Orange Concludes OSVP 2025, Awards Over NLe 300,000 to Top Innovators

July 28, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a vibrant celebration of youth-led innovation and digital empowerment, Orange Sierra Leone, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies, successfully concluded the 7th Edition of its Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) on Friday, July 25, 2025. The prestigious grand pitch event was held at the Orange Digital Centre on Hill Station in Freetown and showcased the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Sierra Leone’s brightest innovators.

The event brought together eight national finalists competing across two categories for a combined prize pool exceeding NLe 300,000. These finalists presented their tech-based solutions to pressing societal challenges, ranging from access to education and business support for MSMEs, to innovations in finance and healthcare.

Following a dynamic series of live pitches, two standout winners emerged: Edward Kamara, founder of MiBuks, emerged as the National Prize Winner, receiving a cash award of NLe 200,000 for his impactful digital platform designed to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to track sales, expenses and inventory; generate receipts and invoices and build a digital credit profile from their transaction history and Richlyn Kainekay Turay, representing Smart College, was crowned the Tech Queen Female Category Winner, receiving NLe 120,000 in recognition of her innovative solution geared toward streamlining student access to higher education services through technology.

Delivering his address, Sekou Amadou Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, hailed the OSVP as a transformative initiative and reaffirmed Orange’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, innovation and digital inclusion.

“Since launching OSVP in Sierra Leone in 2019, Orange has remained committed to empowering digital entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, including funding, mentorship and platforms to scale their ventures.”

He noted that Orange’s involvement goes beyond telecommunications it is about being a catalyst for national development. Sekou Amadou Bah highlighted Orange’s investments in infrastructure, innovation and inclusion, particularly through the Orange Digital Centers (ODCs) established in six locations nationwide. Notably, three ODCs are dedicated to empowering women.

“In just three years, we’ve trained over 5,000 young Sierra Leoneans 47% of whom are women with a 15% job integration rate,” Sekou Amadou Bah revealed.

He emphasized that those efforts are not merely corporate social responsibility but part of a strategic vision to build a future-proof digital economy for Sierra Leone.

Fredrick Hans Ampiah, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone, commended the OSVP for spotlighting homegrown innovation and called for structural investments in Sierra Leone’s innovation economy.

“In my former life, our ambition was to position Ghana as the ICT hub of West Africa. We built incubators, attracted venture capital and supported startups that are now global names. Sierra Leone can achieve the same what we need is commitment, structure, and vision,” Fredrick Hans Ampiah maintained.

He urged policymakers and stakeholders to view Sierra Leone’s small market size not as a limitation but as an opportunity to build exportable, scalable solutions that can thrive across borders.

Fredrick Hans Ampiah further praised Orange’s work in building the digital skills pipeline but pushed for deeper public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation:

“For UNDP, this isn’t just about prizes. It’s about building a whole innovation economy one that has the right policies, infrastructure, financing and talent pipeline to truly transform lives and communities.”

In a powerful reflection, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, spoke of the transformative journey Sierra Leone has taken over the past seven years in digital innovation.

“Seven years ago, there was virtually no Government innovation policy. Today, thanks to collective efforts from Government, the private sector and partners like UNDP, UNICEF and the World Bank, we are seeing the tangible fruits of that investment.”

She proudly cited examples of local innovators gaining regional and international recognition and emphasized that Sierra Leone’s agility and scale make it an ideal testbed for innovative solutions.

“The concept of ‘Country as a Lab’ is not just rhetoric. Our relatively small population gives us a competitive advantage it allows us to pilot, refine and scale tech solutions quickly.”

Salima Bah also announced the imminent launch of national consultations for Sierra Leone’s Startup Act, a legal framework tailored specifically to startups, modeled after similar successful frameworks in Nigeria and Egypt.

“Startups are not SMEs. They need their own regulations not restrictions. This Act will be co-created with the ecosystem—for the ecosystem.”

She ended her address with a resounding message to young entrepreneurs and innovators: “We understand your journey. We are with you. And we will walk this path together.”

