AGP Executive Report

Public Service Tech: Sierra Leone Police moved Police Clearance Certificate applications fully online via the WanGov portal, with support centres in Freetown for people without internet access. Digital Governance: NPPA and the National Investment Board began talks to link their digital systems, aiming to speed up verification of business information and improve procurement transparency. Cybersecurity: NatCA urged the public to stay alert as it monitors cybersecurity incidents and coordinates a national response, while reminding citizens to use multi-factor authentication and report suspicious messages. Transport Safety: SLRA announced the immediate closure of Brookfields Old Railway Line Bridge in Freetown from 1 August after structural deterioration, with alternative routes and police-led traffic management. Climate-Resilient Planning: SLURC engaged communities in Thompson Bay and Pamoronko to promote inclusive land-use practices that reduce flooding risks. Health Capacity: Government launched Sierra Leone’s first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to strengthen outbreak investigation and emergency response. Higher Education Access: University of Sierra Leone reopened its online admissions portal for 2026/2027, with fees and NIN requirements. Startup Ecosystem: MoCTI hosted an investor roundtable under READY Salone Investor Day to connect local founders with African venture capital.

Epidemiology Update: A new Science report says the DRC’s fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in Ituri likely began in January or earlier, with researchers tracing suspected cases back to the outskirts of Mongbwalu. Digital Government: Sierra Leone Police launched an online Police Clearance Certificate application process via the WanGov platform, with support centres for people without internet access. Public Health Training: The Ministry of Health and NPHA rolled out Sierra Leone’s first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to boost outbreak investigation and emergency response capacity. Higher Education Access: University of Sierra Leone reopened its online admissions portal for the 2026/2027 academic year, with clear fee and NIN requirements. Transport Safety: SLRA is considering closing the Old Railway Line Bridge in Brookfields after a rainy-season assessment flagged serious structural risks. Startup & Investment: MoCTI convened a founder–investor roundtable under READY Salone Investor Day to connect Sierra Leonean startups with African investors. E-Transactions Push: Government launched a public-private dialogue to operationalise the Electronic Transactions Act after seven years of limited implementation. STEM Recognition: Fourah Bay College honoured engineer and industrialist Mohamed Babatunde Cole ahead of its 200th anniversary celebrations.

Public Health Training: Sierra Leone has launched its first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme (Advanced FETP) to boost disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, emergency response, and public health decision-making, with support from partners including WHO and the World Bank. Higher Education Financing: SLOAN-SL validated its 2025–2030 strategic plan to strengthen higher education loan access and fairness, aiming to help students complete tertiary studies. Digital Government Services: Sierra Leone Police moved Police Clearance Certificate applications fully online via the WanGov platform, with support centres in Freetown for people without internet access. Higher Education Access: University of Sierra Leone reopened its online admissions portal for the 2026/2027 academic year, with NIN requirements and set application fees. Road Safety: SLRA is considering closing the Old Railway Line Bridge in Brookfields after rainy-season inspections flagged serious structural safety risks. Startup Ecosystem: MoCTI convened a founder–investor roundtable under READY Salone Investor Day to connect Sierra Leonean startups with African investors. AI for Creators: Google and Idris Elba’s AI initiative is set to equip nearly 100,000 African creators, including Sierra Leoneans, with AI tools to reduce production costs. STEM Recognition: Fourah Bay College honoured engineer and industrialist Mohamed Babatunde Cole ahead of its 200th anniversary celebrations. Governance & Tech Policy: Government began work to operationalise Sierra Leone’s Electronic Transactions Act after seven years, focusing on gaps in digital certification, dispute resolution, and enforcement.

Digital Government: Sierra Leone Police has launched a fully online Police Clearance Certificate application system via the WanGov portal, aiming to cut visits to CID and speed up processing, with support centres in Freetown for people without internet. Rail Safety: SLRA is considering closing the Old Railway Line Bridge in Brookfields after inspections found serious deterioration and safety risks, with heavy vehicles already restricted while longer-term fixes are planned. Startup & Investment: MoCTI hosted a Founder and VC roundtable under READY Salone Investor Day to connect Sierra Leonean startups with African investors, including fintech and e-commerce/logistics founders. E-Transactions Push: Government convened a public-private dialogue to operationalise the Electronic Transactions Act 2018 after seven years, focusing on trust, regulation, and a roadmap for digital commerce. Education Tech: University of Sierra Leone reopened its online admissions portal for the 2026/2027 academic year, with NIN requirements and bank payment steps. Cyber Safety: NaTCA intensified consumer education on online fraud, warning about scam links and account takeovers spreading through SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook and email. Health Research: A study highlights pre-eclampsia management gaps in Sierra Leone’s maternity care, pointing to delays, shortages of magnesium sulfate, and limited monitoring.

