WFP Procures Over One Million Kilograms of Local Food for Sierra Leone’s School Feeding Programme

August 7, 2026

Group of people at a donation ceremony standing in front of stacked bags with a banner that says HOME-GROWN school Feeding, handing a large bag of supplies to a recipient man seated center.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has procured and collected more than one million kilograms of locally produced rice and pulses from smallholder farmers across Sierra Leone to support the country’s Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

The achievement was announced on August 4, 2026, during the launch of the 2026/2027 Home-Grown School Feeding year at WFP’s Kissy Warehouse in Freetown.

The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other development partners.

According to WFP, the food collected in 2026 is equivalent to 21,158 bags weighing 50 kilograms each. The milestone represents a significant step in efforts to strengthen local food systems, create reliable markets for farmers and provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren.

WFP Country Director, Andrew Odero, described the initiative as an important national investment connecting agricultural production with children’s education, health and development.

“The 2026/2027 Home-Grown School Feeding Year is more than the opening of a school meals calendar; it is the opening of a national pathway that connects Sierra Leonean farmers to Sierra Leonean children, strengthens local food systems, keeps value within our communities, and invests in the health, learning and future of the next generation,” Andrew Odero said.

WFP disclosed that more than US$900,000 has so far been injected into the local economy through the 2026 purchases. The investment has created market opportunities for smallholder farmers, improved rural livelihoods and increased demand for locally produced agricultural commodities.

The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackie, said every bag of food purchased represents benefits for both farmers and schoolchildren.

“Every one of those bags purchased represents a farmer who chose to plant and harvest, and a child who will sit in a classroom with a full belly and a focused mind. Our ambition is to reach 2,500 metric tonnes this year,” he stated.

The latest achievement builds on the progress recorded in 2025, when WFP purchased more than 1.95 million kilograms of food from Sierra Leonean farmers. The quantity included over 1.9 million kilograms of rice and more than 50,000 kilograms of pulses.

Those purchases benefited approximately 22,500 farmers working through smallholder farmer aggregators and injected nearly US$2 million into the rural economy. The intervention also supported the Government’s Feed Salone Strategy, which seeks to increase agricultural production, reduce food imports and strengthen national food security.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, highlighted the importance of cooperation among UN agencies, Government institutions and development partners in building sustainable national systems.

“The value of the UN is not simply in what each agency does individually, but in how we combine our expertise to support stronger and more sustainable national systems. Home-Grown School Feeding provides a practical platform for that collaboration,” Seraphine Wakana said.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, described the programme as a practical demonstration of the Government’s Feed Salone vision.

“WFP is the clearest example of what Feed Salone is and can be. It is about multisector partnership and supporting farmers to do what they do best; feed our people,” he said.

Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka added that the Government has provided resources for WFP to connect farmers to reliable markets while supporting school meals for approximately 250,000 children across five districts.

The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme provides farmers with both economic opportunities and the confidence to increase investment in agricultural production. By creating an assured market, the programme encourages farmers to expand cultivation, improve productivity and participate more actively in the national food supply chain.

Isata Feika Sesay, Chairlady of the Takeleneh Farmers Association in Kambia and a major aggregator of rice and pulses, said WFP’s assistance has transformed opportunities for farmers in her community.

“The SATAKE milling machine and other support from WFP have given farmers in our community confidence to invest more in production because we know there is a market for what we grow,” she said.

“The income earned is helping families meet their needs, send children to school and improve their livelihoods.”

Isata Feika Sesay added that the school feeding programme has created dependable market opportunities and encouraged more women to participate in farming as a pathway to economic independence and empowerment.

Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, Manty Tarawalli, thanked WFP and its partners for their continued support towards ensuring that children have access to safe, nutritious and locally produced school meals.

“Today’s event is more than the opening of another school feeding cycle. It is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to investing in our children, strengthening local food systems and creating sustainable opportunities for Sierra Leonean farmers,” she stated.

Manty Tarawalli also announced that the Government would launch the Nourish Salone initiative in December 2026. The initiative is expected to increase demand for locally produced food, reduce malnutrition and stimulate private-sector investment in agriculture.

Home-grown school feeding has continued to demonstrate the importance of connecting smallholder farmers to stable and reliable markets. Local food procurement helps to strengthen food security, improve pupils’ concentration and educational outcomes, and stimulate economic activity in farming communities.

The programme receives financial support from the Government of Sierra Leone, as well as the Governments of the Federal Republic of Germany, Iceland and Japan.

WFP and its partners said they remain committed to feeding schoolchildren, creating sustainable opportunities for farmers and building stronger and more resilient local food systems across Sierra Leone.

