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SALHOC Calls for Thorough Probe After Vandals Target Corporation’s Office

Man seated at a desk in an office, looking at the camera while holding a yellow document or folder in his right hand.

 

The Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC) has strongly condemned the vandalism of its office building in Freetown and announced plans to formally report the incident to the Sierra Leone Police for a thorough and impartial investigation.

In a Press Release dated 13 September 2026, the Corporation said a video circulating on social media shows individuals vandalizing its property after apparently mistaking the building for the office of an individual reportedly known as “Jagaban.”

SALHOC clarified that the property belongs to the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation and is not the office of the individual who was reportedly being targeted.

The Corporation expressed serious concern that members of staff were inside the building performing their official duties when the incident occurred, saying their lives and safety were placed at considerable risk.

According to SALHOC, two private vehicles belonging to staff members were also damaged during the incident.

The Corporation noted that the affected building is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is nearing completion. It warned that acts of violence and vandalism could undermine significant public investment and potentially delay completion of the rehabilitation project.

SALHOC said it would formally report the matter to the Sierra Leone Police and cooperate fully with investigators by providing relevant information and evidence to help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

The Corporation also appealed to members of the public to exercise restraint and verify information before taking actions that could endanger lives or lead to the destruction of public and private property.

SALHOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its employees, safeguarding public assets and completing ongoing rehabilitation projects for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone.

U.S.–Sierra Leone Partnership Boosts Fight Against Malaria, HIV and COVID-19

Group of volunteers at an outdoor World Malaria Day information booth under an orange banner.

 

American investment in Sierra Leone’s health sector has delivered millions of essential medical supplies while strengthening the country’s capacity to manage health emergencies and contain public health threats.

Since 2018, the United States-funded Global Health Supply Chain Program–Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) has supported the delivery of 11.1 million malaria test kits and 5.7 million insecticide-treated bed nets across Sierra Leone.

The programme has also facilitated the distribution of 5.1 million HIV-related supplies and 400,000 COVID-19 treatment supplies, contributing significantly to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of major diseases.

Beyond providing medical commodities, GHSC-PSM has trained 790 people to strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity to manage its health supply chain. The training has helped improve local expertise in forecasting, procurement, storage and the distribution of essential health products.

The initiative is scheduled to close in September 2026 after eight years of operations. Its interventions are expected to leave Sierra Leone with a stronger and more self-reliant health supply system capable of responding effectively to emerging public health challenges.

The programme’s achievements demonstrate the importance of the longstanding partnership between the United States and Sierra Leone in improving public health and strengthening health security.

By supporting Sierra Leone to detect, manage and contain health threats before they spread, the initiative has contributed to making both countries safer.

From KT Field to The International Stage: Abubakarr Silla a Rising Star from Kingtom’s Journey

Two young soccer players in red and blue kits chase a ball on a green pitch during a match, stadium stands in the background.

 

Every football dream has a starting point, and for young Sierra Leonean footballer Abubakarr Sillah (AB Sillah), that journey began on the grassroots grounds of KT Field in Kingtom, Freetown, where his passion for the game gradually developed into a promising football career.

Today, Abubakarr Sillah has moved beyond the familiar playing grounds of his community to represent Sierra Leone on the international stage after earning a place in the Sierra Leone U17 National Team for the WAFU-A U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in Senegal in 2026.

Born in Freetown on 28 November 2012, A.B Sillah developed an interest in football at an early age and began sharpening his skills through grassroots football. Like many young players with ambitions of reaching the professional level, his early years were characterized by regular training, local competition and the determination to improve his game.

His early football experiences with Zizo, Butak and Blackpool provided an important foundation for his development before he progressed to competitive youth football with Philip FC.

During that period, Abubakarr Sillah continued to develop his technical ability and understanding of the game. His pace, creativity, attacking instincts and ability to find the back of the net gradually distinguished him as a promising young talent.

His versatility has also become an important part of his development. Abubakarr Sillah is capable of operating on the left or right wing and can also play as a centre-forward, giving his coaches different attacking options.