Startup Investment Push: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation convened a Founder and VC roundtable under READY Salone Investor Day, linking local startups like fintech The Community and e-commerce/logistics firm Send Me with investors including Launch Africa Ventures and Seedstars Africa Ventures. Digital Commerce Rules: Government launched a high-level public-private dialogue to operationalise the Electronic Transactions Act 2018 after seven years, aiming to close enforcement gaps for e-signatures, consumer protection, and dispute handling. University Online Admissions: University of Sierra Leone reopened its 2026/2027 online admissions portal for FBC, IPAM, COMAHS and e-learning master’s programmes, with fees via local banks and NIN required. Railway Governance: Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority consulted stakeholders on a Draft Railway Regulatory Framework ahead of Cabinet and Parliament review. Cyber Safety Drive: NaTCA intensified consumer education against online fraud, warning about scam links on SMS/WhatsApp/Facebook and urging safer reporting and verification habits. Legal Tech for Elections: Sierra Leone Bar Association rolled out e-registration and an ID badge system to verify AGM voters and reduce unauthorised participation. STEM Youth Boost: Sierra Leonean innovator Kelvin Doe won a $50,000 TMU fellowship to expand STEAM learning in Toronto’s Regent Park. Ecosystem & Climate Planning: SLURC co-designed land-use reforms with Pamoronko residents to tackle climate risks in informal settlements. Constitution Debate: Parliament continued debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill, with focus on how MPs and presidential elections should work. AI for Creators: Idris Elba and Google launched an AI initiative investing nearly $1M to equip about 100,000 African creators, including in Sierra Leone, with Gemini and AI tools.

Parliament & Constitution: Sierra Leone MPs resumed debate on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the key fight centring on how to elect MPs—First-Past-the-Post versus Proportional Representation—before adjournment to Friday, 31 July. Electoral Rules: Separate commentary highlights proposed changes to the presidential vote threshold (from 55% to a simple majority plus a geographic spread condition), arguing the real debate is about representation and legitimacy. Legal Tech for Voting: The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) is pushing e-registration and an ID badge system for its 2026 AGM to verify eligible voters and reduce unauthorised participation. Railway Regulation: Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA) consults stakeholders on a Draft Railway Regulatory Framework to improve safety and governance ahead of Cabinet and Parliament review. AI for Creators: Idris Elba and Google back an AI initiative for nearly 100,000 African creators, including Sierra Leone, to help artists and entrepreneurs produce digital content with lower costs. Cyber Safety: NaTCA steps up consumer education against online fraud, warning about scam links and account takeovers spreading via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook and email. Engineering Recognition: Fourah Bay College honours engineer and industrialist Mohamed Babatunde Cole for major contributions to engineering and national development. Climate-Resilient Planning: SLURC involves Pamoronko residents in inclusive land-use reforms to tackle climate risks through co-designed planning.

AI for Creators: Idris Elba and Google are funding AI tools for nearly 100,000 African creators, including Sierra Leone, to help artists and filmmakers produce and market work with lower budgets. Agriculture Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Agriculture Minister introduced newly appointed deputy ministers at a mid-year workshop, highlighting science and irrigation expertise to support the Feed Salone push. Railway Governance: The Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority consulted stakeholders on a draft railway regulatory framework, aiming to improve safety and oversight ahead of new rail investment. Cyber Safety: NaTCA stepped up consumer education on online fraud, warning about fake links and account takeovers via SMS, WhatsApp, and social media. Public Health Skills: African tobacco-control advocates gathered in Lagos for ATIM training, including participants from Sierra Leone, to better monitor and counter industry interference. Ebola Update: Uganda says it is Ebola-free while Congo’s outbreak continues to surge, keeping regional health systems on alert. Police Digital Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police began a paperless push by distributing 39 laptops to local commanders for electronic correspondence. STEAM Youth Boost: Kelvin Doe won a $50,000 fellowship to expand STEAM learning in Toronto’s Regent Park, building hands-on innovation programmes. Constitution Debate: An op-ed argues Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution amendment bill could reshape presidential election rules, including a shift from a 55% threshold to a simple majority plus geographic spread.

