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India’s Space Sector: A Launchpad for Global Partnerships

Portrait of a smiling Sikh man with a maroon turban and glasses, arms crossed indoors.
Gurjit Singh, former Ambassador and author

Growing competition in outer space provides India with a unique opportunity to shape a narrative in which collaboration, rather than confrontation, drives space exploration. Recognised as a trustworthy and cost-effective spacefaring nation, India is now well placed to transform its technological advances into enduring international partnerships that contribute to scientific progress, economic growth, and sustainable development.

India’s journey into space has been distinctive. Unlike many space programmes that emerged from Cold War rivalries, India’s programme was conceived as an instrument of national development. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai anchored India’s space vision in practical applications that would improve the lives of ordinary people. Under his leadership, satellites were developed to strengthen communications, weather forecasting, disaster management, healthcare, agriculture and education. This development-oriented philosophy remains central to India’s space programme and resonates strongly with the needs of countries in the Global South, which seek practical applications of space technology rather than prestige alone.

Today, India’s achievements extend  beyond developmental applications. The Chandrayaan missions, the Mars Orbiter Mission, the Aditya-L1 solar observatory, and the forthcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme have established India as a nation capable of executing sophisticated and reliable space missions. Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing near the Moon’s south pole placed India among an exclusive group of space powers while demonstrating that world-class innovation can be achieved at comparatively modest cost.

India’s growing credibility comes at a time when the global space economy is expanding rapidly. Valued at over US$600 billion today and projected to approach US$1.8 trillion by 2035, the sector is increasingly driven by commercial activity in satellite communications, Earth observation, navigation, climate services, broadband connectivity, and emerging fields such as in-orbit servicing and lunar exploration. Many countries aspire to participate but lack indigenous capabilities. They seek dependable long-term partners rather than merely launch providers.

India possesses the capabilities to meet these requirements. The liberalisation of the space sector in 2020 transformed the ecosystem by opening it to private participation. The establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the expanding commercial role of NewSpace India Limited, and the growth of private enterprises have created one of the world’s most dynamic emerging space ecosystems. Indian startups are developing launch vehicles, satellite platforms, geospatial applications and propulsion technologies that are attracting global investment and customers. Companies such as Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel and Agnikul Cosmos have demonstrated that Indian private enterprise can compete internationally in advanced space technologies.

The next step is to internationalise this ecosystem.

Rather than positioning itself only as a low-cost launch destination, India will offer comprehensive partnerships encompassing satellite design, launch services, mission operations, ground stations, astronaut training, capacity building and downstream applications in agriculture, disaster management and maritime security. Such integrated partnerships would be valuable for countries across the Global South and the Indo-Pacific seeking affordable, customised and reliable technologies to meet their development priorities.

India has demonstrated the diplomatic value of such cooperation. Through the South Asia Satellite, it provided communication and developmental benefits to neighbouring countries. Indian launch vehicles have successfully placed hundreds of foreign satellites into orbit for governments, universities and commercial operators around the world. India’s decision to join the Artemis Accords reflects its willingness to participate in the peaceful exploration of the Moon through international collaboration. Cooperation with  NASA, the European Space Agency and JAXA has strengthened India’s scientific and technological capabilities.

These partnerships reinforce India’s standing as a leading voice of the Global South. India offers development partnerships based on affordability, reliability and mutual respect rather than creating technological dependence. Space cooperation has therefore become an increasingly important instrument of Indian diplomacy, strengthening bilateral relationships while delivering tangible developmental benefits.

To realise its full potential, India will aim to sustain the momentum of reform. Faster regulatory approvals, greater access to venture capital, stronger intellectual property protection, and closer collaboration among research institutions, industry and academia will be essential. Public procurement policies would continue supporting Indian startups, enabling them to scale up, innovate and integrate into global supply chains.

India is positioned to play a larger role in shaping the governance of outer space. Orbital congestion, space debris, responsible resource utilisation and equitable access to emerging space opportunities are becoming pressing international concerns. As space activities expand, there will be an increasing need for countries capable of building consensus on responsible norms and practices. India’s long-standing commitment to the peaceful uses of outer space, combined with its growing technological capabilities, equips it to contribute meaningfully to the development of rules that promote transparency, sustainability and equitable access.

The coming decade will determine not only which countries lead in space but also how space is governed. With its scientific capabilities, entrepreneurial ecosystem and international credibility, India is uniquely placed to bridge the gap between established and emerging space nations. By building collaborative partnerships founded on inclusivity, mutual benefit and innovation, India can transform its space programme into a major pillar of its global engagement.