ACC Indicts NMSA Volunteer Over Alleged Misappropriation of US$38,000 Ultrasound Machine

August 7, 2026

Seal of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Sierra Leone, with an eagle on a waving green-white-blue flag inside a circular badge and the motto 'Integrity • Impartiality • Independence' around the edge.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has indicted Francis Lavai, a volunteer attached to the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), over the alleged misappropriation of a portable ultrasound machine valued at US$38,000.

The Commission announced the indictment in a Press Release issued on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.

Francis Lavai, who was attached to the NMSA warehouse at Fawaz Compound, Ferry Junction in Freetown, faces one count of misappropriation of public property. The alleged offence is contrary to Section 36(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act of 2019.

According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged misappropriation occurred between 1 December 2025 and 31 January 2026 at the Bo District Medical Stores in the Southern Province.

The ACC alleges that Francis Lavai misappropriated one portable black-and-white convex ultrasound machine belonging to the Ministry of Health.

The medical equipment formed part of a consignment donated under the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme for distribution to public health units across Bo District.

The Commission said the indictment demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that individuals entrusted with Government property are held accountable under the law.

“The Commission wishes to reassure the general public of its unwavering commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring that all persons entrusted with public property are held accountable in accordance with the law,” the ACC stated.

The indictment represents a formal criminal charge and does not constitute a conviction. Francis Lavai is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

Chinese Fishing Vessel Rescues Five Sierra Leonean Fishermen After Boat Sinks

August 7, 2026

Blue fishing boat moored at a pier, with large white registration numbers along the hull and several people on the deck against a water backdrop.

A Chinese fishing vessel, Yuan Yu 708, rescued five Sierra Leonean fishermen on August 4, 2026, after their boat sank amid heavy rain and rough seas.

The rescue operation has been praised as a demonstration of professionalism, humanitarian service and the social responsibility of Chinese fishing enterprises operating in Sierra Leone.

Captain Wang Pingchao reportedly spotted distress signals from the local fishing boat while conducting a routine watch at sea. Recognizing the danger, he immediately suspended fishing operations and directed the vessel to travel at full speed towards the distressed boat.

By the time Yuan Yu 708 arrived at the scene, the local fishing boat had completely sunk, leaving the five fishermen struggling in the water without adequate lifesaving equipment. They faced serious risks of drowning and hypothermia as the difficult weather conditions continued.

The Chinese vessel immediately activated its emergency rescue procedures and informed its company’s Management about the incident. The crew deployed lifesaving equipment and successfully pulled all five fishermen from the water.

Company Management also coordinated additional assistance by dispatching another vessel, Chang Rong-3, with medical personnel aboard.

Following their rescue, the fishermen were provided with dry clothing, food, drinking water, basic medical care and emotional support. All five were brought to safety.

The vessel later submitted the necessary reports to Sierra Leone’s maritime and fisheries authorities. Representatives of the Sierra Leone Navy and local media subsequently visited the vessel and commended the captain and crew for their swift response and professionalism.

The successful operation underscores the importance of maritime vigilance and emergency preparedness, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and dangerous sea conditions.

It also reflects the humanitarian role that fishing companies and other maritime operators can play in protecting lives at sea.

The rescue has been described as another example of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.

Mines Ministry, NMA Set Record Straight on JM Mining’s Large-Scale Licence Application

August 7, 2026

Man in a navy suit speaking into a handheld microphone at a podium or lectern. — Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency have clarified that JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited never held a Large-Scale Mining Licence in Sierra Leone, contrary to claims that the Government withdrew the company’s licence.

In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the two institutions said JM Mining was offered a Large-Scale Mining Licence in January 2025, subject to the company formally accepting the offer and paying US$1.1 million in statutory licence and monitoring fees.

According to the Government, the company failed to meet both conditions despite receiving several extensions and more than one year to fulfil its financial obligations. The conditional offer consequently lapsed and the application file was closed.

The statement described as inaccurate any suggestion that a mining licence had been revoked, insisting that no licence was ever issued to JM Mining because the company did not complete the legally required payment process.

“This is the single most important point. What JM Mining received in January 2025 was an approval to grant a licence; a conditional offer,” the statement noted.

It explained that under Section 108(5) of the Mines and Minerals Development Act, a Large-Scale Mining Licence could only be issued after the applicant accepted the offer in writing and paid all prescribed fees.

The Government said JM Mining did neither within the legally stipulated period. Therefore, there was no valid licence that could have been withdrawn or taken away.

The statement further outlined several interventions reportedly made by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency to support the company’s proposed investment.

JM Mining first wrote to the Minister on 17 December 2023, complaining that the Environment Protection Agency had halted its exploration activities.

On 16 April 2024, the Minister reportedly met the company’s Chief Executive Officer to discuss the dispute. The Minister later wrote formally on 20 May 2024, committing to engage the Minister of Environment in an effort to resolve the matter and allow JM Mining to continue its activities.

The communication was copied to the Ministry of Environment, the Environment Protection Agency and the Paramount Chief of Nongowa Chiefdom. The National Minerals Agency was also instructed to provide guidance and support to the company throughout the licensing process.