Health Tech in Sierra Leone: Researchers report a low-cost AI decision-support system that helps Sierra Leone’s health supply chain forecast demand and allocate medicines better, boosting consumption of allocated products by 19% in pilot districts. Public Health & Regulation: Ghana will host 300+ African health regulators and policymakers for AMCOA’s 28th scientific conference, with a focus on responsive regulation as AI and new diseases reshape healthcare. Ebola Research: Scientists are racing to test therapies for the Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak, where the Bundibugyo strain currently has no licensed vaccine or treatment. STEM Youth Push: Sierra Leone innovator Kelvin Doe wins a $50,000 fellowship to expand hands-on STEAM learning in Toronto’s Regent Park. Digital Policing: Sierra Leone Police begin a paperless push, distributing 39 laptops to local commanders to speed up electronic correspondence via the national fiber network. Water Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s water ministry explores partnering with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water systems, including possible seawater desalination for the Western Area. Democracy Debate: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr urges MPs to reject PR and keep the 55% presidential threshold, warning district-based vote rules could “create” new problems. International Tech & AI for Creators: Idris Elba and Google-backed initiative will expand AI tools for nearly 100,000 African creators, including in Sierra Leone. Media Skills: SLAJ graduates 80 female journalists from a digital media literacy training, urging continued capacity building as platforms and tools evolve. Op-Ed & Governance: A debate piece questions whether Sierra Leoneans fear the 1991 Constitution amid proposed constitutional election changes.

Digital Policing Upgrade (Sierra Leone): The Sierra Leone Police has started a tech push by distributing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders nationwide, kicking off a move toward paperless administration and electronic correspondence once units connect to the national fibre network. STEM & Youth Innovation (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leonean inventor Kelvin Doe won a $50,000 fellowship from Toronto Metropolitan University to expand hands-on STEAM learning for young people in Regent Park, using practical innovation and problem-solving programmes. Water Infrastructure Modernisation (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Water Resources and Sanitation Ministry is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water systems, including possible seawater desalination for the Western Area and support for Rokel River Basin planning. Media Skills for Women (Sierra Leone): SLAJ graduated 80 female journalists from a Digital Media Literacy Training programme, urging continued capacity building as digital tools reshape how news is produced and shared. Regional Tech/AI for Creators (Africa, incl. Sierra Leone): Idris Elba and Google-backed funding will expand access to AI tools for nearly 100,000 African creators across Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Sierra Leone. Health Lab Capacity (Africa, incl. Sierra Leone): JICA, WHO and partners trained infectious-disease lab professionals from six countries, including Sierra Leone, strengthening skills in diagnosis, biosafety and laboratory quality systems. Justice & Rule of Law (Nigeria): The Nigerian Bar Association and Africa Judges & Jurists Forum condemned the abduction of a Kebbi State judge, calling for immediate release and stronger security for judicial officers. Global Tech Culture (Diaspora, incl. Sierra Leone): David Jonsson, with Sierra Leonean roots, was confirmed as the new Black Panther in Black Panther 3, scheduled for December 15, 2028.

Digital Policing Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police begin a paperless push by distributing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders, linking them to the national fiber network for faster electronic correspondence. Water Infrastructure Modernisation: The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is exploring a partnership with Egyptian firm METIPRO to modernise water systems, including possible seawater desalination for the Western Area. Health Lab Capacity Boost: JICA, Noguchi and WHO-backed training strengthens infectious-disease lab skills for health professionals from Sierra Leone and five other countries, covering biosafety, quality systems and diagnostics. Education Tech in Focus: COMAHS launches an Optical Mark Recognition device to speed up exam marking of multiple-choice scripts and reduce delays in results. Media Skills for Women: SLAJ graduates 80 female journalists from a digital media literacy programme, urging continuous learning as platforms and tools evolve. Regional Security Tech Angle: Sierra Leone’s motion failed at the ICC, where member states voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over serious misconduct. Culture & STEM Roots: Sierra Leone’s Emmerson Amidu Bockarie (Emmerson) lands a major Toronto performance at Kaya Fest, highlighting Krio-and-English songwriting and social commentary.

Police Digital Push: Sierra Leone Police begin a paperless shift by handing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders, enabling electronic correspondence over the national fibre network. Health Lab Capacity: JICA, Noguchi and WHO strengthen infectious-disease lab skills for health professionals from six countries, including Sierra Leone, through blended training in biosafety and lab quality systems. Education Tech: COMAHS launches an Optical Mark Recognition device to speed up and improve exam marking accuracy, cutting delays in results release. Water Infrastructure: Government explores a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water systems, including possible seawater desalination for the Western Area. Media Skills: SLAJ celebrates 80 female journalists graduating from a digital media literacy programme, urging continued learning as platforms and tools evolve. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS endorses the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a major step toward a $25b, multi-country energy corridor. Global Justice Update: The ICC removes chief prosecutor Karim Khan after a vote over serious misconduct allegations.