In an increasingly divided world, India’s space sector offers a powerful reminder that the greatest achievements in space are those that bring nations together. That may well become India’s most enduring contribution to humanity’s next frontier.

Citizen-Centric Diplomacy of India

Ambassador Jeitendra Kumar Tripathi (Retd.)

Diplomacy had been traditionally understood as conduct of bilateral relations between the states focussing on the negotiations only in political, economic and security related drivers. However, the advent of the current century, having witnessed a sea change in the ground realities due to the globalisation, rapid scientific and technological development and increased mobility, transformed and expanded the scope of diplomacy focussing on the new dimensions. India also could not remain untouched by this transformation and adopted a foreign policy with the citizen- centric diplomacy at its heart. This policy places the welfare, security and interest of the country’s citizen at its core making Indian citizens an important part of its external engagements which has made, in turn, the Ministry of External affairs more responsive to their needs.

How did it evolve?

Until the turn of the last century, the Indians living abroad (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin had no place  in the policies of the government as they were considered to be the persons, migrated out of India for their own individual interest with no contribution towards the development of India. However, at the beginning of the current century, it was realised that these Indians not only contribute to the economy of their homeland by way of remittances and investments but also play a significant role in the governments of their residence. The importance of Indian diaspora can be understood by the fact that currently the Indian diaspora, with the population of more than 35.4 million (more than the combined population of Australia and New Zealand) has remitted US$ 135.46 billion in the last financial year! Moreover, many persons of Indian origin have risen to important positions in academic institutions and in their governments which underlines their importance in our foreign policy calculus. However, lately the Indian governments started paying more attention to this vast reservoir of talent and resources. The annual Pravasi Sammelan and Pravasi awards had given momentum to the outreach to the eminent personalities of Indian diaspora. The Ministry of External Affairs has taken many initiatives to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens visiting abroad for employment, business or educational purposes.

Key features of the Citizen -Centric Diplomacy

These initiatives cover the period from the application for passport to visa, travel, safe stay and return to India. In view of the growing number of Indians willing to visit abroad, the Government has opened new passport offices, passport application centres in all districts, digitised the procedure and opened more international airports to facilitate international travel. PDOT (Prior to Departure Orientation and Training) programs are in place, a Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojna has been started to ensure the health insurance of Indians abroad, Migration and Mobility Partnership pacts have been signed with eight countries and Social Security agreements have been signed with nineteen countries to ensure the proper work environment for Indian workers. An e-migrate application has also been launched to educate such citizens about the rules and regulations. MADAD, a multi-lingual help portal, works round the clock to assist Indian citizens in need. It also examines the employment visas, the employer’s status and the insurance cover provided by him to the prospective worker. The government has opened more embassies and consulates to cater to the needs of Indian citizens abroad. An Indian community wing, separate from the Consular wing, has been established to ensure well-being of the Indians living in that jurisdiction. Indian Community Welfare Fund has been established in all our diplomatic missions and posts abroad to assist our citizens in case of emergency through temporary shelters, legal assistance and air tickets to India for the destitutes/stranded Indians. Besides, open houses are being organised in India embassies at regular intervals to listen to and address the grievances of Indian community. Moreover, the government conducted a number of successful rescue operations for the Indian citizens stranded in violence -hit areas. Ukraine, South Sudan, Yemen have been some of such recent operations.

Challenges

The citizen -centric diplomacy also faces its own challenges. The growing number of Indians visiting abroad for various purposes has put a heavy pressure on our missions which already suffer from a shortage of manpower and resource-crunch. Effectively assisting the Indian community in a war-torn country also becomes a challenge in view of unstable situation. Misinformation by Indian touts and social media, and different local legal systems compound the problems.

The way forward

Allocation of sufficient staff and funds at the disposal of our missions abroad and their adequate training before posting there can mitigate the challenges. The pre- departure orientation should be made compulsory for every Indian going abroad for employment or education. A curb on touts misleading such Indians is imperative.

Conclusion

It is heartening that the importance of citizen in our diplomacy has finally been realised and the Government is addressing their issues with an objective and positive attitude. With allocation of more resources and strict action against the touts, our citizen-centric diplomacy will certainly bear more fruits.

 

VIKSIT BHARAT 2047: A ROADMAP TO BECOME A DEVELOPED NATION

Dr Mohan Kumar

It is creditable that the Government of India has set for itself and the nation a crucial goal: That India should become Viksit Bharat by 2047, which would be the one hundredth year anniversary of India’s independence. While there is general agreement that the term Viksit Bharat denotes a developed country, it is still necessary for public policy purposes to break the concept down to know what it entails. What follows is an attempt to do so.