However, his journey from community football to the national team has required more than natural talent. Behind his progress have been hours of training, discipline, sacrifice and a determination to continue improving despite the challenges associated with youth football.

Those efforts eventually earned Abubakarr Sillah a call-up to the Sierra Leone U17 National Team, providing him with an opportunity to represent his country at one of the most important stages of youth football in the sub-region.

His selection represents a significant milestone not only for the young footballer but also for his family, coaches, teammates and others who have contributed to his development from the grassroots level.

The opportunity to compete in Senegal provides Abubakarr Sillah with valuable exposure to international football and the chance to test his ability against some of the best young players from across West Africa.

Although Sierra Leone’s results in the competition so far may not have met expectations, the experience provides an important opportunity for Abubakarr Sillah and his teammates to learn, improve and strengthen their competitive mentality.

Youth football is often as much about development as results and every competitive match presents an opportunity for young players to gain experience, understand the demands of international football and prepare themselves for bigger challenges.

For Abubakarr Sillah, the experience in Senegal therefore represents another stage in a football journey that remains at an early phase.

His progression from KT Field in Kingtom through grassroots teams and Philip FC to the Sierra Leone U17 National Team demonstrates the importance of creating opportunities for talented young footballers to develop their abilities.

The journey also highlights the role grassroots football continues to play in identifying and nurturing young players who could eventually represent Sierra Leone at higher levels of international competition, including the wider development of football in the country.

KT Field provided the starting point for Abubakarr Sillah, while his experiences with Zizo, Butak and Blackpool contributed to his early development. Philip FC provided another important platform, and his selection for the Sierra Leone U17 National Team has now opened the door to international competition.

Each stage has brought new challenges and opportunities, but the ambition remains much bigger.

Abubakarr Sillah will now be hoping to build on the experience gained with the national U17 side, continue improving his game and position himself for greater opportunities in the years ahead.

For the young attacker, representing Sierra Leone is an achievement to celebrate, but it is not the final destination. It is another important step towards a bigger football dream.

From chasing a football on KT Field in Kingtom to wearing Sierra Leone’s national colours in international competition, Abubakarr Sillah’s story demonstrates how grassroots talent, when combined with discipline, determination and opportunity, can progress to the national stage.

His journey has only just begun and the fields on which he hopes to make his mark could become much bigger in the years ahead.

SLCAA Joins 21 Countries at 2026 African Drone Regulators Forum

Group photo of attendees at the 2026 African Drone Regulators Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, with the event title on a banner; below are numbers: 13 Civil Aviation Authorities, 31 delegates, 54 industry stakeholders, 21 countries represented, followed by rows of national aviation logos.

 

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority has participated in the 2026 African Drone Regulators Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, reaffirming the country’s commitment to drone technology, innovation, digital transformation and the safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, said the Authority proudly joined aviation regulators and industry stakeholders from 21 African countries at the forum, which was held on 10 September 2026 as part of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition.

Musayeroh Barrie described Sierra Leone’s participation as a demonstration of the country’s determination to embrace emerging aviation technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and regulatory oversight.

The forum formed part of the 10th edition of Aviation Africa 2026, held from 9 to 10 September at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi under the theme, “Advancing the Future of Autonomy in Africa.”

The two-day programme featured conference sessions, specialized forums and exhibition stands focusing on the practical requirements for expanding drone and autonomous systems operations across Africa.

Organisers reported that the African Drone Regulators Forum attracted 31 delegates from 13 civil aviation authorities, 54 industry stakeholders and representatives from 21 countries.

Participating civil aviation authorities included those from Sierra Leone, Kenya, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.

The forum brought together officials responsible for developing and implementing drone policies and regulations across the continent. Participants shared regulatory frameworks, case studies and practical approaches to addressing common challenges affecting the safe deployment of unmanned aircraft systems.

The engagement was led by the founding Chairman of the African Drone Forum, Eno Umoh; Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission, AdeSewa Adeyemi; and Director General of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Derrick F. Luembe.