The Minerals Advisory Board subsequently considered JM Mining’s application on 18 December 2024 and recommended that it be approved.

The approval of the licence offer was formally communicated to the company on 23 January 2025. Under the law, JM Mining was required to accept the offer in writing within 30 days and pay the prescribed statutory fees before the licence could be issued.

However, the Government said the National Minerals Agency deliberately withheld the payment demand for approximately six months to give the company sufficient time to secure financing for the proposed operation.

Orders to Pay were eventually issued on 24 July 2025, requiring JM Mining to pay US$1 million in licence fees and US$100,000 in monitoring fees within 30 days.

The payment deadline expired on 23 August 2025 without the company making the required payments.

On 28 October 2025, the National Revenue Authority issued a formal payment demand. JM Mining reportedly requested additional time until the end of December 2025 to settle the outstanding fees.

The company’s self-requested deadline of 31 December 2025 also passed without payment.

On 29 January 2026, JM Mining requested a new Order to Pay, which the Government said amounted to an acknowledgement that the original payment order had not been honoured.

The following day, 30 January 2026, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources formally confirmed that the licence offer had lapsed and was rescinded, bringing the application process to an end.

The Ministry and NMA said JM Mining had been given 372 days from the date the licence offer was approved and 190 days from the date the payment orders were issued.

Despite the extended period, the company had not paid the US$1.1 million statutory fees as of the date of the Government’s statement.

The authorities also cited correspondence in which JM Mining allegedly admitted that it had defaulted on its obligations.

In a letter to the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority dated 31 October 2025, the company’s Chief Executive Officer reportedly acknowledged that JM Mining was overdue in paying the annual Large-Scale Mining Licence fee and the related monitoring fee.

The company made a similar admission in a letter to the Director of Mines dated 15 January 2026, stating that it had been overdue in paying the licence fees since 24 August 2025.

On 29 January 2026, the Chief Executive Officer again wrote to the Director of Mines requesting a new Order to Pay for the licence and monitoring fees.

The Government rejected claims that the company was not given sufficient time, arguing that the law provided only 30 days, while JM Mining was allowed more than 12 months to complete the process.

It also dismissed suggestions that the company was in good standing, maintaining that the statutory fees remained unpaid and that the company had acknowledged the default in writing on three separate occasions.

Responding to allegations that the decision was arbitrary, the Government said the matter was reviewed by the Minerals Advisory Board before the Minister made a final decision.

The company was also reportedly informed in writing about how and where to present its case, while the final decision was communicated through a formal letter explaining the reasons for closing the file.

The Ministry and NMA further rejected claims that the Government was hostile to foreign investors.

They maintained that the Minister personally intervened in the company’s dispute with the Environment Protection Agency, met its Chief Executive Officer and directed the National Minerals Agency to support the company during the application process.

The Government reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to attracting serious and compliant investment into the mining sector but stressed that all companies must meet the same legal and financial requirements.

According to the statement, waiving the statutory conditions for one company would be unfair to other mining operators that had fulfilled their obligations under the law.

“The mineral resources of Sierra Leone belong to the people of Sierra Leone. They will be entrusted to those who meet their obligations under the law,” the statement concluded.

The Ministry and the National Minerals Agency said every assertion contained in their clarification was supported by dated correspondence and official documents held in their records, adding that a fully referenced chronology of the matter is available.

Sierra Leone Must Build DPI on Legal Identity and Institutional Collaboration — NCRA DG

August 7, 2026

Man in a dark blue tunic speaks into a handheld microphone at a podium, with a Department of State banner behind him. — Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi

Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, has called for Sierra Leone’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) programme to be built on the country’s existing legal identity systems, institutional mandates and technological investments.

Speaking at the First National Digital Public Infrastructure Stakeholder Consultation Forum on August 5, 2026, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said trusted legal digital identity must remain the foundation of Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

He commended President Julius Maada Bio and the organizers of the forum for advancing discussions on how technology could support national development, improve public services and strengthen the country’s digital economy.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said digital transformation was no longer limited to introducing new technologies, but involved establishing trusted public infrastructure that enables the Government to serve citizens efficiently, securely and inclusively.

He explained that DPI operates in the digital world in much the same way as roads, bridges, airports, electricity networks and water systems function in the physical world.

“Just as roads allow vehicles to reach their destinations, Digital Public Infrastructure allows digital services to reach every citizen quickly, securely and efficiently,” he stated.

According to him, DPI has three essential building blocks: legal digital identity, digital payments and secure data exchange. Those components, he said, must work together to enable Government institutions, financial service providers and private businesses to offer seamless and citizen-centred digital services.

However, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stressed that none of those systems could function effectively without a reliable legal digital identity framework.

