AGP Executive Report

Digital Governance & AI Literacy: Sierra Leone launched a national AI and deepfake awareness campaign to help citizens spot manipulated content and use AI responsibly, supported by the World Bank via the SLDTP and led by the DSTI. Cybersecurity & Legal Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General met UNESCO in Riyadh to discuss AI governance readiness, cybersecurity, and a planned Data Protection Bill ahead of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI. Smart Ports & Tracking: The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority held talks with Triple-A on AI-enabled port security, safety, and “smart-port” upgrades, including digital port twins and container/vehicle tracking, with a U.S. Coast Guard audit due in November 2026. Health Systems & Disability Data: UNIMAK and LSHTM advanced Sierra Leone’s Disability Assessment, Determination and Certification pilot (Phase II) to build a national disability assessment and certification framework. Connectivity Finance: Africell secured a $99.6m EXIM loan to expand mobile network technology and improve connectivity in Angola, with the operator also active in Sierra Leone. Agrifood Innovation: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry delegation shared lessons from WAFI2026 in Beijing, focusing on digital extension, farmer field schools, and green value chains for Feed Salone. Climate & Minerals Deal-Making: African leaders pushed for investment and local ownership of critical minerals at Climate Week NYC and the Unstoppable Africa 2026 forum. Regional Diplomacy: China and Sierra Leone marked 55 years of diplomatic relations at a Freetown reception.

AI & Digital Literacy: Sierra Leone launched a national AI and deepfake awareness campaign to help citizens spot manipulated content and use emerging tech responsibly, backed by the World Bank through the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project. AI Governance: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General discussed AI governance and a Data Protection Bill with UNESCO in Saudi Arabia, stressing readiness beyond technical experts. Health & Research Training: Sierra Leone secured a five-year accreditation for postgraduate radiology training, while UNIMAK and LSHTM advance a disability assessment and certification system. Ports & Smart Security: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority met Triple-A on AI-enabled port security, safety, and “smart-port” operations ahead of a U.S. Coast Guard audit. Finance & Budgeting: Finance Minister Karefa Kargbo unveiled a fiscal reform agenda as Sierra Leone begins the FY2027 budget process, focusing on revenue, public financial management, and efficiency. Diplomacy & Tech Partnerships: China marked 55 years of ties with Sierra Leone, and Sierra Leone also pushed its digital sovereignty agenda to the global stage. Regional Cooperation: The government launched a South-South and triangular cooperation strategic plan for 2026–2030 to boost technology exchange and delivery. Global Spotlight: First Lady Fatima Bio was honoured by Harvard and MIT for leadership and service to Africa.

Agriculture & Innovation: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security sent its Director of Extension, Alpha Yayah Mansaray, to the World AgriFood Innovation Conference in Beijing, sharing lessons on green, healthy agrifood systems and how digital extension and farmer field schools can fit the “Feed Salone” approach. AI & Digital Safety: Government launched a national AI and deepfake awareness campaign in Freetown to help citizens spot manipulated media and use AI responsibly, supported by the World Bank through the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project. AI Governance: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General Alpha Sesay met UNESCO officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss ethical AI governance, noting the country has a position on AI but is still working toward specific legislation and a Data Protection Bill. Health Systems: University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex won full five-year accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training, bringing in-country specialist imaging education and raising total accredited programmes to nine. Port Tech & Security: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority held talks with Triple-A on AI-enabled smart-port upgrades, including digital port twins and tracking, ahead of a U.S. Coast Guard audit in November 2026. Regional Cooperation: The Ministry of Planning launched Sierra Leone’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategic Plan 2026–2030 to turn partnerships into measurable technology and knowledge exchange. Space for Disaster Response: UAE Space Agency completed disaster-response satellite training in Ghana with participants from Sierra Leone and other West African states, focusing on early warning and damage assessment.

AI & Deepfakes: Sierra Leone launched a national AI and deepfake awareness campaign in Freetown to help citizens spot manipulated content and use AI responsibly, funded via the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project with World Bank support. Digital Governance: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General Alpha Sesay discussed AI governance readiness with UNESCO in Saudi Arabia, noting the country has a position on AI but no specific AI law yet, alongside work on cybersecurity and a Data Protection Bill. Public Finance & Jobs: Finance Minister Karefa A.F. Kargbo kicked off the FY2027 budget process at National Policy Hearings, pushing domestic revenue mobilisation, tighter public financial management, and a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework focused on jobs, infrastructure and digital transformation. Health Training: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health welcomed full five-year WACP accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training at USLTHC, bringing in-country specialist imaging education and raising total accredited programmes to nine. Port Security Tech: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority met Triple-A to explore AI-enabled smart-port upgrades like digital port twins and tracking systems, ahead of a U.S. Coast Guard audit in November 2026. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Sierra Leone also marked 55 years of China–Sierra Leone diplomatic relations at a Freetown reception, with emphasis on China’s EV, battery and AI patent growth.

