Bo. Local Courts: A student in Freetown was remanded over alleged fake WAEC results tied to admission fraud. Climate & Health Impact: A new report flags extreme heat as a growing economic threat, with Freetown included among studied cities.

AI & Innovation Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh met UN Global Compact CEO Sanda Ojiambo in Cairo to shape Africa-focused innovation sessions ahead of GABI 2026, with plans spanning responsible AI, inclusive growth, and public-private investment. Climate & Public Health: A new London Climate Action Week report says extreme heat is already cutting city economies by 4%–8% of GDP and driving over 1,000 deaths yearly, with women in informal work hit hardest; Freetown is included in the study. Justice & Education Legacy: President Bio led final tributes for late Justice Nyawo Finda Matturi-Jones, remembered as a trailblazer for women in law and as inaugural Chancellor of Kono University of Science and Technology. Digital Media Skills: The U.S. Embassy ran a three-day digital journalism and AI training for provincial reporters in Bo, covering WhatsApp journalism, analytics, and newsroom monetization. Energy Access (World Bank): Sierra Leone confirmed World Bank approval of US$60m for DARES phase one to expand rural renewable electricity via solar home systems and mini-grids. Policing Tech: Sierra Leone Police completed a five-day AI training with Victory Teens Organisation to strengthen cybercrime detection and tech-driven investigations. TVET Overhaul: NCTVE launched a major TVET reform push to align technical education with industry needs, putting the private sector at the centre.

AI & Governance in Sierra Leone: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh is in Cairo for UN “AI and Human Development” talks, pushing Sierra Leone’s “AI Lab” vision and its 2019–2029 National Innovation and Digital Strategy to shape responsible AI for education, healthcare, and public services. Digital Skills for Media: The U.S. Embassy ran a three-day digital journalism and AI training for provincial journalists in Bo, covering AI use in reporting, WhatsApp journalism, analytics, and monetisation. Police Tech Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police, with Victory Teens Organisation, completed a five-day AI training to strengthen cybercrime detection and modern, tech-driven policing. Technical Education Reform: Sierra Leone’s TVET overhaul got a boost after the NCTVE launched a new council meeting in Freetown, aiming to align technical training with industry needs and reduce unemployment. Energy Access Boost: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone’s DARES distributed renewable energy programme, targeting off-grid solar solutions to expand electricity access beyond the current ~36% connection rate. STEM & Youth Pathways: Felei TechCity and MoCTI, with ILO support, trained 30 SIYB “trainers” to strengthen entrepreneurship support across districts. Education & Integrity: A student in Freetown was remanded for allegedly using a forged WAEC result to secure admission.

Ebola Focus: A fresh wave of concern is building around the fast-moving Ebola situation in Central Africa, with experts warning it could spread further across borders if detection and response gaps aren’t closed. AI for Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh says the country is positioning itself as an “AI Lab” after highlighting its AI vision at UN human development meetings in Egypt, while Sierra Leone Police complete AI training to strengthen modern policing. Digital Media Skills: The U.S. Embassy expands digital journalism training in Bo, equipping provincial reporters with AI tools, audience engagement methods, and WhatsApp journalism. Tech & Energy: The World Bank approves US$60m for Sierra Leone’s rural electrification push under DARES, aiming to scale off-grid renewable power for faster economic gains. Education & Integrity: A student in Freetown is remanded for allegedly using a fake WAEC result to secure admission, facing forgery and fraud charges. Skills for Jobs: Sierra Leone’s TVET sector gets a new strategy after NCTVE’s inaugural council meeting, with stronger links to industry needs. Business Development: Felei TechCity and partners train 30 experts in business development skills to support entrepreneurship across Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone’s AI push: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh joined UN “AI and Human Development” talks in Egypt, pitching Sierra Leone as an “AI Lab” and pointing to its 2019–2029 National Innovation and Digital Strategy. AI for policing: Sierra Leone Police, with Victory Teens Organisation, finished a five-day AI training to strengthen cybercrime detection and investigations, urging officers to tackle misinformation and fraud with better tech skills. Tech for telecoms: West Africa telecom experts at WATISE 4.0 say AI adoption will raise demand for resilient connectivity, cybersecurity, and public trust—key issues for the region’s next-gen networks. TVET reform: Sierra Leone’s NCTVE launched a TVET overhaul push, with industry at the centre of skills training to cut unemployment and better match labour needs in sectors including technology. Power access boost: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone’s DARES programme to expand rural electricity via solar home systems and mini-grids, targeting productivity gains. Business skills in districts: Felei TechCity and partners trained 30 professionals in ILO’s SIYB “train-the-trainers” model to support entrepreneurship across nine districts. Digital outreach: Africell and Afrimoney wrapped a digital university programme in Freetown, linking students to learning tools like AFRIGPT and feedback on customer experience.

AI for Development: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh met UN leaders in Cairo to push an “AI and Human Development” agenda, calling Sierra Leone an “AI Lab” built on its national digital strategy. AI in Telecoms: West Africa telecom stakeholders at WATISE 4.0 warned that AI will boost demand for data and connectivity, making resilient infrastructure, cybersecurity, and public trust non-negotiable. Police Tech Skills: Sierra Leone Police, with Victory Teens Organisation, completed a five-day AI training to strengthen cybercrime detection and tech-driven investigations. TVET Overhaul: Sierra Leone’s NCTVE launched a major TVET reform push, stressing private-sector-led training aligned to jobs in agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure, tourism and technology. Energy Access Boost: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone’s DARES programme to expand rural electricity via off-grid renewables like solar home systems and mini-grids. Business Training for Youth: Felei TechCity and MoCTI, with ILO support, trained 30 professionals in SIYB business development to scale entrepreneurship support across districts. Health Watch (Ebola): Doctors in DR Congo are refining how Bundibugyo Ebola behaves as recoveries rise, though uncertainty remains due to limited past data. STEM & Learning: Africell and Afrimoney wrapped up a digital outreach in Freetown universities, while Sierra Leone also backed students for the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad.