“Without trusted legal digital identity, Digital Public Infrastructure cannot achieve its full potential,” he said. “Identity is the foundation upon which trust, authentication, interoperability and digital service delivery are built.”

He described digital identity as a secure electronic representation of a person’s physical identity, which can be used to verify who the individual is when accessing services online.

The NCRA Director-General maintained that the Authority was legally mandated under the National Civil Registration Act of 2016 to manage Sierra Leone’s civil registration, vital statistics and national identity systems.

He said the NCRA’s role should not be treated as separate from the DPI agenda because the institution represents its foundational identity component.

According to Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Sierra Leone has already made significant investments in building an integrated Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Identity Management System that should be strengthened and connected to emerging digital platforms.

He disclosed that the NCRA had established a Tier III-compliant primary data centre to store and manage the country’s identity information within Sierra Leone, thereby supporting national data sovereignty and security.

He said the Authority had also developed a National Biometric Identity Management System and Data Register, with approximately 93 per cent of Sierra Leone’s population registered and assigned unique National Identification Numbers.

The NINs, he explained, are not duplicated, reassigned or reused and can therefore provide a reliable foundation for identity verification across Government and private-sector services.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi added that the NCRA issues multipurpose biometric identity cards to citizens, foreign nationals and ECOWAS citizens residing in Sierra Leone. He said the cards comply with International Civil Aviation Organization and ECOWAS standards.

The Authority also issues secure certificates and credentials for births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions, while operating an electronic Know Your Customer identity verification platform.

According to him, the verification system has been integrated with several Government institutions and private service providers to support financial transactions, mobile communication, immigration services, governance and public accountability.

He disclosed that the NCRA had successfully piloted the Modular Open Source Identity Platform, commonly known as MOSIP and is seeking resources for its full implementation. He said the platform would help Sierra Leone transition from vendor-dependent systems to a secure, open-source foundational identity platform.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi also highlighted the NCRA’s nationwide presence, stating that it had established offices and access points in every district and many populated communities. The Authority, he said, employs nearly 700 permanent professional staff and recruits thousands of temporary workers for major national registration exercises.

He noted that the NCRA had worked with the World Bank, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation and other stakeholders on Sierra Leone’s Digital Identity Country Diagnostic Assessment.

According to him, the assessment reviewed the country’s identity ecosystem against international standards and reaffirmed the NCRA’s systems as a credible foundation for Sierra Leone’s DPI programme.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi also recalled the NCRA’s 2019 collaboration with Kiva and the Bank of Sierra Leone under a United Nations Capital Development Fund financial inclusion project. He said the partnership developed and launched what was described as Africa’s first blockchain-based digital identity solution for electronic identity verification and eKYC services.

“These are not isolated investments. They are strategic national assets and clear evidence that the NCRA is not merely a participant in Sierra Leone’s Digital Public Infrastructure agenda, but its foundational identity hub,” he said.

He urged the Government and development partners, including the World Bank, to protect those investments by strengthening and connecting existing systems instead of replacing or duplicating them.

“Digital Public Infrastructure should serve as an enabling framework that connects institutions, not one that duplicates or weakens them,” Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi emphasized.

The NCRA Director-General maintained that successful digital infrastructure programmes must respect existing legal mandates and avoid creating overlapping institutional responsibilities. Clear mandates, he said, promote transparency, accountability and public trust.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi reaffirmed the NCRA’s support for Sierra Leone’s DPI agenda, provided that its implementation complements and reinforces the legal and institutional gains already achieved.

He cited the May 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the NCRA and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation for the development of a National Data Exchange Layer.

The agreement, he said, recognized an “Identity at the Centre” approach, under which the NCRA’s legal identity system would provide the trusted foundation for secure information sharing and digital public services.

He also noted that the Ministry of Finance was piloting a Data Exchange Layer based on Estonia’s globally recognized X-Road system, with the NCRA serving as a critical provider of legal identity through the NIN.

“Rather than creating entirely new structures, let us operationalize what has already been agreed and signed. Let us build on existing partnerships, connect existing investments and move forward together,” he urged.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stressed that no single institution could independently build Sierra Leone’s DPI because it required a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

He explained that the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation provides digital transformation policy direction, while the NCRA supplies legal identity and the NIN.

Institutions already using the NIN include the National Revenue Authority for tax administration, the Ministry of Finance for payroll verification, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority for driver’s licences and vehicle registration, NASSIT for social security services and the National Investment Board for business registration.

Educational institutions, banks, telecommunications companies and mobile money operators also use identity verification services for enrolment, eKYC, SIM card registration and fraud prevention.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said the Bank of Sierra Leone provides the country’s payment infrastructure through the National Payment Switch, while the Ministry of Finance continues to modernize public financial management and digital interoperability systems.

“The success of DPI depends not on institutional competition but on institutional coordination,” he declared.