AI & Media Literacy: Sierra Leone launched a national AI and deepfake awareness campaign in Freetown to help citizens spot manipulated content and use AI responsibly, funded via the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project with World Bank support. Digital Governance: MoCTI will showcase Sierra Leone’s “Open-Source Journey” at UNGA 81, highlighting the country’s first Open-Source Software Policy aimed at reducing reliance on costly proprietary tools and strengthening locally controlled digital systems. AI Governance Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General met UNESCO in Saudi Arabia to discuss AI governance and legal preparedness, noting the country has a position on AI but no specific AI law yet, alongside work on a Data Protection Bill. Port Security Tech: The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority held talks with Triple-A on AI-enabled container intelligence, vehicle tracking, and “smart-port” upgrades, ahead of a planned U.S. Coast Guard audit in November 2026. Health Training & Capacity: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health welcomed full five-year WACP accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training at USLTHC, bringing in-country specialist imaging education to more doctors. Disability Assessment Research: UNIMAK and LSHTM are advancing a Disability Assessment, Determination and Certification pilot in Sierra Leone to build a national disability assessment and certification framework. Regional Tech for Health: Africa CDC is pushing a harmonised Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework, with Sierra Leone among participating countries.

Digital Governance: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General Alpha Sesay met UNESCO in Riyadh to discuss AI governance, ethics, and readiness, stressing the need to prepare for AI beyond legal and technical experts while work continues on a Data Protection Bill. Open-Source Tech: MoCTI will take Sierra Leone’s “Open-Source Journey” to UNGA 81 with UNICEF, showcasing the country’s first Open-Source Software Policy aimed at locally controlled, more affordable digital public infrastructure. Port Security & Smart Ports: SLPHA met Triple-A on AI-enabled container intelligence, vehicle tracking, and digital port twins to strengthen Freetown’s security and safety ahead of a U.S. Coast Guard audit. Health Training: Sierra Leone secured full five-year WACP accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training at USLTHC, expanding in-country specialist imaging capacity. Disability Research: UNIMAK and LSHTM advanced Sierra Leone’s Disability Assessment, Determination and Certification pilot to build a national disability assessment and certification framework. Ebola Lab Capacity: West African medical laboratory scientists gathered in Togo to tackle epidemic diagnostics and prevention gaps amid the Ebola crisis.

Digital Sovereignty: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation will showcase the country’s “Open-Source Journey” at UNGA 81, highlighting its first Open-Source Software Policy aimed at more secure, affordable, locally controlled digital governance. Health Training Upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health celebrates full five-year WACP accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training at USLTHC, bringing advanced imaging specialist/fellowship training fully in-country. Port Security Tech: SLPHA met Triple-A to explore AI-enabled smart-port upgrades for the Port of Freetown, including digital port twins and container/vehicle tracking ahead of a U.S. Coast Guard audit. AI for Public Health: Africa CDC and AU states are building a harmonised Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework, with Sierra Leone among participants shaping the data and digital architecture. Ebola Lab Capacity: West African medical laboratory scientists gathered in Togo to tackle epidemic diagnostics and prevention gaps amid the Ebola crisis. Ebola Drug Trial: NanoViricides says Phase II NV-387 oral gummies for Ebola in DRC will start next week, targeting reduced fatalities in a rapidly spreading outbreak. Human Trafficking Online: A new PROTECT project with France targets digital recruitment and cross-border trafficking networks across Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin, Guinea and Togo.

Sierra Leone Digital Governance: MoCTI will showcase “Sierra Leone’s Open-Source Journey” at UNGA 81, highlighting a new Open-Source Software Policy aimed at more secure, locally controlled public digital systems. Health & Training: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health secured full five-year WACP accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training at USLTHC, bringing in-country specialist imaging education to more doctors. Disability Research: UNIMAK and LSHTM are running DADC Pilot Phase II to build a national disability assessment and certification framework, using findings from selected communities. Energy Access: All On and PowerGen plan more Nigeria mini-grids via mezzanine investment, targeting 41,000 beneficiaries—an example of scalable clean power models across West Africa. STEM Inclusion: Kenyan startup ZeroBionic is using recycled-plastic robotic arms and sign-language data to bring STEM access to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Regional Capacity Building: WAIFEM and partners trained West African debt officials on the Commonwealth Meridian system to improve public debt data and reporting. Ebola Watch: UN urges caution as DRC officials report signs Ebola transmission is slowing, with cases and deaths still high.