The African Drone Forum returned for the second consecutive year as a strategic partner for the Drone and Autonomous Systems Programme at Aviation Africa. A major feature of the 2026 programme was the inaugural African Drone Regulators Forum, which served as the flagship regulatory session.

During the closed-door working session on the second day of the summit, civil aviation officials discussed ways of developing effective and harmonized regulatory frameworks for drone operations across Africa.

The first day featured the African Drone Security Forum, an open session that examined the growing relationship between drones, artificial intelligence and security. Discussions covered cooperation between civil aviation and security institutions, risk mitigation, detection and response mechanisms and the responsible application of emerging technologies.

Five industry panels also examined workforce development, beyond visual line-of-sight operations, enabling infrastructure, drone data and artificial intelligence, advanced air mobility and investment.

Eno Umoh said the inclusion of drones and autonomous systems within Aviation Africa reflected the changing nature of the continent’s aviation ecosystem.

According to Eno Umoh, discussions on autonomous aviation now extend beyond technology and regulation to include airspace integration, security, infrastructure, investment and operational preparedness.

Eno Umoh maintained that bringing regulators, industry leaders and other stakeholders together created an important opportunity to explore how autonomous aviation could be safely, responsibly and sustainably integrated across Africa.

The programme also placed strong emphasis on implementation beyond regulatory approval. Key areas included drone corridor design, electronic conspicuity, remote identification, coordination with air navigation service providers, supporting infrastructure and the development of sustainable business models.

The African Drone Forum’s Drone and Autonomous Systems Exhibition Pavilion operated throughout the two-day summit, bringing together African and international companies involved in drone technology, autonomous systems, data solutions and other supporting technologies.

Sierra Leone’s participation provided the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority with an opportunity to exchange knowledge with other regulators and strengthen partnerships aimed at promoting responsible innovation within the aviation sector, building on the Authority’s recent aviation-security and operational work.

Musayeroh Barrie reaffirmed that the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority will continue supporting innovation and digital transformation while ensuring that drone operations within Sierra Leone’s airspace are conducted safely, securely and in accordance with established regulatory standards.

Foreign Minister Urges Professionalism and Teamwork to Advance Sierra Leone’s Interests

Male government official in a blue suit and glasses speaks into a microphone at a desk during a press briefing for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (official seal visible).
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has engaged staff of the Ministry in a frank discussion on his leadership priorities and the future of Sierra Leone’s Foreign Service.

The meeting, held on Monday, 14 September 2026, provided a platform for Mohamed Rahman Swaray to outline his plans for strengthening the Ministry while listening to the experiences, concerns and recommendations of staff members. The engagement followed his assumption of office as Foreign Affairs Minister in August 2026.

Foreign Affairs Minister described the engagement as productive, noting that it allowed the Ministry’s leadership and personnel to hold an open conversation about their shared priorities and responsibilities.

According to him, the meeting was not limited to presenting his vision for the Ministry but also gave him an opportunity to hear directly from staff about the challenges they face and their ideas for improving institutional performance and service delivery.

The Minister underscored that the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s Foreign Service depends on more than sound policies and successful diplomatic engagements. He maintained that professionalism, commitment and collective responsibility among staff members are equally important to the Ministry’s success.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray encouraged personnel to approach their responsibilities with dedication and work together to build an institution capable of representing Sierra Leone effectively at bilateral, regional and international levels.

He further emphasized the importance of creating a working environment in which staff members can contribute ideas, raise concerns and participate meaningfully in efforts to strengthen the institution.

The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with the level of participation during the engagement and said he was encouraged by the shared determination among staff members to support the Ministry’s transformation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a more responsive, effective and results-oriented Ministry that protects and advances Sierra Leone’s national interests abroad.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray also underscored the Ministry’s responsibility to serve the people of Sierra Leone with professionalism and distinction while strengthening the country’s diplomatic relations and international cooperation, building on recent international diplomatic engagements undertaken by the Ministry.

The engagement formed part of the Minister’s efforts to deepen internal consultation, promote teamwork and align staff members with his vision for a stronger and more productive Foreign Service.