The NCRA Director-General further warned that technology alone could not build public trust. He said legislation, effective governance, transparency, cybersecurity, data protection and institutional accountability must remain central to Sierra Leone’s DPI implementation.

Citizens, he added, must be confident that their personal information is collected lawfully, processed responsibly, shared appropriately and protected effectively.

Drawing lessons from Estonia, India, Brazil, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and European countries, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said Sierra Leone should adapt international best practices to its own legal and institutional realities instead of copying foreign models wholesale.

He envisioned a system in which children are registered at birth and receive lifelong legal identities that support access to education, healthcare, financial services, employment, social protection and digital Government services.

He said such a system would allow businesses to verify customers instantly, enable banks to conduct secure eKYC procedures and allow Government institutions to exchange information electronically without repeatedly requesting the same documents from citizens.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi concluded by reaffirming the NCRA’s commitment to working with Government Ministries, the Bank of Sierra Leone, development partners, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector to build an inclusive, secure and citizen-centred digital economy.

He also urged policymakers to strengthen existing legislation and avoid introducing conflicting or duplicated mandates that could undermine the progress already made in managing legal identity.

While expressing support for responsible data sharing, he cautioned that sensitive information relating to national security, elections and other matters of national interest must receive appropriate protection.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said the NCRA remain open to innovative technologies, including blockchain-based identity solutions, provided they complemented Sierra Leone’s legal, security and governance frameworks.

“Let us preserve the investments we have already made, strengthen the institutions and systems we have already built and implement Digital Public Infrastructure through partnership, sound governance and mutual respect for institutional mandates,” he said.

He maintained that a properly designed DPI would strengthen public trust, expand economic opportunities and ensure that every resident of Sierra Leone could access secure and inclusive digital services without being left behind.

President Bio Backs Gento’s Kent Port Project to Ease Freetown Port Congestion & Boost Economic Growth

August 7, 2026

Collage of three scenes: a man in a white hat giving a speech at a podium, a coastal construction site with a bridge, and a construction worker in a yellow safety vest beside heavy machinery.

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has commended progress on the Gento Group Seaport Project at Kent Village, describing the development as a major investment with the potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s economy, create jobs and reduce congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.

The President made the statement during a discussion with journalists and civil society activists last Friday July 31, 2026 at Torma Bum Bonthe District, following an update from Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who recently visited the project site.

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh told President Bio that significant work had been undertaken at the port and expressed confidence that the facility could help ease pressure on the country’s main seaport in Freetown once it becomes operational.

The Chief Minister also praised journalists and Civil Society Organisations for monitoring and reporting on Government development programmes.

Responding, President Bio said he had personally visited the Kent Seaport Project and was impressed by the level of progress achieved.

“I am also impressed with the development and I am happy that you, the journalists and civil society activists, have witnessed the progress,” President Bio said.

He encouraged the Gento Group of Companies to continue implementing the project, stressing that it could contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.

“I encouraged Gento to keep up the project because I strongly believe it has the potential to transform the nation’s economy,” he said.

President Bio further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and national development, telling the gathering that his Government had nothing to hide.

“I am running an open and transparent Government and my goal is to make Sierra Leone a better place for us all,” he stated.

Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has also reportedly expressed support for the Kent Seaport Project. He described the development as an important investment capable of helping to address congestion at the Freetown port.

The project, estimated to cost more than US$70 million, has attracted interest from Government officials, opposition politicians, Civil Society groups and the media.

An agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Gento Group of Companies reportedly provides for US$20 million in Government counterpart funding. However, the company says the funding has not yet been provided.

Chief Executive Officer of the Gento Group of Companies, Mohamed Gento Kamara, recently disclosed that he had already invested more than US$30 million in the project. He acknowledged that the substantial financial demands associated with the development had become a major challenge.

“I am presently challenged because of the huge financial costs involved,” Mohamed Gento Kamara told journalists.

He said an additional US$40 million would enable the company to begin port operations by December, adding that the facility could support the Government’s economic agenda and create more than 1,000 employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

“I strongly believe that with US$40 million, I will be able to start operations in December this year. This will greatly support the Government, add value to the economy and provide employment opportunities for over 1,000 Sierra Leoneans,” he stated.

Members of Parliament from the main opposition All People’s Congress and the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party also recently conducted an assessment visit to the project site. The lawmakers reportedly expressed satisfaction with the progress and pledged to support efforts aimed at ensuring the Government fulfils its obligations under the agreement.

Despite the broad support received from stakeholders, financing remains a significant obstacle to completing the project. Observers have argued that public-private infrastructure projects of this scale require timely Government counterpart funding to attract additional investment and accelerate implementation.

They maintained that completing the Kent Seaport Project could improve maritime operations, reduce pressure on the Freetown port, support trade and generate employment.

Stakeholders are therefore calling for stronger collaboration between the Government and the Gento Group of Companies to mobilize the funding required completing the project and making the facility operational.