Digital Sovereignty: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation will take its “Open-Source Journey” to UNGA 81, spotlighting a new Open-Source Software Policy aimed at more secure, affordable, locally controlled digital governance. Health Training: Sierra Leone’s Teaching Hospitals Complex wins full five-year accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training, adding specialist imaging capacity in-country. Fintech & Payments: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio launches Flot, a Sierra Leonean platform for digital payments, international card services and travel solutions. Electricity Access: All On partners with PowerGen to expand Nigeria’s renewable mini-grids, targeting 41,000 beneficiaries and 9MW capacity. EV Mobility: Spiro teams up with Yadea to scale electric two-wheelers across Africa using a battery-swapping ecosystem. Anti-Trafficking (Regional): NAPTIP and France launch the PROTECT project to disrupt human trafficking networks, including digital recruitment, across Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Togo. Ebola Watch (DRC): UN urges caution as DRC officials report signs Ebola transmission is slowing, with cases still spread across provinces. Space Inspiration: NASA highlights Dr Mae Jemison’s legacy as the first Black woman in space, with her Sierra Leone-linked Peace Corps background.

Digital Sovereignty: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation will take its open-source digital governance push to UNGA 81, spotlighting a new Open-Source Software Policy aimed at more secure, affordable, locally controlled public tech. Health Training: Sierra Leone secures full five-year WACP accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training at USLTHC, adding specialist imaging capacity in-country. Fintech & Payments: First Lady Fatima Bio officially launches Flot, a Sierra Leonean platform for digital payments, Visa-powered international card services, and travel support. Mobility Tech: Spiro partners with Yadea to scale electric two-wheelers across Africa using Spiro’s battery-swapping ecosystem. Public Sector Skills: MoICE explores Canadian academic partnerships to expand study, exchanges, and research opportunities for Sierra Leonean youth. Land Administration: The Lands Ministry certifies and licenses 18 land surveyors to strengthen land rights and reduce boundary disputes. Regional Capacity Building: WAIFEM trains West African debt officials on the Commonwealth Meridian system to improve debt data management and reporting. Ebola Watch: UN urges caution as DRC officials report signs the outbreak may be slowing, while trials for an oral Ebola drug NV-387 are set to begin next week in Ituri.

Debt & Data Skills: WAIFEM and the Commonwealth Secretariat are running an eight-day training in Monrovia to help West African debt officials use the Commonwealth Meridian system for better debt data compilation, monitoring, and reporting, with Sierra Leone among the participating countries. Digital Finance Launch: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has officially launched Flot, a Sierra Leone fintech platform for digital payments and Visa-powered international card services, aiming to make cross-border spending and travel easier. EV Mobility Push: Spiro has partnered with Yadea to scale electric two-wheelers across Africa using Spiro’s battery-swapping ecosystem, targeting commercial fleets and daily commuters. Anti-Trafficking, Cross-Border Tech: NAPTIP and France-backed Expertise France have inaugurated the PROTECT project across Nigeria and West Africa, focusing on disrupting trafficking networks that increasingly use digital platforms. Public Health Intelligence: Africa CDC and AU states are advancing a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework, with Sierra Leone among the countries involved. TB Vaccine Pipeline: Gavi says new TB vaccines expected from 2029 could save millions, but warns countries must prepare now for supply and affordability. Land Administration: Sierra Leone’s Lands Ministry has certified and licensed 18 land surveyors to strengthen land rights and reduce boundary disputes. Human Trafficking Warning: Amnesty reports Russia exploits migrants, refugees, and detained foreigners to recruit them into Ukraine war ranks, including testimonies from Sierra Leoneans. AI Inclusion Alert: The Gates Foundation warns AI could leave billions behind if it isn’t built for the languages and realities of poorer communities.

AI Inclusion Warning: The Gates Foundation says AI could leave billions behind as most training data is English-heavy, risking a widening gap for people in poorer countries. Sierra Leone Digital Finance: First Lady Fatima Bio officially launches Flot, a Sierra Leone fintech platform for digital payments, Visa-powered international card services, and travel solutions. Startup Push to Global Markets: Sierra Leone’s MoCTI invites startups to apply for COME UP 2026 in Seoul, targeting digital sectors like fintech, AI, climate tech, and agritech. Telecom Competition: The US Export-Import Bank approves a $99.6m loan to Africell to buy American and allied network equipment, aiming to reduce reliance on Huawei across African markets including Sierra Leone. Public Health Data Systems: Africa CDC and AU states advance a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework, with Sierra Leone among participating countries. Human Trafficking Focus: NAPTIP and Expertise France inaugurate the PROTECT project to strengthen anti-trafficking capacity across West Africa, including Sierra Leone. Ebola Update (Regional Risk): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak reaches a seventh province, with cases and deaths climbing as the virus spreads beyond the epicentre.