Health Security: The African Development Bank has approved up to $15m for Biovac in South Africa to build Africa’s first end-to-end oral cholera vaccine production line and expand inactivated polio manufacturing, aiming to raise output to 500 million doses a year and cut the continent’s heavy reliance on imports. Public Health Crisis: In DR Congo, Ebola deaths have climbed to 1,354 with 3,075 confirmed cases reported, as the outbreak spreads rapidly in conflict-affected areas and scientists push forward with an experimental vaccine trial. Education & Skills: 42 African governments and partners agreed on new funding to tackle learning poverty by 2035, while Sierra Leone’s COMAHS rolled out an OMR marking device to speed up exam results and reduce delays. Digital Governance: Sierra Leone Police began a paperless push by distributing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders, linking them to national fibre for faster electronic correspondence. Regional Tech/Infrastructure: ECOWAS member states endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline initiative, a major energy corridor plan with big implications for power and industry across West Africa. Media Capacity: SLAJ graduated 80 female journalists from a digital media literacy programme, urging continued training as technology reshapes news production.

Digital Policing Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police begin a paperless push by distributing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders, linking them to the national fibre network for faster electronic correspondence. Media Skills for Women: SLAJ graduates 80 female journalists from a Digital Media Literacy Training, urging continued learning as digital tools reshape news production. Water Infrastructure Modernisation: Government explores a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water systems, including possible seawater desalination for the Western Area and support via PPPs. Health Lab Capacity: JICA, Noguchi and WHO train infectious-disease lab professionals from six countries, including Sierra Leone, boosting skills in biosafety, diagnostics and lab quality systems. Education Tech in Medicine: COMAHS launches an Optical Mark Recognition device to speed and improve exam marking for MBChB-related assessments. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS endorses the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, backing a major $25bn, multi-country gas corridor. Drug Busts in the Region: Liberia seizes about $317m cocaine bound for Europe, while a Spanish national arrested in Sri Lanka arrived from Sierra Leone with cocaine hidden in file holders. International Justice Shock: The ICC removes chief prosecutor Karim Khan in a landmark vote over serious misconduct allegations.

ICC Overhaul: The International Criminal Court has removed chief prosecutor Karim Khan in an unprecedented vote, citing “serious misconduct” after sexual misconduct allegations he denies. Media Skills for Sierra Leone: SLAJ graduates 80 female journalists from a digital media literacy programme, urging continuous learning as platforms and tools evolve. Water Infrastructure Push: Sierra Leone’s Water Resources ministry is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water supply, including possible seawater desalination for the Western Area. Health Lab Training: JICA, Noguchi and WHO boosted infectious disease lab capacity for health professionals across six African countries, including Sierra Leone. Education Tech Upgrade: COMAHS launches an Optical Mark Recognition device to speed up and improve exam marking, aiming to cut delays in result release. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS endorses the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a major cross-border energy corridor linking West Africa to Morocco. Drug Busts in the Region: Liberia seized about $317m worth of cocaine bound for Europe, highlighting ongoing West African transit risks.

Health Tech Boost: JICA, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and WHO-backed training is upgrading infectious-disease lab skills for health professionals from Sierra Leone and five other African countries, with online and hands-on lab phases focused on biosafety, virology and lab quality. Education & Health Systems: Sierra Leone’s COMAHS (University of Sierra Leone) has published MBChB admission criteria, including WASSCE-based pathways, premedical programme entry and final selection via interviews. Faster Exam Marking: COMAHS has also launched an Optical Mark Recognition device to speed up and improve accuracy in marking large numbers of multiple-choice scripts, aiming to cut delays in releasing results. Regional Energy Tech: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in Sierra Leone, backing a major cross-border gas corridor that could reshape energy supply and industrial growth across West Africa. Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has passed 1,000 deaths, with health agencies warning the spread is accelerating and calling for more vaccines, medicines and funding.

Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 1,000 deaths, with 2,536 cases and 1,033 fatalities reported, making it the fastest on record as conflict and weak access to care slow the response. Regional Energy Tech (ECOWAS): ECOWAS leaders in Freetown signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km corridor designed to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas yearly across 13 West African countries to Morocco and onward to Europe—turning political momentum into an implementation framework. Education Tech (Sierra Leone): University of Sierra Leone’s COMAHS launched an Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) device to speed up exam marking, scanning 1,000+ multiple-choice sheets in under an hour to cut delays and improve accuracy. Health Lab Capacity (West Africa): JICA and partners trained infectious-disease lab professionals from Sierra Leone and other countries, boosting skills in biosafety, virology, and laboratory quality systems. Digital Finance (Sierra Leone): A new analysis highlights how fintech in Sierra Leone is pushing financial inclusion and resilience, with focus shifting toward interoperability and stronger regulation. Anti-Corruption (West Africa): EFCC says West African anti-graft agencies have started operationalising a cross-border protocol to improve intelligence sharing and asset recovery.