Reacting to his win, Edward Kamara, founder of MiBuks, expressed deep gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone, describing the recognition as a strong validation of his team’s efforts to digitize the operations of small businesses in the country.

“This award affirms the vision behind MiBuks a platform born out of a passion to transform how MSMEs operate in Sierra Leone and across Africa,” Edward Kamara said. “I dedicate this win to every entrepreneur struggling with manual records or seeking access to finance. We will reinvest this prize to further expand our reach especially to underserved communities.”

Richlyn Kainekay Turay, representing Smart College, who was crowned Tech Queen in the Female Category, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone. She used the opportunity to encourage other young women pursuing careers in technology.

“This award is a justification of the work we’re doing at Smart College to make access to higher education services more seamless and inclusive,” she said. “I dedicate this win to every young girl dreaming of building tech solutions that solve real problems. Let this be a reminder that innovation has no gender.”

Both Edward Kamara’s and Richlyn Kainekay Turay’s recognition highlights the growing impact of homegrown tech innovations and the importance of empowering youth-led digital solutions in Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

Vice President Engages Sierra Leonean Diaspora in London on National Development Priorities

July 28, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has concluded a successful engagement with Sierra Leonean diaspora stakeholders in London, emphasizing the Government’s achievements and outlining key national priorities. The high-level meeting, held on July 25, 2025 at the Taj Hotel and hosted by the Sierra Leone High Commission, brought together business leaders, community representatives and professionals eager to contribute to the country’s development.

Addressing the gathering, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh highlighted the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government’s progress in human capital development, gender equality and economic diversification. He noted that over 30% of seats in Parliament are now held by women, surpassing representation in some European countries, while female participation in ministerial roles continues to grow.

On food security, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the impact of the “Feed Salone” initiative, which aims to reduce the nation’s heavy reliance on imported food. He announced that Sierra Leone is now exporting sardines and cooking oil while boosting local rice production to cut down the 23% of national spending currently allocated to food imports.

Energy and infrastructure expansion were also key themes. The Vice President revealed that the U.S. Government has approved a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact to expand electricity access nationwide. He noted that Freetown’s energy supply has increased from 60MW to 85MW and outlined ongoing investments in roads, bridges, water systems and internet connectivity. British International Investment is exploring additional loan support for the water sector.

In education and health, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to free primary and secondary education, especially for girls in STEM disciplines. He reported that annual doctor training has tripled from 50 to 150, postgraduate medical training is now available locally and Sierra Leone is meeting its vaccination targets while expanding maternal care services. He assured the diaspora that his office will continue to facilitate the clearance of donated medical and educational supplies sent from abroad.

Recognizing the crucial role of remittances in sustaining families and education, the Vice President urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to explore investments in microfinance, banking, healthcare and education. While concrete incentives for diaspora investors are still under review, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized that creating a favorable framework for their participation remains a Government priority.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception and thoughtful input from participants, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh acknowledged calls for clearer strategies to structure and amplify diaspora contributions in a sustainable and impactful way.

“The Government of Sierra Leone sees the diaspora not only as remitters but as vital partners in national development,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated. “Your expertise, investment and continued engagement are critical as we build a prosperous future together.”

The London forum underscored the growing importance of diaspora engagement in Sierra Leone’s development agenda, signaling renewed commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the Government and Sierra Leoneans abroad.

Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Peace and Democracy

July 28, 2025

The 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards Committee has honored Rtd. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for Peace and Democracy, acknowledging his steadfast dedication to fostering peace, promoting democratic governance, and advancing gender empowerment throughout the West African sub-region.

A private presentation ceremony held at Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis’s Parliament office provided a moment to reflect on his decades of dedicated service. Unable to attend the official awards event on July 18, 2025, held under the distinguished Grand Chief Patronage of Her Excellency Fatoumata Tambajang, Former Vice President of The Gambia and Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, he was away on official duties outside the country.