He expressed optimism that, through cooperation and collective commitment, the Ministry will improve its performance and enhance Sierra Leone’s standing within the international community.

Sierra Leone Deploys 101,862 Spatial Emanators to Strengthen Malaria Prevention

Community health worker in a blue vest demonstrates a medical device mounted on a mud-walled wall to a family of four in a rural home.

The Ministry of Health, through the National Malaria Control Programme and its partners, will deploy 101,862 Spatial Emanators in selected communities in Bonthe and Tonkolili districts as part of efforts to strengthen household protection against malaria.

The deployment, scheduled for October 6 to 20, 2026, will cover Sittia and Dema chiefdoms and Bonthe Municipality in Bonthe District, as well as Yoni Mabanta and Poli chiefdoms in Tonkolili District.

Supported by the United States Government, the initiative represents another major step in Sierra Leone’s fight against malaria by taking preventive technology directly to households, including families living far from health facilities.

Spatial Emanators are malaria-prevention devices designed to slowly release insecticide into the surrounding environment. The insecticide kills or weakens mosquitoes and reduces their ability to settle and bite people, thereby lowering the risk of malaria transmission.

Trained Community Health Workers and other authorized personnel will move from house to house during the deployment period to install the devices in eligible households.

Beyond installation, the health workers will explain what the devices are, how they function, where they should be placed and how they complement other malaria-prevention measures. Community education and acceptance will be essential to the success of the intervention.

The Ministry of Health has emphasized that Spatial Emanators are not intended to replace insecticide-treated mosquito nets, Indoor Residual Spraying, preventive medicines, malaria vaccination or other recommended interventions.

Instead, the devices will provide an additional layer of protection for families, particularly children under five, pregnant women and residents of communities with limited access to health services.

Malaria remains one of Sierra Leone’s most serious public-health challenges. According to the World Health Organization’s 2025 Sierra Leone malaria country profile, more than eight million people were living in high-transmission areas in 2024.

During that year, Sierra Leone recorded approximately two million presumed and confirmed malaria cases, including about 1.9 million confirmed cases, and nearly 2,500 reported deaths.

WHO estimates placed the country’s malaria burden even higher, at approximately 2.4 million cases and 6,600 deaths. Despite the continuing threat, the country has recorded encouraging progress. Reported malaria cases declined by approximately 14 per cent in 2024 to about 2,023,764 cases, while the annual malaria parasite incidence stood at approximately 213 cases per 1,000 people.

The figures indicate that Sierra Leone is moving in the right direction, although sustained action will be required to significantly reduce infections and deaths.

For decades, the country’s malaria response has relied on a combination of interventions, including the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, Indoor Residual Spraying and preventive treatment using Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine for pregnant women. Preventive treatment for infants has also been introduced.

The country has simultaneously strengthened malaria testing, treatment, community-based healthcare services and public awareness programmes aimed at encouraging people to adopt effective preventive practices.

Sierra Leone introduced the malaria vaccine for young children in 2024, adding another important tool to its national malaria-prevention package. The introduction of Spatial Emanators will further broaden the range of measures available to protect vulnerable families. The Calabash Newspaper previously reported on the introduction of Sierra Leone’s malaria vaccine for young children.

Residents in the targeted communities will continue to be encouraged to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets every night and follow all other recommended malaria-prevention measures.

The new intervention also builds on broader national malaria-control efforts, including community mobilisation and public-health campaigns. Earlier coverage by The Calabash Newspaper examined the Ministry of Health’s malaria prevention and awareness activities.

For households in Bonthe and Tonkolili, the distribution of more than 101,000 Spatial Emanators represents an important public-health milestone and a renewed message of hope.

Although technology alone cannot eliminate malaria, the combination of strong Government leadership, committed healthcare workers, supportive development partners and well-informed communities can accelerate progress.

Every mosquito bite prevented matters, every child and pregnant woman protected matters, and every household reached takes Sierra Leone another step closer to a future where malaria is no longer a routine threat to families.