UNDP Lesotho Concludes Four-Day Peer-Learning Exchange on Sierra Leone’s Development Financing Model

August 7, 2026

Group of five people standing in a bright store hallway, chatting and listening to a man in a beige outfit who is speaking.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho has concluded a four-day peer-learning exchange with UNDP Sierra Leone, focusing on Sierra Leone’s Government Development Financing model and its potential application in Lesotho.

The exchange ended on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, with a Mission Debrief and Reflection Session at the UNDP Sierra Leone Country Office on Main Motor Road, Wilberforce in Freetown.

The UNDP Lesotho delegation included representatives from the Government of Lesotho and the country’s Parliament. The mission provided an opportunity for the two UNDP country offices to exchange experiences on development financing, governance and the effective use of domestic resources.

The delegation travelled to Sierra Leone to study how the Government has been using public resources through UNDP’s technical expertise, procurement systems and implementation mechanisms to support national development programmes.

Under the Government Development Financing model, the Government provides the financial resources, while UNDP contributes technical expertise, procurement services, financial systems and other mechanisms required to support programme implementation.

Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Lesotho Parliament, Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie, said the mission was important as Lesotho seeks to make better use of its limited domestic resources amid declining financial support from development partners.

“We need to localize and domesticate development financing and use our own resources to fund development in Lesotho,” Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie said.

Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie noted that Sierra Leone had made significant progress in using Government resources in partnership with UNDP. She said the delegation planned to take the lessons and best practices from the exchange back to Lesotho.

According to him, one of the most important lessons from Sierra Leone is that the Government remains responsible for determining its development priorities, while UNDP works alongside it to implement programmes in accordance with national development plans.

“The Government plans with UNDP in accordance with the national development plans and they implement the programmes together,” Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie explained.

Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Lesotho Parliament added that adopting the model could help Lesotho reduce the cost of procuring goods and services while ensuring the prudent use of limited public resources.

UNDP Sierra Leone Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah, said the peer-learning exchange demonstrated the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences among UNDP country offices.

Fredrick Ampiah described UNDP as a development service organisation that works with Governments by providing global expertise, advisory services, financial systems and procurement mechanisms to advance national development priorities.

The Resident Representative said Sierra Leone was among the first UNDP country offices in the region to implement the Government Development Financing model. He added that the approach had attracted interest from other countries seeking to understand its operation and potential benefits.

“The feedback we have received so far indicates that they find the model extremely exciting, particularly because of its potential to reduce the cost of running the Government in Lesotho,” Fredrick Ampiah said.

He cited UNDP’s collaboration with Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority as an example of the model in practice further explaining that Government resources could be channelled through UNDP, allowing the organisation to use its global procurement agreements to obtain vehicles and motorcycles at lower prices.

According to Fredrick Ampiah, such arrangements could save the Government between six and eight percent compared with purchasing goods through the open market.

Sharing his experience from the exchange, UNDP Lesotho Deputy Resident Representative, Dr. Taye Amssalu, said the delegation was particularly interested in how Sierra Leone combines Government ownership with UNDP’s technical and operational support.

“What really caught our attention is that the Government is not merely a recipient of development support but also a funder of its own development,” Dr. Taye Amssalu said.

The UNDP Lesotho Deputy Resident Representative explained that UNDP’s role was not to replace Government institutions but to strengthen them through international experience, technical expertise and effective systems while helping to build national capacity.

Dr. Taye Amssalu expressed optimism that the lessons gained from Sierra Leone could be replicated in Lesotho. He said the delegation would present its findings and recommendations to the Government of Lesotho upon returning home.

“I am optimistic and confident that we will be able to replicate this innovative implementation model,” Dr. Taye Amssalu said.

The four-day exchange formed part of UNDP’s South-South learning approach, which enables country offices to share experiences, practical solutions and innovative development models that can be adapted to their respective national contexts.

UNDP Lesotho Deputy Resident Representative, Dr. Taye Amssalu

Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Lesotho Parliament, Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie

UNDP Sierra Leone Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah

50/50 & Partners Advance Women’s Land Rights, Peace and Inclusive Governance

August 7, 2026

Woman in a white traditional outfit and glasses speaks into a microphone at a podium, with an equality banner in the background.

The 50/50 Group, in partnership with Green Scenery, the Women’s Network for Environmental Sustainability (WoNES) and the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), on Wednesday 5 August 2026, convened a National Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue on Women’s Land Rights, Peace and Inclusive Governance under the “Uman, Land En Kol At” Project, implemented with support from Christian Aid through the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF), bringing together women representatives from Kono, Kailahun, Port Loko and Tonkolili districts, policymakers, Government institutions, traditional authorities, development partners and Civil Society Organisations to chart a way forward for securing women’s land rights and strengthening inclusive land governance in Sierra Leone.