In his acceptance remarks, Hon Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis expressed deep gratitude to the Awards Committee and apologized for his absence at the main event. He highlighted his tenure as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, where he championed initiatives to strengthen peace, democracy and regional integration.

“Peace is the foundation upon which nations thrive,” Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis stated. “During my service at ECOWAS Parliament, I remained steadfast in promoting democratic processes and unity across member states. I will continue to work towards fostering national cohesion and sustainable peace here in Sierra Leone.”

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis was named a HeForShe Champion, a distinction honoring male allies who actively advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

“Empowering women and girls is not just a social responsibility; it is essential for national progress,” he emphasized. “I am humbled to be recognized as a HeForShe Champion and will continue to advocate for women’s leadership and inclusion in all sectors of society.”

The 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards is a leading platform celebrating exceptional individuals and advocates who have significantly impacted national development and gender equality.

In presenting the awards, the organizing committee lauded Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis’s leadership, integrity and enduring commitment to building a peaceful and inclusive society, describing his dual recognition as a testament to the link between peace, democracy and inclusive governance.

Ambassador Amara Sowa Presents Credentials to President Trump, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

July 28, 2025

By PEL Koroma, Embassy of Sierra Leone, Washington, D.C.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, has officially presented his Letters of Credence to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, formally assuming his role as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone to Washington.

During the ceremony at the White House on July 24, 2025, Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa conveyed President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Donald J. Trump, expressing hopes for his continued good health and success in advancing the welfare of the American people. He also delivered the recall letter of his predecessor.

Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa highlighted the historic relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States, tracing it back over a century. He noted the deep cultural ties forged during the transatlantic slave trade, pointing out that many of the enslaved Africans taken from Bunce Island in Sierra Leone were transported to Georgia and South Carolina due to their expertise in rice cultivation.

“The Gullah community in the United States and the legacy of the Amistad revolt led by Sengbeh Pieh are lasting reminders of the strong historical bonds between our nations,” Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa said. He emphasized that those connections have laid the foundation for the excellent relations Sierra Leone and the United States enjoy today.

Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to shared values with the U.S., including promoting international peace, human rights and development. He expressed gratitude for U.S. support during Sierra Leone’s successful bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council and praised ongoing collaboration between the two nations in global peace initiatives.

He also briefed President Donald J. Trump on President Bio’s second-term priorities, which include boosting agricultural productivity for food security, advancing human capital development, implementing youth employment programs and investing in infrastructure and technology. Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa reiterated President Bio’s strong stance on fighting corruption and fostering a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment.

Highlighting economic diplomacy, Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa acknowledged the role of American investors in Sierra Leone’s development and commended U.S. institutions such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for their contributions to the country’s health, education and democratic governance sectors.

On security, he assured the United States of Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining internal and regional stability and welcomed U.S. cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime.

“As I embark on my diplomatic mission, I look forward to your continued guidance and support to strengthen the bonds between our two nations,” Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa told President Donald Trump.

Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa was accompanied to the White House by his wife, Ms. Sowa, in keeping with U.S. protocol.

The presentation of credentials marks a renewed chapter in Sierra Leone-U.S. relations, underscoring both nations’ commitment to deeper cooperation in diplomacy, trade and security.

Sierra Leone Women’s Cricket Team Qualifies for Top-Tier ICC Africa Competition

July 25, 2025

Sierra Leone’s Senior Women’s Cricket Team has etched its name in history by officially qualifying for Division One of the ICC Africa T20 International (T20I) Qualifier, after a stunning run of four consecutive victories in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division Two tournament in Gaborone, Botswana.

The national side, nicknamed the Ladies Patriots, delivered a commanding performance throughout the group stages, defeating host nation Botswana by five wickets on Wednesday and overcoming Malawi by six wickets on Thursday. The Malawi victory shattered a long-standing barrier that had kept Sierra Leone from ascending to the elite Division One level of African women’s cricket.

Saturday’s final against Rwanda will offer Sierra Leone the chance to clinch its second gold medal in just three months—a remarkable feat that signals a new era of dominance for women’s cricket in the country.