Braima Koroma Puts Sierra Leone on Global Research Map with 2026 Best Paper Award

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling man wearing a blue shirt and dark blazer against a white background.

Sierra Leonean researcher, Braima Koroma, of the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) is among a team of international researchers who received the 2026 Area Development and Policy Best Paper Award from the Regional Studies Association (RSA).

The team earned the prestigious award for its research paper titled: “Accessibility, (Dis)advantage and Everyday Mobility Practices and Experiences: The Cases of Maputo and Freetown.” The study examines how mobility challenges, access to transportation and related inequalities affect residents of Freetown in Sierra Leone and Maputo in Mozambique.

Braima Koroma co-authored the paper with Daniel Oviedo, Clémence Cavoli, Alexandria Z. W. Chong, Joaquín Romero de Tejada and Yasmina Yusuf.

According to the Regional Studies Association’s 2026 awards listing, Daniel Oviedo, Clémence Cavoli, Alexandria Z. W. Chong and Yasmina Yusuf are affiliated with University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom, while Joaquín Romero de Tejada is affiliated with the Mozambique Transport and Mobility Observatory and Braima Koroma with the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre.

The award places Sierra Leone and Freetown firmly within an important international conversation on urban development, transport accessibility and the everyday experiences of people living in rapidly growing African cities.

The research explores how accessibility is shaped not simply by the availability of transport, but also by wider social and economic circumstances that determine how easily individuals can move around their cities and reach essential opportunities and services.

Using Freetown and Maputo as case studies, the researchers examine the relationship between mobility practices, accessibility and disadvantage, providing evidence on the realities confronting residents as they navigate their cities.

The findings are particularly relevant to developing cities where population growth, urban expansion and pressure on transport infrastructure continue to create challenges for residents seeking access to employment, education, healthcare, markets and other essential destinations.

For Sierra Leone, the international recognition also highlights the growing contribution of locally grounded research to discussions on sustainable urban development and policymaking.

Braima Koroma’s involvement brings Sierra Leonean research experience and knowledge of Freetown into a collaborative international study, ensuring that the realities of the capital city form part of wider academic and policy discussions on mobility and urban inequality.

The award-winning study was published in Area Development and Policy, an academic journal associated with the Regional Studies Association. The RSA’s 2026 awards programme recognizes original and inspiring research that contributes to understanding significant regional development issues.

The recognition is significant for Freetown, where mobility remains closely connected to wider development challenges. Understanding how residents experience transport systems and accessibility can provide useful evidence for policymakers, urban planners, researchers and development partners working to create more inclusive cities. The Calabash Newspaper has also previously reported on Freetown’s urban mobility challenges and the launch of the Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project.

Beyond recognizing academic excellence, the award underscores the importance of ensuring that urban planning takes into consideration the experiences of people whose daily movements may be affected by economic circumstances, location, infrastructure and access to reliable transportation.

The Regional Studies Association also recognized outstanding researchers and publications across several of its academic journals and award categories during its 2026 awards programme, highlighting research dealing with regional development, spatial economics, governance, finance, innovation and urban policy.

For Sierra Leone, the success of Braima Koroma and his co-authors provides further international visibility for research centred on Freetown and demonstrates the value of collaboration between Sierra Leonean institutions and researchers from other parts of the world.

The recognition could also strengthen calls for research findings on urban mobility to be translated into practical policies capable of improving transport planning, accessibility and the quality of urban life, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Related reporting by The Calabash Newspaper has also covered recent developments in Freetown’s urban transport infrastructure.

Finance Ministry Unveils FY2027 Budget Preparation Timetable

Large conference room with many delegates around a long U-shaped table; a blue emblem is projected on a screen at the far end.

By Ibrahim Sesay

The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, has announced the commencement of Sierra Leone’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Preparation Process, outlining a series of policy hearings and bilateral discussions aimed at shaping Government revenue and expenditure priorities for the coming financial year.

According to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Finance on Friday, September 11, 2026, the process will begin with National Policy Hearings on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building in Freetown.