Public Health Intelligence: Africa CDC and AU states advanced a Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework, with Sierra Leone among participating countries, aiming to standardize how behavioural and information risks are tracked and acted on. Digital Finance Launch: First Lady Fatima Bio officially launched Flot, a Sierra Leone fintech platform with Visa-powered cards and cross-border payment and travel services, backed by Zenith Bank and designed to expand access to modern financial tools. Land Administration: Sierra Leone’s Lands Ministry certified and licensed 18 land surveyors to strengthen land rights, reduce boundary disputes, and support secure tenure. Startup Push for Global Markets: MoCTI, via Ready Salone, invited Sierra Leonean startups to apply for COME UP 2026 in Seoul, targeting digital sectors like fintech, AI, telecoms, e-commerce, climate and agritech. Children’s Data Protection: MoCTI and UNICEF discussed Digital Public Infrastructure guardrails for children, focusing on secure collection and sharing of vaccination and other sensitive records. Telecom Competition: The US Export-Import Bank approved a $99.6m loan to Africell to buy American and allied network equipment, as Washington seeks to reduce Huawei’s influence in Africa. Ebola Watch (Regional Impact): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with cases and deaths rising fast and containment hampered by insecurity and health system strain. Migration & Human Trafficking Risk: Sierra Leone’s suspension of overseas recruitment tied to the Guinea route is framed as a deeper labour-migration and trafficking challenge, not just a travel restriction.

Digital Finance Push: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio officially launched Flot, a Sierra Leone fintech platform for digital payments, Visa-powered international cards and travel services, aiming to widen access to modern banking and cross-border payments. Land Administration Reform: The Ministry of Lands certified and licensed 18 land surveyors to strengthen land rights, reduce boundary disputes and improve secure tenure. Social Protection Updates: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Social Welfare is advancing reforms to strengthen social protection, including a 56-bed disability facility nearing completion and a plan to regulate and license social workers and service institutions. Cyber & Child Data Guardrails: MoCTI, with UNICEF and CDPI, held a workshop on Digital Public Infrastructure guardrails for children, focusing on safer collection and sharing of vaccination and other sensitive records. Regional Tech Competition: The US Export-Import Bank approved a $99.6m loan to Africell to buy American and allied telecom equipment, targeting Huawei-linked influence across African networks. Public Health Alert: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 cases and spread to a seventh province, with authorities warning it’s still out of control.

Land Administration: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Lands has certified and licensed 18 land surveyors in Freetown, citing the Survey Act as the legal basis and stressing the role of licensed surveyors in secure land rights and fewer boundary disputes. Digital Finance Launch: First Lady Fatima Bio officially launched Flot, a Visa-powered fintech platform aimed at making international payments and travel more cashless for Sierra Leoneans, with Zenith Bank and Visa named as key partners. Child Data Security: MoCTI, UNICEF and CDPI held a workshop on Digital Public Infrastructure guardrails for children, focusing on how vaccination records should be shared and protected across government systems. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 cases and is now affecting a seventh province, with health authorities warning it remains out of control amid insecurity and health system strain. Telecom Competition (Africa): The US Export-Import Bank approved about $99.6m for Africell to buy American and allied network equipment to compete with Huawei, with Africell operating in Sierra Leone among other markets. Youth & Learning Links: MoICE discussed Canadian academic partnerships with the University of the Fraser Valley, including exchanges and scholarships for Sierra Leonean youth.

Fintech Launch: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education met Canada’s University of the Fraser Valley to expand scholarships, exchanges, and collaborative research for Sierra Leonean youth. Digital Payments: First Lady Fatima Bio officially launched Flot, a Visa-powered fintech platform in Freetown aimed at making international payments and travel more secure and less cash-dependent for Sierra Leoneans. Public Health Tech: Government, MoCTI, UNICEF, and partners are reviewing how to securely collect and protect children’s vaccination data across ministries, with guardrails built in from the start. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s record Ebola outbreak has surged to seven provinces, with cases and deaths rising in North Kivu and Haut-Uele as health systems face insecurity and displacement. Telecom Competition: The U.S. Export-Import Bank plans a $99.6m loan to Africell to expand American and allied telecom equipment in Angola and beyond, as Washington seeks to counter Huawei’s influence. STEM & Skills: Korea Eximbank discussed AI and digital training cooperation with African countries, including Sierra Leone, under KOAFEC.