Held under the theme, “Securing Women’s Land Rights, Promoting Peace, Advancing Inclusive Governance,” the dialogue took place at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. Discussions centred on the persistent barriers preventing women from accessing, owning and controlling land despite a series of progressive legal reforms, with participants calling for stronger implementation of existing laws, greater institutional accountability and closer collaboration among key stakeholders.

Chairing the dialogue, governance expert and development practitioner, Aminata Samuella Ruth Kelly Lamin, said Sierra Leone has made notable progress in reforming its legal and policy framework on land governance but warned that many women continue to be denied the rights guaranteed under the law. She pointed to reforms including the Customary Land Rights Act 2022, the National Land Commission Act 2022, the National Land Policy 2015 and the Devolution of Estates Act 2007, describing them as important milestones in advancing gender equality.

She, however, observed that implementation remains the country’s greatest challenge, with many women still facing discrimination in accessing, owning and controlling land. Aminata Samuella Ruth Kelly Lamin urged stakeholders to examine why those legal protections have not translated into meaningful change and called for stronger enforcement, greater institutional commitment and practical solutions capable of improving women’s participation in land governance.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, a representative of the Ministry reaffirmed Government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights through legislative and policy reforms. The statement highlighted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022, the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 and the National Land Commission Act 2022 as major achievements that have strengthened legal protection for women.

Despite those gains, it was underscored how the Minister acknowledged that many women continue to be denied inheritance, evicted from family land and excluded from ownership because of discriminatory customary practices. She stressed that passing laws alone is insufficient without effective implementation, stronger institutions and sustained public awareness.

The statement further described the ongoing constitutional review process as an opportunity to eliminate discriminatory provisions, particularly Section 27(4)(d) of the 1991 Constitution, which excludes matters relating to personal law from constitutional protection against discrimination. The Minister called for increased public education on land rights, stronger enforcement mechanisms and continued support for women, especially widows and women with disabilities, to claim the rights guaranteed under the law.

Representing the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Buawah Jobo Samba, Director of GIS and Remote Sensing, said the Ministry has prioritized reforms aimed at creating a fair, transparent and inclusive land administration system. He noted that while challenges affecting women’s access to land persist, Government has undertaken significant policy, legislative and institutional reforms to address them.

Buawah Jobo Samba highlighted the National Land Policy 2015, which promotes equal access to land regardless of gender and supports joint ownership and registration of family land by married couples. He said the subsequent enactment of the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 and the National Land Commission Act 2022 has further strengthened the legal framework governing land administration.

The Director disclosed how the Ministry is developing regulations and other supporting instruments required to fully implement the two Acts while expanding systematic land registration and other reforms aimed at improving land governance across the country. He encouraged participants to contribute practical recommendations that would strengthen ongoing reforms and improve women’s access to land.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Prof. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, Programmes Director of the 50/50 Group Sierra Leone, described the dialogue as a key component of the Uman, Land En Kol At Project, implemented with support from Christian Aid through the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. She said the initiative seeks to strengthen women’s participation in land governance, dismantle structural inequalities and promote peaceful conflict resolution through inclusive dialogue.

Prof. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim argued that sustainable peace and national development cannot be achieved while women remain excluded from land ownership and decision making. She said the project is empowering women with knowledge of their legal rights, increasing their participation in land administration and fostering collaboration among Government institutions, traditional authorities and Civil Society Organisations.

Also addressing the gathering, a representative of Christian Aid said Sierra Leone has made encouraging progress in establishing laws that protect women’s land rights but cautioned that legislation must be translated into practical action. The representative noted that secure access to land enables women to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen household incomes and contribute more effectively to national development.

The representative added that communities become more stable and prosperous when women participate meaningfully in land governance and decision making. Christian Aid reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote justice, equality and peaceful management of land resources while commending the collaboration among Government, Civil Society Organisations and development partners under the project.

Throughout the dialogue, participants repeatedly emphasized that the country’s legal reforms have laid a solid foundation for gender equality in land governance but warned that the benefits will remain limited without effective enforcement, stronger institutions and greater public awareness.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen partnerships, amplify community voices and advance policy recommendations that will ensure women across Sierra Leone enjoy equal rights to access, own and control land as a foundation for inclusive governance, sustainable development and lasting peace.

Pastor JAL Melodies Set to Host ‘Intimate Worship 2026’ in Freetown

August 7, 2026

Poster for Intimate Worship: a man in a suit standing before a geometric backdrop with a cross icon; event date Sunday, Sept 6, at Faith Assembly Church, Brookfields.

Gospel music minister and worship leader Pastor JAL Melodies is set to host “Intimate Worship 2026,” a Christian worship gathering scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Faith Assembly Church in Brookfields, Freetown.