The National Policy Hearing will serve as the curtain-raiser for the FY2027 budget preparation process, bringing together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Councils to discuss and review sectoral policies contained in the Medium-Term National Development Plan.

The Ministry stated that attendance at the policy hearing will be restricted to Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Professional Heads, Vote Controllers and two Budget Committee members from the respective institutions.

Following the policy hearing, Bilateral Budget Discussions for all MDAs will take place from September 21 to October 3, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily at the Miatta Civic Centre Rooms.

The bilateral discussions are expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine and agree on policies that will guide revenue generation and the allocation of public resources to various MDAs in the FY2027 budget.

Government institutions have consequently been advised to prepare detailed strategic plans containing realistic and achievable programmes designed to support key Government priorities and the Medium-Term National Development Plan.

The Ministry further directed all Vote Controllers to submit 50 copies of their strategic plans and budget proposals to the Budget Bureau of the Ministry of Finance at least two days before their respective scheduled bilateral discussions.

All presentations during the bilateral discussions are required to be prepared and delivered using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Beyond Government institutions, the Ministry has invited representatives of Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organisations, District Budget Oversight Committees, Government Accountability and Civil Society Organisations and other Non-State Actors to participate in the consultative meetings.

Their participation is expected to broaden engagement in the budget preparation process and provide stakeholders with opportunities to contribute to discussions on national priorities, revenue generation and public expenditure.

The FY2027 budget preparation exercise represents an important stage in determining how Government resources will be mobilised and allocated across sectors, while ensuring that the priorities of MDAs are aligned with the country’s broader development agenda. The Calabash Newspaper has also reported on recent engagement between Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister and the World Bank on strengthening cooperation and development financing.

The Ministry of Finance has called for the cooperation of all institutions and stakeholders to ensure the successful conduct of the process ahead of the preparation and presentation of the FY2027 national budget.

NRA Commissioner General Calls for Stronger Customs Compliance to Boost Government Revenue

Man wearing glasses speaks into a handheld microphone at a panel; NRA logo visible in the corner.

The Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Abu Martin Kanneh, has urged clearing and forwarding agencies and shipping companies to strengthen cooperation with the Authority and support the Government’s domestic revenue mobilization drive.

He made the call during a stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to address challenges affecting customs operations and identify practical measures to improve efficiency, compliance and revenue collection.

The meeting brought together senior NRA officials and representatives of clearing, forwarding and shipping agencies to discuss delays in cargo clearance, tax compliance, payment verification, the identification of licensed clearing agents and other operational concerns affecting trade facilitation.

Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh said the engagement was convened to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to openly present their concerns and work with the NRA on practical and sustainable solutions.

He encouraged the agencies to report NRA-related challenges through the appropriate channels to ensure that complaints are promptly investigated and addressed. He also reminded them of their responsibility to fulfil their tax obligations and contribute meaningfully to the mobilization of revenue needed to finance national development.

Abu Martin Kanneh underscored the importance of collaboration between the NRA and private-sector operators, noting that efficient customs procedures are essential to improving trade, strengthening compliance and increasing Government revenue.

The Commissioner of the Customs Services Department, Tennyson Bio, called on the agencies to support efforts aimed at improving the efficiency of customs and revenue operations. He also urged them to respond promptly to NRA requests concerning revenue performance and other customs-related matters.

President of the Clearing and Forwarding Agencies, Mohamed D. Salia, announced measures to ensure that all recognized clearing agencies obtain official identification cards. He said the move would help address concerns over the use of counterfeit identification cards and prevent unauthorized individuals from operating as legitimate clearing agents.

Representatives of the clearing, forwarding and shipping agencies welcomed the engagement and pledged greater cooperation with the NRA. However, they raised several operational concerns requiring urgent attention.

Among the issues highlighted were delays in payment verification, challenges associated with transit and scanning procedures, inadequate information and communications technology services, problems with the Free Trade Network and the need for specialized industry training.

The agencies also called for clearer information on applicable duties to enable importers to properly understand their financial obligations before beginning the clearance process.