A 10 trillion-dollar economy: While India can be legitimately proud of being the fourth largest economy in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world, the fact remains that for a population that is approaching 1.5 billion, the present GDP of $4.5 trillion is a little below par. So, if India must become “Viksit” in the real sense of the term, the GDP must grow significantly to attain the figure of at least 10 trillion dollars. This is entirely achievable if we can do a couple of things. First, 40 per cent of our GDP is foreign trade, so our share of international trade must simply double. In particular, our share of global exports, which hovers around 2 per cent, should rise to 10 per cent. Second, our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which for the latest year is a little short of $ 100 billion, must also grow manifold. In order for the above two things to happen, Government of India must carry out deep seated economic reforms in areas such as land, labour, power, agriculture, infrastructure and regulatory obstacles.

Inclusive Economic Growth: While there is no question that the GDP must accelerate, as mentioned above, that alone is not enough. Growth must be inclusive which is to say that it must percolate to the downtrodden people who are at the bottom of the pyramid. The government has conceived excellent schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. But going beyond that, job creation for the youth must become a national mantra for both the Central and State Governments. Since it is not possible for the Government alone or even the organized sector to provide all the jobs that are necessary, it is vitally important to enable an ecosystem where the youth become entrepreneurs and job creators rather than be mere job seekers. Present levels of economic inequality are unsustainable and efforts must be made to make the society much more egalitarian.

Skilling: It is well recognized that our education system relies heavily on rote learning and it churns out thousands of graduates every year who may not be immediately employable. In this context, skilling and re-skilling of graduates becomes crucial. The idea of vocational training, industry-academic collaboration and imparting tech skills (including Artificial Intelligence) for our graduates must assume mission-mode importance. Spending on education, in both the public and private sector must increase exponentially, especially in states that lag the national average. In parallel, Research and Development must be given prime importance in all relevant institutions. It is indeed true that a population that is close to 1.5 billion can be a demographic dividend for India. But that is true only if the population is skilled enough to face the challenges of a knowledge economy.

Health: India’s healthcare system is undergoing dramatic transformation, driven by digitalization and by infrastructure expansion. But challenges remain on account of rising medical costs and a growing chronic disease burden. Government has undertaken significant efforts such as Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Arogya Mandir schemes which have made a big impact on providing healthcare in the country. Medical college seats have more than doubled since 2014, in an attempt to bridge the doctor-patient gap. Successful attempts have also been made to promote India as a global hub for medical tourism. Despite all this, serious challenges remain. Public spending on healthcare still lags desired levels. India also runs the risk of becoming the global capital for heart disease and diabetes. India therefore needs to continue its massive transformation of public health infrastructure to make it accessible, affordable and quality-driven for the vast majority of its population. The National Health Mission is doing a commendable job. It simply needs to be strengthened and streamlined.

Sustainable Development: India must not emulate the ways of either the industrialized countries which followed a high-carbon pathway to development or indeed that of China, which even today burns more coal than the rest of the world put together. India is the only major economy today which potentially has the possibility of following a low-carbon pathway to a high-income economy based on sustainable development. And India must do it not just because the world wants it to, but because the people of this country deserve it as a matter of right.

Conclusion: India is indeed well positioned to become Viksit Bharat by 2047. But the country needs to be on mission-mode and a whole-of-government approach is required to make sure that no stone is left unturned in this national endeavour. By any reckoning, the next twenty years will be the most crucial period in India’s history.

Dr Mohan Kumar is a former Indian Ambassador to France and currently Dean/Professor at O.P. Jindal Global University. Views are personal.

Karefa Kargbo Named Finance Minister in President Bio’s Latest Government Appointments

Portrait of a man in a black suit and white shirt at a formal event, looking at the camera.
The newly appointed Minister of Finance, Karefa A. F. Kargbo

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has appointed Karefa A. F. Kargbo as Sierra Leone’s new Minister of Finance, placing him at the centre of the Government’s economic and fiscal management at a crucial period for the country.

The appointment was contained in an official public notice issued by State House on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, announcing 15 appointments across Ministries, diplomatic missions, public institutions and Government agencies. The appointments are subject to parliamentary approval where applicable.

Karefa A. F. Kargbo’s appointment stands out prominently among the latest changes, as the Ministry of Finance occupies a central position in the Government’s management of public resources, implementation of the national budget, domestic revenue mobilization and coordination of economic policy.