Leading the individual performance charts is Emma Kamara, who is currently the tournament’s top run-scorer, amassing 134 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 67.00. Team captain Aminata Kamara has also made her mark, topping the batting strike rate table with 156.36 across her three innings.

This latest achievement echoes the team’s earlier triumph in Gaborone, where they won the North West Africa Cricket Council (NWACC) Women’s Championship earlier this year. Their 2025 campaign is fast becoming a landmark chapter in Sierra Leonean sporting history.

Beyond the scoreboard, this qualification marks a significant cultural milestone. For a nation where women’s sports have often battled for attention and resources, the success of the Ladies Patriots is a powerful statement of resilience, determination, and national pride. The team has defied logistical challenges, limited training opportunities, and a lack of high-profile exposure to rise among the continent’s top cricketing nations.

Their promotion to Division One also places them within reach of a dream once considered distant: participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It’s a step that could pave the way for global recognition and inspire a new generation of female athletes back home.

With the final against Rwanda looming, the team is not only vying for another title but also seeking to solidify its reputation as a formidable force in African cricket. A win would further amplify calls for increased investment in women’s sports and cricket infrastructure in Sierra Leone.

As celebrations begin across the country, the message is clear: Sierra Leone’s women cricketers are not just playing to win—they are playing to change the game.

Congratulations to the Queens of the Crease!

Stats SL Engages Stakeholders Ahead of 2026 Census

July 25, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has officially launched the Users and Producers Data Consultation Workshop, a key step toward the successful execution of the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC). The two-day workshop, which began on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, concludes today and brings together Government officials, development partners, researchers, civil society organizations and private sector actors to shape the country’s largest data-gathering exercise.

Designed to ensure inclusivity and responsiveness, the consultation is a critical phase in the preparatory process for Sierra Leone’s eighth national census since independence. Supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the broader UN system and the World Bank, the initiative aligns with international best practices as outlined by the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD).

The upcoming 2026 census is expected to provide detailed data on demographics, housing conditions, living standards and other key socioeconomic indicators; data essential for national development planning, policymaking, poverty alleviation, humanitarian response and progress tracking toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the opening ceremony, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, described the census as “far more than a statistical routine.” He emphasized, “It is fundamental to effective governance, equitable development and making informed policy decisions. Without accurate, timely, and internationally comparable data, we risk excluding our most vulnerable populations and misunderstanding the true scale of national challenges.”

Rev. Dr. Titus-Williams reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the process, noting that under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, “a solid legal and institutional framework backed by coordination teams and resource mobilization” is already in place.

Providing an update on implementation, Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny, disclosed that the overall census budget is estimated at $37.97 million. Of that total, the Government of Sierra Leone has committed $22.33 million, while donor pledges currently stand at only $233,917; leaving a funding gap of $15.4 million.

Andrew Bob Johnny identified Main Enumeration and Data Analysis as the most underfunded component, with a projected cost of $10.9 million and no current financial backing. Additional shortfalls were noted in Cartography ($2.5 million), Census Publicity ($1.12 million) and Planning, Coordination & Logistics ($736,000). However, the IT Equipment component, budgeted at $14.3 million, has been fully funded by the Government.

He also detailed the procurement plan, which includes 98 ESRI licenses with 200 hours of implementation support, updated satellite imagery, 40 vehicles, 38 motorbikes, 200 laptops and 20 Starlink internet devices. Emphasizing the importance of this preparatory phase, Andrew Bob Johnny warned, “Mistakes at this stage could take ten years to correct.” He stressed the need for the questionnaire to reflect real national priorities, from maternal mortality reduction to agricultural access and called for comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

UNFPA Country Representative, Samuel Palmer, reaffirmed the Agency’s ongoing commitment to Sierra Leone’s statistical development. “Strong data is the foundation for good policy,” Samuel Palmer stated, referencing the successful 2019 Demographic and Health Survey as a model. He noted that effective census data will help address development challenges such as gender-based violence and family planning.