Rural Power Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy says the World Bank has approved US$60m for DARES, the first phase of a US$200m regional push to expand electricity access with off-grid renewables like solar home systems and mini-grids. Youth + AI Skills: PYAC chair Mandella S. Gbollie returned from the MRU Youth Connect Summit, urging Liberia and neighbours to invest in AI, entrepreneurship, and regional cooperation. Digital Skills for Government: Sierra Leone will train 1,000 civil servants in digital tools, data literacy, AI, and cybersecurity under a nine-month programme to speed up public service delivery. University Tech Outreach: Africell and Afrimoney wrapped up a digital outreach in Freetown universities, including sessions on AFRIGPT and customer experience. Food Security Monitoring: MAFS and the World Bank trained officials on Joint Monitoring Report methods to improve early action on seed, nutrition, and cash support. STEM Education Push: Sierra Leone backs students for the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad, while regional STEM initiatives keep expanding access. Ebola Watch: The wider outbreak remains a concern as the White House seeks $1.4bn more funding and France reports its first case linked to the DRC.

Rural Power Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy says the World Bank has approved US$60m under DARES to expand rural electricity access with off-grid renewables like solar home systems and mini-grids, aiming to lift productivity in farming and small businesses. Digital Skills Push: Sierra Leone’s government will train 1,000 civil servants in digital tools, data literacy, AI and cybersecurity over nine months to speed up service delivery and improve uptake of digital initiatives. Public Sector Data for Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with World Bank support, trained about 60 stakeholders on Joint Monitoring Report methods to trigger faster action on rainfall, prices, pests and nutrition risks. Ebola Watch: Experts warn the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak in the DRC could reach South Sudan within weeks, while the White House seeks over $1.4bn in new Ebola funding from Congress. STEM & Youth Tech: PYAC chair Mandella S. Gbollie returns from the MRU Youth Connect Summit, urging MRU states to invest in AI and youth entrepreneurship; Sierra Leone also backs students heading to the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad. Anti-Corruption Tech: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission highlights a digital asset declaration system, reporting very high compliance and fewer filing errors.

Climate & Cities: A new report says extreme heat is already cutting city economies and hitting the poorest hardest, with research using Freetown showing heat can reduce city GDP by 4–8% annually and contribute to over 1,000 deaths each year. Road Safety Tech: Work is set to make a dangerous Route 2 intersection near Kensington safer, with LED stop signs and road raising planned to improve visibility. Digital Learning in Sierra Leone: Africell Sierra Leone and Afrimoney Sierra Leone wrapped up a Digital University Connect outreach across Freetown colleges, promoting digital learning, financial inclusion and customer feedback, including demos of AFRIGPT. AI in Schools: Google announced a major AI push for schools, aiming to integrate AI tools across classroom and learning products. Ebola Funding Pressure: The White House is seeking over $1.4bn from Congress for Ebola response, including quarantine, surveillance and logistics, as the outbreak widens. Health Security in Europe: France confirmed its first Ebola case in a doctor returning from Congo, with isolation and contact tracing underway. Anti-Corruption Tech: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission showcased its digital asset declaration system at an African anti-corruption assembly, citing very high compliance. STEM Boost: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh met Sierra Leone’s PAMO-bound students, backing STEM excellence ahead of the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad. Public Sector Digital Skills: Sierra Leone will train 1,000 civil servants in digital skills over nine months to modernise service delivery. Food Security Monitoring: MAFS and the World Bank trained officials on Joint Monitoring Report methods to speed up early food security responses. Regional Tech & Skills: MoPED began Phase 2 of advanced training to turn data and research into decision-ready policy documents, including responsible AI use.

Pandemic-Proof Vaccines: Cambridge researchers say an AI-aided “master key” vaccine approach could help the immune system recognize whole families of viruses, potentially reducing the chase for new strains. Health & Safety: France confirmed its first Ebola case in a doctor returning from the DRC; the patient is isolated and contacts are being traced, with officials saying the wider risk is low. Ebola Funding Push: The White House is asking Congress for over $1.4bn to fight the widening Ebola outbreak, including quarantine support in Kenya and global health security funding. Food Security Data Skills: Sierra Leone’s MAFS and the World Bank trained officials to better collect and use monitoring data for faster action on seeds, nutrition, and cash support during shocks. Digital Government Training: Sierra Leone will train 1,000 civil servants in digital skills over nine months to modernize public service delivery. Anti-Corruption Tech: Sierra Leone’s ACC showcased its digital asset declaration system at an African anti-corruption assembly, citing high compliance and fewer filing errors. STEM for Youth: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh met Sierra Leone’s team bound for the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad, backing STEM excellence. Regional Tech & Security: ECOWAS central banks in Monrovia advanced the ERM framework for a future single currency, while a Gulf of Guinea maritime task force highlights tech-enabled regional security cooperation.