His selection places significant responsibility on his shoulders as the Government continues efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve public financial management, mobilize resources and support programmes aimed at advancing national development.

As Finance Minister, Karefa A. F. Kargbo will be expected to provide leadership in managing the country’s finances and working with other Government institutions and development partners on economic priorities.

The appointment also signals the confidence President Bio has placed in Karefa A. F. Kargbo to take responsibility for one of the most important portfolios in Government.

Karefa A. F. Kargbo will be expected to work closely with institutions responsible for revenue mobilization and expenditure management. His appointment comes alongside changes at the National Revenue Authority (NRA), where Abu M. Kanneh has been appointed Commissioner General and Edmond Nonie as Deputy Commissioner General II.

The combination of new leadership at the Ministry of Finance and NRA could prove important to the Government’s efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization and ensure that public resources are effectively managed to support national priorities.

Beyond Karefa A. F. Kargbo’s appointment, President Bio named Mohamed Rahman Swarray as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Umaru Napoleon Koroma as Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security.

Jeneba J. Bangura was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while Dr. Steven A. Jusu was named Deputy Minister of Energy II. Foday Mousa Fofanah was appointed Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.

At other institutions, Prince A. Bull Luseni was appointed Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

On the diplomatic front, Professor Foday M. Jaward was named Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Qatar.

President Bio also appointed Sheku A.F. Bangura and Timothy Musa Kabba as Presidential Advisers.

In the health sector, Dr. Sartie Kenneh was appointed Chairman of the National Public Health Agency, while Dr. Donald Alpha Bash-Taqi was named Chairman of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Council. Professor Gibril Fadlu-Deen was appointed Chairman of the Teaching Hospitals Complex Administration Board.

For Karefa Kargbo, however, the appointment to the Finance Ministry represents a major responsibility and an opportunity to contribute directly to the country’s economic direction.

Attention will now turn to the priorities he sets for the Ministry and how his leadership will contribute to fiscal stability, revenue mobilization, prudent expenditure and the financing of Sierra Leone’s development programmes.

NCRA Commemorates 9th Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day

A bald man with glasses in a navy shirt sits at a table handling papers at a registration event backdrop.
NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) commemorated the 9th Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day with calls for stronger investment in an integrated, decentralized and digital civil registration system to ensure universal legal identity in Sierra Leone.

The commemoration was held on Monday, 10th August 2026, at the NCRA headquarters on Kingharman Road in Freetown, under the theme: “The New CRVS Decade (2027 to 2036): Consolidating the Gains of AP AI – CRVS and Securing the Future of CRVS in Africa through Integration, Decentralization and Digitalization.”

The commemoration brought together Government institutions, development partners, Civil Society Organisations, financial institutions, child focused organisations and community representatives.

In his statement, NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, said civil registration is a fundamental responsibility of Government because “behind every statistic was a human being whose identity, rights and opportunities were at stake.”

He said the new CRVS decade provided Sierra Leone with an opportunity to consolidate the progress already made while advancing integration, decentralization and digitalization.

The DG said NCRA had strengthened national identity infrastructure, integrated civil registration with identity management, issued secure identity documents and established an identity verification platform being used by institutions, including financial and telecommunications companies.

He said the next phase should move beyond producing identity documents towards a continuous identity system that follows individuals throughout their lives, from birth registration to death registration, and supports access to education, healthcare, social protection, financial services and employment.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stressed that integration did not mean unrestricted access to personal information, but required agreed standards, governance and responsible collaboration among institutions. He also called for registration services to be taken closer to rural and underserved communities, warning that digitalization should not exclude people without access to technology or connectivity.

Speaking also at the ceremony, UNICEF of Child Protection Patrick Halton called for stronger investment to achieve universal birth registration, describing it as “the foundation of legal identity and a gateway to children’s rights.”

Patrick Halton said birth registration helped protect children from child marriage, trafficking and child labour, while facilitating access to education, healthcare and social protection.

He cited the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey, which showed that more than three quarters of children under five had been registered, while about nine in ten children under one had been registered. However, only about one third of children under five had a birth certificate.

He called for birth registration to be integrated into maternity services, health facilities, immunization programmes and community health platforms, alongside decentralized and digital services. He disclosed that about US$1.16 million would be required over the next three years to strengthen staffing, training, supplies, interoperability, monitoring and public awareness.

Representing the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Ado Davies highlighted NCRA’s role in supporting a credible voters’ register ahead of the 2028 elections.