Chairman of Stats SL, Moses Williams, welcomed participants as “the brain” of the census, underscoring the critical role of their contributions. “If any component fails, the entire process risks collapsing,” Moses Williams cautioned. He encouraged open, inclusive discussions around issues such as gender, disability, education, health and agriculture, expressing hope that the workshop would lead to finalized planning tools and a stronger grasp of stakeholder data needs.

Participants are expected to complete an online questionnaire outlining their specific data requirements and preferred output formats. Stats SL will use this input to refine census tools and develop a user-centered dissemination strategy. Feedback not provided during the workshop can also be submitted in writing before a designated deadline.

Each session is moderated and outcomes will be documented to inform the final structure of the census. The full inventory of user data needs will be published on the Stats SL website and circulated to partners.

The Users and Producers Consultation Workshop signals a new phase in Sierra Leone’s drive to modernize its data systems. With broad participation and transparent engagement, Stats SL is setting the foundation for a 2026 census that not only counts people but counts for them.

With the workshop entering its final day, stakeholders remain optimistic that their contributions will shape a truly inclusive and transformative national census.

No Paper Forms! Housemates Salone Goes Fully Digital for Season 4

July 25, 2025

Housemates Salone, Sierra Leone’s most popular and culturally influential Reality Television Show, is officially back for its fourth season and it promises to be the most impactful edition yet.

Producers John Konte and Phebean Swill have confirmed that applications for Housemates Salone Season 4 are now open exclusively online at www.africell.sl/housemates for a non-refundable fee of NLe1, 000. They stressed that no physical forms will be available in any office or shop and Afrimoney is the only accepted payment method.

How to Apply for Housemates Salone Season 4:

Visit the official website: africell.sl/housemates
Fill out the online application form
Pay the NLe1,000 application fee using Afrimoney only

Applicants must ensure their Afrimoney accounts are active before applying, as no other payment platforms will be accepted.

A Platform for Fame, Strategy and National Spotlight

Now regarded as Sierra Leone’s biggest and most-watched Reality Show, Housemates Salone brings together contestants from across the country to live under one roof and compete in weekly tasks, social challenges and public voting eliminations all in a high-stakes journey toward fame, recognition and success.

More than just entertainment, the show is a social experiment that tests contestants’ personality, emotional intelligence and ability to engage viewers. Every season, it sparks national conversations and gives rising stars a platform to launch their careers in media, entertainment and beyond.

NLe1, 000,000 Grand Prize + Trip to Dubai

This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Executive Producers Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr. (CEO of AYV) and Shadi Gerjawi (CEO of Africell) have announced a whopping NLe1,000,000 grand prize (equivalent to One Billion Old Leones), plus an all-expenses-paid round trip to Dubai for the ultimate winner.

But Housemates Salone Season 4 isn’t just about the money — it’s about restoring values in Sierra Leonean Reality Television.

“Clean Game” — A New Era for Reality TV

Season 4 comes with a bold and transformative theme: “Clean Game”.

The producers say the show is taking a strong stand against the negative trends that have tainted some Reality TV platforms in recent years — including nudity, vulgar language, corruption and indecency. This season aims to restore dignity and respect to the game by emphasizing smart strategy, authentic character and meaningful interactions.

“We’re not only increasing the prize, but we’re also setting a new standard,” said Amb. Antony Navo Jr. “We want bold, smart and unforgettable Sierra Leoneans who can compete with integrity. This is about redefining what it means to be a Reality TV star.”

Housemates Salone — A Cultural Phenomenon

From its first season, Housemates Salone has captured the imagination of Sierra Leoneans across all regions and backgrounds. With millions of viewers tuning in and engaging across multiple platforms, it remains a powerful platform for youth expression, national pride and entertainment innovation.

The show has also launched the careers of many public figures and media influencers; a testament to the opportunities it creates for young Sierra Leoneans with talent and ambition.