They maintained that addressing those challenges would reduce unnecessary delays, improve transparency, lower operational costs and strengthen confidence in the customs-clearance system.

The engagement ended with a shared commitment by the NRA and industry stakeholders to deepen collaboration, improve customs operations and support the Government’s revenue mobilization agenda, following renewed attention to national budget preparation and public financing priorities.

At DEPAC Meeting, President Bio Calls for Urgent Action on Census Funding and National Priorities

Formal meeting with a man in a blue suit at the head of a long conference table, surrounded by delegates, flags behind him.

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called on Government institutions and development partners to strengthen coordination, address critical financing gaps and accelerate the implementation of national development programmes to deliver tangible results for Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking at the Presidential Development Partners Committee (DEPAC) meeting held at State House on Thursday, September 10, 2026, President Bio said the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030 and its Big Five Game Changers provide a clear roadmap for national transformation. He, however, stressed that greater urgency, discipline and coordination are required to translate the country’s development plans into measurable outcomes.

The President outlined five priority areas: data and delivery, including the 2026 Population and Housing Census; political stability and constitutional and electoral reforms; youth, agriculture and human capital development; macroeconomic stability, energy and private-sector growth; and development financing, coordination and accountability. The priorities build on the country’s earlier development-partner coordination framework.

President Bio highlighted the urgent need to close the estimated US$37 million financing gap for the 2026 Population and Housing Census. He disclosed that the Government had committed US$24 million, of which approximately US$15 million had been disbursed, while development partners had pledged about US$1.5 million.

He called for an urgent financing and disbursement plan to safeguard the census timetable, with Census Night scheduled for December 1, 2026. He emphasized that credible and reliable national data is essential for effective planning, resource allocation and improved public service delivery.

Addressing peace and democratic governance, President Bio described the return of former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma as an important opportunity to deepen national reconciliation and reduce political tensions.

He urged political leaders and citizens to reject inflammatory rhetoric, regional division, political intolerance and violence, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to peace, constitutionalism, due process and national unity.

The President also called for inclusive and nationally owned constitutional and electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 elections. He said the process should strengthen electoral institutions, improve voter registration, ensure transparent results management and provide effective mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.

On youth empowerment and agriculture, President Bio stressed the need to move beyond subsistence farming by connecting young people to skills, finance, production, processing, markets and sustainable employment opportunities.

He called for stronger alignment between the Feed Salone initiative and the Youth Employment Scheme to expand opportunities in commercial agriculture, agro-processing and agribusiness.

Addressing the growing challenge of harmful drug and substance abuse, President Bio called for a comprehensive national response combining prevention, law enforcement, mental-health care, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, skills development and employment support.

On the economy, the President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, domestic revenue mobilization and improved debt management, while protecting priority investments in food security, health, education and social protection.

He encouraged greater use of development resources to attract responsible private capital, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises and women-led businesses, improve access to finance and expand investments in reliable electricity, renewable energy and climate resilience.

President Bio noted that the increasingly constrained international financing environment requires a more coordinated approach involving domestic resources, concessional financing, climate finance and responsible private-sector investment. The Government has also linked regional integration and investment efforts to the planned West Africa Integration and Investment Summit.

He consequently directed the Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Planning and Economic Development to present, within 30 days, a joint framework for development-partner coordination, financing predictability and mutual accountability.

“Government must lead; partners must align; and both must be accountable for results,” President Bio stated.

He added that every agreed action must have a responsible institution, a clear deadline and a measurable result, with progress monitored through the National Development Plan Tracker.

Representing development partners, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Government to strengthen democracy, promote sustainable peace and accelerate national development.

She welcomed the Government’s focus on peace and national cohesion, youth employment, data and digitalization and expressed partners’ readiness to support evidence-based decision-making and programmes designed to improve governance and development outcomes.

The meeting concluded with the Government and development partners reaffirming their commitment to stronger coordination, predictable financing and greater accountability in delivering measurable development results for Sierra Leoneans.

 

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