He said NCRA and ECSL had separate mandates, with NCRA responsible for identifying and registering citizens, while ECSL registers eligible voters. He said linking the two systems would help verify eligible voters and prevent duplication.

Ado Davies said the institutions would continue strengthening their Memorandum of Understanding and use technology to improve data verification. First time voters not already captured by NCRA, he explained, would first complete civil registration before proceeding with voter registration.

He said similar arrangements were used during the 2023 elections and called for greater investment in technology, infrastructure and legislation ahead of the 2028 polls.

Representing the Bank of Sierra Leone, Philip Bangura highlighted the importance of the National Identification Number to the financial sector.

Philip Bangura said a unique NIN would address challenges caused by individuals using multiple forms of identification, strengthen Know Your Customer procedures and improve credit reporting.

He also said linking national identity to financial services would help combat fraud, particularly in mobile money and digital transactions, while supporting financial inclusion. He called for continued collaboration between NCRA, the Central Bank and financial institutions.

Civil society representative, Alphonso Manley, called for stronger community engagement and public awareness, saying civil registration is closely linked to legal identity, access to services and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Alphonso Manley urged NCRA and Civil Society Organisations to work together to take information and registration services closer to communities. He welcomed digitalization but stressed the need for strong data protection and privacy safeguards.

Children Forum Network representative, Mary Julius, said legal identity is fundamental to child protection and access to education and other essential services. She called for continued collaboration among NCRA, Government, development partners and child focused organisations to ensure that no child is left unregistered.

President of Market Women representing women in Sierra Leone, Haja Marie Bob Kandeh, also urged authorities to make registration services more accessible to women and other vulnerable groups.

She said many market women faced difficulties travelling long distances or leaving their businesses to access Government services. She called for services to be brought closer to communities and for stronger collaboration with women’s organisations to improve awareness and identify people who remain outside the registration system.

The stakeholders collectively called for a civil registration system that is accessible, secure and integrated with other national systems while ensuring that children, women, rural communities and other underserved groups are not left behind.

The commemoration provided a platform for NCRA and its partners to assess progress and set priorities for the new CRVS decade, with universal legal identity, digitalization, decentralized services, data protection and stronger institutional collaboration identified as key priorities.

FAWAZ High-Quality RANDCEM Cement Sets Solid Benchmark in Sierra Leone’s Construction Sector

FAWAZ Building Materials continues to strengthen Sierra Leone’s construction sector by supplying premium RANDCEM Cement, a solid and reliable brand that has gained the confidence of contractors, engineers, masons, property developers and homeowners nationwide.

The company, recognized as one of Sierra Leone’s established suppliers of construction materials, says RANDCEM Cement is suitable for customers who place a high value on quality, strength and durability. Its performance has helped position the brand among the preferred cement options for residential buildings, commercial properties and public infrastructure projects.

Manufactured in Vietnam and supplied in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM Cement is classified as Strength Class 42.5R. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, it is designed for general concrete applications and provides the strength required to support safer and longer-lasting structures when properly mixed, applied and cured.

One of its prominent qualities is its reported ability to begin setting within approximately 30 minutes. Construction professionals say this quick-setting performance can reduce waiting time during important stages of construction, improve productivity and help contractors maintain project schedules without compromising the quality of their work.

Dealers and customers who have used RANDCEM Cement have reportedly expressed satisfaction with its consistency and performance. Its growing acceptance in the market reflects increasing consumer demand for cement products capable of delivering dependable results under different construction conditions.

Industry professionals maintain that the safety and durability of a building depend on both skilled workmanship and the standard of materials used. They have therefore encouraged Sierra Leoneans to select cement based on proven strength and quality instead of making purchasing decisions solely on price.

According to the recommended specifications, general concrete should be prepared using one part cement, two parts sand, four parts aggregate and 0.8 parts water. For lean concrete, the recommended mixture is one part cement, three parts sand, six parts aggregate and one part water.

The manufacturer further advises that newly cast concrete should be sprayed regularly with water during the first one to three days of curing. Proper curing helps minimise cracking and supports the gradual development of the strength required for durable construction.

Opened cement bags should be completely used within seven days or tightly sealed to prevent exposure to moisture and deterioration. The bags must be stored under shade in a dry, properly ventilated location. Users are also advised to wear gloves and face masks, handle bags carefully and keep the product away from children.

The demand for dependable cement has become increasingly important amid public concern over the collapse of buildings under construction in different parts of Sierra Leone. Construction experts have warned that substandard materials, poor workmanship and failure to follow approved engineering practices can weaken structures, endanger lives and cause significant financial losses.