Don’t Miss This Life-Changing Opportunity

Applications for Housemates Salone Season 4 opened on Monday, July 21, 2025 and will remain open for a limited time. Aspiring housemates are urged to apply early to secure their place in what promises to be the most exciting and impactful season yet.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, this is your moment.
Apply now and prepare to live the experience of a lifetime: strategy, fame, challenges and the chance to win NLe1, 000,000 and travel to Dubai.

Stay tuned by following AYV, Africell and Housemates Salone on all major social media platforms.

Crackdown Begins on Public Nuisance and Urban Lawlessness

July 25, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone has intensified efforts to restore law and order, improve road safety and rejuvenate the capital city through coordinated interventions led by a newly formed Taskforce on Indiscipline and Lawlessness. These updates were unveiled during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly Press Briefing held on July 22, 2025 in Freetown.

The multi-sectoral session featured detailed presentations from key Ministries and Government Agencies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Freetown City Council (FCC) and Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), among others.

Delivering a keynote update, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Retired AIG Morie Lengor, announced that the Taskforce on Indiscipline and Lawlessness was established following President Julius Maada Bio’s directive to restore order, particularly in the capital city. The Taskforce includes representatives from SLP, FCC, SLRSA and SLRA.

Retired AIG Morie Lengor disclosed that one of the Taskforce’s first major actions was the enforcement of a ban on commercial motorbikes within the Central Business District (CBD), citing repeated disruptions to public order. In partnership with the FCC, the Taskforce has identified and cleared 23 major streets of illegal street trading activities. Additionally, a new initiative targeting noise pollution in residential neighborhoods has commenced, with citizens now able to report violations using a toll-free number (900) available across all mobile networks.

Deputy Inspector General of Police and Taskforce Head, Sahr Y. Senesi, reaffirmed that the country remains peaceful and stable. He noted that a strategic meeting held on April 17, 2025, at the Freetown City Council brought together key transport and trade unions to facilitate the clearing of the identified 23 streets. Union leaders were charged with sensitizing their members on the rationale and objectives of the Taskforce.

DIG Sahr Y. Senesi further reported that key areas such as Model Junction, Jui Junction, Shell and Wilkinson Road have now been successfully cleared. He emphasized a marked improvement in national security, citing a significant reduction in crime; 8,567 cases were reported in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3,785 in the second quarter, reflecting a drop of 4,782 cases.

In addressing road safety concerns, Augustine Kaitongi, Director of Road Safety and Enforcement at SLRSA, announced the launch of a Highway Management Unit (HMU), tasked with removing abandoned and broken-down vehicles from the nation’s highways. He commended SLRA for allocating a holding site at Mile 91 for towed vehicles, improving highway safety and traffic flow.

The SLRSA has also rolled out a Mobile Licensing Vehicle initiative under the leadership of Executive Director, James Bio. That innovation allows citizens to obtain driver’s licenses without additional costs and includes a 24-hour toll-free line (844) for requesting licenses, lodging complaints or reporting road traffic accidents. The initiative is expected to boost public access to licensing services and reduce the risk of corruption.

Augustine Kaitongi also revealed that the Ministry of Transport and Aviation will soon organize a national consultation on a proposed Vehicle Age Policy. The policy aims to regulate the importation of old vehicles and raise overall road safety standards.

From the Freetown City Council, Information, Education and Communication Officer, Koma Hassan-Kamara, highlighted the underlying causes of increasing disorder in the capital, attributing it to ongoing rural-to-urban migration. She lauded the Taskforce’s work as both timely and necessary, noting that FCC had faced challenges in enforcing order in the city for over two years.

Madam Koma Hassan-Kamara also announced the imminent launch of the FCC’s CBD Regeneration Project, a citywide beautification and renewal initiative. The project will focus on upgrading infrastructure, installing streetlights and introducing parking controls across central Freetown. It will be implemented in collaboration with SLRA and SLRSA, forming a central pillar of Freetown’s broader urban transformation strategy.

With the Government continuing its coordinated approach to restoring discipline and modernizing the capital, these multi-agency efforts signal a renewed focus on public order, safety and sustainable urban development.