The event is being promoted as an evening dedicated to worship, praise and spiritual reflection, bringing together Christians and worshippers for what organizers describe as an opportunity to experience God’s presence through music and worship. Recent promotional announcements also describe the programme as featuring special guest ministers.

The event flyer indicates that the programme will begin at 5:00 p.m., with worshippers expected to gather for an evening of Christian music and spiritual fellowship.

Tickets have been categorized into five levels: Platinum at Le1,000, Gold at Le500, Silver at Le250, Bronze at Le100 and Children’s tickets at Le50.

Organisers are encouraging worshippers, families and lovers of gospel music to secure their tickets and attend the gathering.

The event is expected to provide a platform for worshippers to come together in faith, praise and thanksgiving, while creating an atmosphere for spiritual renewal and fellowship.

The organizers’ recent publicity describes Intimate Worship 2026 as a night set apart for passionate worship and a powerful encounter with God.

MobiCare Wins Orange Social Venture Prize 2026 as Orange Sierra Leone Champions the Next Generation of Innovators

August 7, 2026

Orange Sierra Leone Rewards MobiCare, MiFam at 2026 Social Venture Prize

Orange Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting youth innovation, entrepreneurship and technology by awarding MobiCare the grand prize at the seventh edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Sierra Leone.

The competition, held on 3 August 2026 at the Orange Digital Center in Freetown, brought together Government representatives, development partners, entrepreneurs, innovators, students and industry leaders to celebrate solutions designed to address social challenges and support sustainable economic growth.

Hosted by Monica Jackson, the 2024 Orange Social Venture Prize Tech Queen, the ceremony highlighted Orange Sierra Leone’s efforts to create opportunities for young innovators to transform promising ideas into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

The 2026 competition attracted 138 applications from across Sierra Leone. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 38 projects were shortlisted, with eight outstanding finalists advancing to compete for the Orange Innovation Awards.

Delivering the keynote address, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aïcha Touré reaffirmed the company’s belief that innovation and technology are powerful drivers of economic transformation.

“For seven consecutive years, Orange has invested in Sierra Leonean innovators, supporting ideas that have the potential to transform communities and improve lives,” Aïcha Touré said.

She added that, as one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, Orange considers innovation one of the strongest drivers of economic growth and remains committed to helping young people develop practical and scalable solutions that contribute to national development.

Aïcha Touré said the Orange Social Venture Prize has recorded significant progress since its introduction in Sierra Leone in 2019. According to her, the programme has attracted more than 1,000 applicants and provided financial and developmental support to several innovators.

She noted that successful innovation requires more than creativity, stressing that determination, resilience and a strong commitment to addressing real-life challenges are essential for transforming ideas into sustainable ventures.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz Kamara commended Orange Sierra Leone for complementing national efforts to promote entrepreneurship, digital innovation and youth empowerment.

“The future of Sierra Leone depends on innovation and technology,” Sarjoh Aziz Kamara said. “Initiatives such as the Orange Social Venture Prize are helping to create jobs, nurture talent and support the Government’s development agenda.”

He encouraged young Sierra Leonean innovators to take advantage of available opportunities and develop solutions capable of making a positive contribution to society.

Chief Executive Officer of Coco Innovations Sierra Leone Hannah Campbell also praised Orange Sierra Leone for its longstanding partnership with the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Hannah Campbell described the Orange Social Venture Prize as more than a competition, saying it serves as a transformative platform that provides entrepreneurs with the confidence, visibility and resources required to expand their ventures and create meaningful change.

The climax of the ceremony was the announcement of the 2026 winners, whose projects demonstrated the creativity, talent and problem-solving abilities of young Sierra Leoneans.

Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma, creator of MobiCare, emerged as the grand prize winner and received NLe 200,000 to further develop his digital healthcare solution.

MobiCare is a mobile application that allows users to locate pharmacies where prescribed medicines are available. The solution is designed to reduce the difficulties and delays patients often experience when searching for essential medication.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma said the idea was inspired by the challenges confronting many patients while searching for prescribed medicines.

“With MobiCare, users can easily search for medicines from home and identify where they are available, reducing delays and improving access to healthcare services,” Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma explained.

Medical student and Founder of MiFam, Fatmata Mariama Koroma, was another major winner at the ceremony. She received NLe 120,000 to advance her agricultural innovation, which seeks to contribute to farming and food security in Sierra Leone.

Fatmata Mariama Koroma expressed appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for providing a platform through which young entrepreneurs can transform their ambitions into impactful and sustainable businesses.

The conclusion of the seventh Orange Social Venture Prize reinforced the growing importance of young innovators in shaping Sierra Leone’s development. Through the programme, Orange Sierra Leone continues to support entrepreneurs using technology and creativity to address social challenges, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth.

The accomplishments of the 2026 finalists also reflected Orange Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to nurturing local talent and building an inclusive digital future in which young people are empowered to innovate, lead and transform their communities.