Stakeholders have consequently called on the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau to intensify inspections of cement importers, distributors and dealers. They believe stronger market surveillance and regular laboratory testing would help identify inferior products, protect consumers and ensure that cement sold locally meets approved quality requirements.

FAWAZ Building Materials has reaffirmed its commitment to supplying construction products that respond to the needs of Sierra Leone’s growing property and infrastructure sectors. The company says its continued marketing of RANDCEM Cement demonstrates its emphasis on reliability, customer satisfaction and value for money.

With its 42.5R strength classification, durability and quick-setting performance, RANDCEM Cement continues to distinguish itself as a dependable choice for quality construction. Its acceptance among industry professionals provides visible evidence of the confidence consumers place in the brand.

Sierra Leone’s growing demand for homes, offices, schools, hospitals and public infrastructure has increased the need for high-standard construction materials. RANDCEM Cement, supplied by FAWAZ Building Materials, is helping builders construct stronger, safer and more durable structures designed to stand the test of time.

Direct Think Tank Demands Answers from APC Following Constitutional Amendment Bill Walkout

Man in a gray suit with a purple tie speaks to a crowd in an indoor room, with several men listening behind him. The Truth logo appears in the top-left corner.

Direct Think Tank has strongly criticized Members of Parliament representing the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for walking out of the Chamber during proceedings on the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill, describing their action as an abandonment of parliamentary responsibility.

The organisation issued the criticism in a Press Release dated Monday, 10 August 2026, following the overwhelming passage of the Bill in Parliament.

According to Direct Think Tank, the APC lawmakers’ decision was more than a political protest. It represented what the organisation described as a “betrayal” of the mandate entrusted to them by the citizens who elected them.

The think tank maintained that Members of Parliament are elected to represent their constituents’ interests, concerns and aspirations inside the legislative Chamber. It said lawmakers are expected to debate legislation, scrutinize its provisions, propose amendments, challenge the Government and vote against measures they consider harmful to the country.

Direct Think Tank argued that walking out while fundamental constitutional matters were being decided deprived APC constituents of effective representation at a critical moment.

While acknowledging the opposition’s democratic right to reject the proposed amendments, the organisation said meaningful opposition should involve using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available inside the Chamber.

“Opposition is not simply about making a political statement outside Parliament; it is about using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available to defend one’s position inside Parliament,” the organisation stated.

It argued that if APC lawmakers believed certain provisions of the Bill threatened Sierra Leone’s democracy, they should have remained in Parliament to identify those provisions, challenge the Government, propose alternatives and register their opposition through the voting process.

The organisation questioned whether the MPs were representing their constituents or merely advancing their party’s position when they decided to leave the Chamber.

According to Direct Think Tank, political parties remain essential democratic institutions, but the parliamentary mandate ultimately belongs to the people. It therefore urged elected representatives to place their constitutional obligations and the interests of their constituents above partisan considerations.

The organisation further warned that amendments to the Constitution should not be reduced to a contest between the Government and the opposition.

It described the Constitution as the supreme framework governing the relationship between the State and its citizens, stressing that any attempt to amend it must receive the highest level of parliamentary scrutiny and meaningful public participation.

Direct Think Tank said the Government has a responsibility to explain and justify the proposed changes transparently, while the opposition must rigorously examine and challenge any provisions it considers problematic.

“The people of Sierra Leone deserve better than political walkouts, parliamentary theatrics and partisan posturing. They deserve serious constitutional debate,” the statement noted.

The organisation maintained that the APC could not convincingly claim that the amendments posed serious threats to democracy while abandoning the institution where those concerns could have been formally debated and challenged.

Direct Think Tank consequently called on the APC leadership and its Members of Parliament to explain why they left the Chamber instead of participating fully in the debate and voting process.

It also asked the party to identify the specific provisions it wanted defeated or amended, disclose the parliamentary strategies it exhausted before staging the walkout and explain how leaving the Chamber advanced the interests of its constituents.

The think tank further requested details of any alternative strategy the APC intends to pursue to protect the constitutional interests it claims are under threat.

However, the organisation made clear that its criticism of the opposition did not absolve the Government or the parliamentary majority of responsibility.

It warned that securing an overwhelming majority in Parliament does not necessarily amount to achieving national consensus on constitutional reform. It therefore urged the Government to ensure that the amendment process receives meaningful public scrutiny and commands legitimacy beyond the numerical strength of the governing party in Parliament.