Banks and Mobile Operators Directed to Enroll Customers in NIN-Linked Payment System

July 25, 2025

By Amin Kef-Ranger

During the weekly Press Conference held on July 22, 2025 by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Minister Chernor Bah provided important updates on critical identity verification measures aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s financial and telecommunications sectors.

Minister Chernor Bah announced that, in line with the Bank of Sierra Leone’s directive, all citizens are required to register and link their bank accounts with their National Identification Number (NIN). Effective immediately, new bank accounts must be linked to a NIN upon opening, while existing account holders have until December 31, 2025, to complete this mandatory linkage.

In addition, starting October 1, 2025, the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) will deactivate mobile phone numbers that are not registered and linked with a valid NIN. That initiative is intended to enhance financial security, protect users and enable smooth digital transactions across the country.

The Minister also disclosed that commercial banks and mobile network operators have been instructed to enroll NIN-linked customers into the National Payment Switch system. This platform facilitates seamless transactions between bank accounts and mobile wallets, promoting greater financial inclusion and convenience.

Chernor Bah urged all Sierra Leoneans to act promptly to comply with those requirements to avoid service disruptions and contribute to the country’s digital transformation efforts.

The Press Conference featured presentations from various Government Ministries, Departments and partner Agencies, reflecting a coordinated approach to implementing those reforms.

President Bio Welcomes Gates Foundation, IFAD & Partners to Bolster Agricultural Transformation

July 25, 2025

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on 23 July 2025 welcomed a high-level delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other key partners in a show of strong international support for Sierra Leone’s flagship agricultural initiative, Feed Salone.

The delegation included Donald Brown, Associate Vice President of IFAD; Enoch Chikava, Director of Agricultural Delivery Systems at the Gates Foundation; representatives from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Africa Agriculture Transformation Initiative (AATI) led by McKinsey & Company.

During the courtesy call at State House, Enoch Chikava commended President Bio’s leadership and vision, particularly his Government’s commitment to food security and agricultural transformation through the Feed Salone programme.

“We are impressed by the direction your Government is taking,” Enoch Chikava said. “Development cannot be orchestrated from outside. The country must have its own capacity to deliver its goals. That is why we are here; to support local capacity building and work hand in hand with Sierra Leone to make Feed Salone a success.”

Enoch Chikava lauded the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its leadership and reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s readiness to collaborate more deeply in strengthening Sierra Leone’s agricultural value chains.

Echoing those sentiments, IFAD’s Donald Brown praised President Bio’s efforts to prioritize agriculture as a driver of national development. “Sierra Leone is charting a new course and IFAD stands ready to align with your vision. Agriculture can truly serve as a regional economic powerhouse through ECOWAS and Sierra Leone is showing the leadership needed in that space,” Donald Brown stated.

In his response, President Bio expressed appreciation for the visit and for the continued partnership from international development actors. He reiterated that agriculture remains central to his administration’s development agenda not just as a means to ensure food security but also as a key sector for creating jobs, reducing poverty and enhancing revenue generation.

He informed the delegation about the establishment of a Presidential Council on Agriculture, describing it as a strategic mechanism to fast-track the implementation of Feed Salone and ensure inter-sectoral coordination at the highest level.

“We are ambitious and deliberate in our approach,” the President said. “We cannot do this alone. That is why we value strategic partnerships with institutions like the Gates Foundation, IFAD, AGRA and McKinsey’s AATI. We need the private sector and technical partners to bring their expertise to the table to help us achieve our national goals.”

President Bio also emphasized the importance of modernizing agricultural practices and embedding food security in Sierra Leone’s national culture. “Agriculture must move from traditional to mechanized and data-driven systems. We must empower our farmers with knowledge, tools and market access to transform the sector,” he added.

He concluded by assuring the visiting partners of his Government’s unwavering political will to ensure the successful implementation of Feed Salone and expressed deep gratitude for their support and collaboration.

The visit marks a significant step in strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation in Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector, which remains a top priority for the Bio-led administration as it seeks to build resilience, boost productivity and enhance rural livelihoods.