Direct Think Tank called on civil society organisations, citizens, journalists, academics, legal practitioners, political parties and other democratic stakeholders to examine the amendments carefully and independently.

It encouraged Sierra Leoneans to rise above partisan divisions and ask legitimate questions about proposals that could shape the country’s democratic and constitutional future.

“The Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone; not to the SLPP, not to the APC and not to any individual political leader,” the organisation emphasized.

Direct Think Tank pledged to continue monitoring the constitutional reform process and providing independent analysis in the national interest.

The organisation concluded that democracy is strengthened when elected representatives remain in Parliament to speak, scrutinize, challenge and vote on matters affecting the people they represent.

It reiterated its position that the APC lawmakers’ decision to walk out during such a significant constitutional moment constituted a serious disservice to their parliamentary mandate.

“Sierra Leone deserves political leaders who will remain at the table when the stakes are highest,” the statement concluded.

Parliament Passes Historic Bipartisan Constitutional Amendments Amid APC MPs’ Walkout

Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas
Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing major changes to the country’s presidential and parliamentary electoral systems.

The Bill was approved on Monday, August 10, 2026, after 97 Members of Parliament voted in favour of its enactment. It seeks to amend specific provisions of the 1991 Constitution and provide for related governance and electoral matters.

The legislation was passed by a simple majority pursuant to Section 91(1) of the 1991 Constitution. Following the vote, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, announced that he would refer a constitutional question to the Supreme Court for its legal opinion.

The referral will seek clarification on whether Section 91(1) provides the applicable procedure for altering the relevant provisions of the Constitution. The Supreme Court is expected to return its opinion to Parliament within three months.

Among the most significant provisions contained in the Bill is the reduction of the threshold for winning a presidential election from 55 per cent to 50 per cent plus one of the valid votes cast.

Under the revised arrangement, a presidential candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes to win in the first round. Supporters of the amendment believe the new threshold will simplify the election process while ensuring that the successful candidate receives majority support from voters.

The Bill also establishes Proportional Representation as the country’s electoral system for electing Members of Parliament. Under the PR system, parliamentary seats are allocated to political parties based on their share of the votes.

Supporters argue that proportional representation could broaden political participation and ensure that parties receive parliamentary representation that reflects the level of electoral support they command.

The Bill was passed amid disagreement between the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party and the main opposition All People’s Congress over the voting procedure.

APC lawmakers staged a walkout after an earlier vote resulted in 97 MPs voting in favour and 46 voting against. Most opposition representatives subsequently left the Chamber, leaving only two APC MPs to participate in the remaining proceedings.

SLPP lawmakers, Paramount Chief Members of Parliament and the two APC representatives who remained in the Chamber continued with the consideration and voting on the remaining provisions.

The opposition walkout has intensified debate over the level of political consensus surrounding the constitutional reforms. APC representatives raised concerns about the voting methodology, while supporters of the Bill maintained that Parliament acted within the provisions of the Constitution.

Another important provision addresses the participation of Sierra Leoneans holding dual citizenship in parliamentary elections.

Under the amended framework, eligible dual citizens will be permitted to contest for parliamentary seats. However, they will not be eligible to serve as Speaker or Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Restrictions will also prevent dual citizens from assuming presidential authority in circumstances where both the President and Vice President are absent or unable to perform their constitutional responsibilities.

The Bill further considered a proposal to establish a Search Committee for the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner. That proposal was reversed, allowing the existing constitutional arrangement for appointing the Chief Electoral Commissioner to remain in place.

The passage of the legislation follows years of constitutional review, stakeholder consultations and political debate over Sierra Leone’s electoral and governance systems.

Proponents believe the reforms will modernize the country’s democratic framework, promote broader political participation and create clearer rules for presidential and parliamentary elections.

They also maintain that the 50+1 presidential threshold could encourage candidates to appeal to a wider section of the population and build broader national support.

The dual citizenship provision could equally open opportunities for Sierra Leoneans with international experience and professional expertise to participate more actively in national governance and policymaking.

Critics, however, continue to question the voting process, the adoption of proportional representation as the country’s sole parliamentary electoral system and the level of bipartisan agreement behind the reforms.

The Supreme Court’s opinion is therefore expected to provide important legal guidance on the procedure used to amend the relevant constitutional provisions.

The long-term impact of the amendments will depend on how they are interpreted and implemented by state institutions, political parties and electoral authorities.

The passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill marks a major development in Sierra Leone’s democratic evolution. Its success will ultimately be measured by whether it deepens political participation, strengthens representative governance and promotes public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

Orange CEO Pledges Improved Service Delivery During Nationwide Customer Engagement

Group of people in orange shirts at an Orange store event, two people exchanging a large ceremonial key beside orange motorcycles. Balloons and a cheering crowd in the background.

Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Aïcha Touré, has concluded a five-day nationwide listening tour aimed at strengthening the company’s relationship with customers, sales partners, local authorities and communities while gathering firsthand feedback to improve service delivery across the country.

The tour, which took place from 27 to 31 July 2026, covered Port Loko, Western Area Urban and Rural, Makeni, Kono, Kenema and Bo. Accompanied by members of the company’s senior Management team, the CEO engaged directly with customers, distributors, traditional and civic leaders, and other key stakeholders to better understand their experiences, concerns and expectations.

The initiative formed part of Orange Sierra Leone’s customer-centric strategy, providing the company’s leadership with an opportunity to assess service delivery, network performance, business opportunities and the company’s overall contribution to communities outside Freetown.

Throughout the engagements, customers and business partners openly shared their experiences regarding Orange Sierra Leone’s products and services, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring further improvement. Discussions focused on strengthening network reliability, improving customer service and expanding the company’s impact in communities across the country.

Speaking during the tour, Aïcha Touré underscored the importance of direct engagement with customers and stakeholders, describing face-to-face interaction as essential for informed decision-making and sustainable business growth.

“Meeting our customers, partners and local leaders face to-face allows us to better understand their realities and expectations. Listening, learning and identifying opportunities for improvement provide the kind of insights that lead to better business decisions and stronger relationships,” she said.

She acknowledged the concerns raised during the engagements and assured customers that Orange Sierra Leone’s Management would carefully review the feedback received and work towards practical and sustainable solutions aimed at improving customer experience.

As part of efforts to strengthen its regional operations, Orange Sierra Leone also enhanced the mobility of its trade teams by providing additional operational support, including kekes (three-wheelers), motorbikes and Hilux vehicles. The company said the new resources will improve field operations, enable trade teams to reach customers and sales partners more efficiently and strengthen service delivery across the regions.

According to the company, the investment reflects its commitment to equipping frontline teams with the tools needed to respond more effectively to customer needs while expanding Orange Sierra Leone’s presence in communities nationwide.

Beyond formal stakeholder meetings, Aïcha Touré visited local markets in the various districts, where she interacted with traders, customers and members of the public in their everyday business environments. The visits enabled the CEO to gain a deeper understanding of the realities facing customers while encouraging open dialogue on the company’s services.

During the market visits, the delegation distributed Orange-branded souvenirs to customers and members of the public, creating opportunities for informal engagement and reinforcing the company’s connection with communities at the grassroots level.

The CEO noted that bringing the Orange brand closer to customers remains a key priority, emphasizing that company leadership must remain accessible and responsive to the people it serves.

The nationwide tour also included courtesy visits to provincial authorities and other strategic stakeholders, reaffirming Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with local institutions.

Mayors and other local leaders warmly welcomed Aïcha Touré, congratulating her on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer and commending Orange Sierra Leone for maintaining close engagement with communities across the country.

During discussions with the delegation, local authorities called for sustained investment in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within their municipalities. Mayors in Port Loko, Makeni and Bo specifically encouraged the company to consider supporting city beautification projects, noting that such initiatives would improve the appearance of urban centres while enhancing community development and corporate visibility.

Responding to the proposals, Aïcha Touré assured local authorities, customers and sales partners that Management would carefully examine all recommendations and identify practical ways of addressing priority concerns within the company’s strategic objectives and available resources.

“Orange is in Sierra Leone to connect people in every corner of the country and improve lives through reliable connectivity and innovative digital services. We remain committed to working closely with our partners and communities to address challenges, strengthen our network and continue delivering the quality of service our customers expect,” she stated.

The nationwide listening tour reflects Orange Sierra Leone’s broader strategy of strengthening customer relationships, empowering regional teams and deepening collaboration with stakeholders throughout the country. Company officials say the exercise has provided valuable insights that will help shape future priorities aimed at enhancing service delivery, expanding customer satisfaction and supporting sustainable business growth.

By engaging directly with communities, strengthening field operations and building stronger partnerships with local authorities and business partners, Orange Sierra Leone says it remains committed to improving responsiveness to customer needs while contributing to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to connecting people, empowering communities, supporting innovation and promoting a more inclusive digital future for Sierra Leone.

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