Sierra Leone News | The Calabash Newspaper

President Bio Unveils Accelerated Delivery Agenda at Opening of Fourth Session of Sixth Parliament

August 10, 2026

High-ranking official in white traditional attire and a yellow cap speaks into two microphones at a formal event, with an official seal nearby. — President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially opened the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, unveiling an ambitious national delivery agenda centred on economic stability, food security, youth employment, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education and stronger public institutions.

Delivering his Presidential Address in the Chamber of Parliament at Tower Hill in Freetown on Friday, 7 August 2026, President Julius Maada Bio described the State Opening as a moment of national accountability, requiring Government to honestly assess progress, confront unfinished work and renew its responsibility to the people.

President Julius Maada Bio stressed that public office is a sacred trust and that Government policies, resources and reforms must ultimately be judged by whether they improve citizens’ lives. He acknowledged that Sierra Leoneans continue to face concerns over food prices, employment, electricity, water, healthcare, education and the quality of public services.

The President welcomed Members of Parliament from the main opposition All People’s Congress back to Parliament, maintaining that a strong democracy requires both an effective Government and responsible opposition. He called on political leaders to disagree responsibly, cooperate where possible and place Sierra Leone above partisan interests.

Declaring the Fourth Session part of the Government’s “Year of Action and Accelerated Delivery,” President Julius Maada Bio directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to move beyond plans and demonstrate measurable progress against clearly defined national priorities.

On the economy, the President reported that real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.6 percent in 2024 and 4.8 percent in 2025. Inflation declined to 4.4 percent by December 2025 before rising to 10.8 percent in April 2026 as global oil prices increased.

The trade deficit, according to the President, narrowed from US$1.60 billion in 2024 to US$1.07 billion in 2025, while domestic revenue increased from NLe14.6 billion to NLe18 billion. Public debt also declined from 50.8 percent to 49.3 percent of GDP.

Despite those improvements, President Julius Maada Bio acknowledged that favourable economic indicators alone cannot put food on people’s tables. He said economic recovery would become meaningful only when families can better afford food, transportation and electricity, businesses create jobs and public services improve.

Food security remains central to the Government’s development agenda through the Feed Salone Programme. Rice production reached 1,441,015 metric tonnes in 2025, representing a 4.2 percent increase over the previous year, while cultivated land expanded to 661,016 hectares.

Rice self-sufficiency increased from 68 percent in 2023 to 73 percent in 2025, with the rice import bill declining from US$177 million in 2022 to US$159 million. Cocoa, cashew and coffee exports also generated US$107.8 million in 2025.

More than US$45 million has been mobilised for agribusiness growth and commercialization, while local rice now accounts for 40 percent of supplies under the School Feeding Programme, compared with 10 percent in 2024. The programme provides meals to about 270,000 schoolchildren daily while creating a reliable market for local farmers.

President Julius Maada Bio pledged to expand irrigation, mechanization, processing and rural connectivity, stressing that Feed Salone would ultimately be judged by farmers’ earnings, household food costs and Sierra Leone’s ability to feed itself.

Education and healthcare also featured prominently in the address. School feeding currently reaches 1,016,191 pupils in 4,034 schools across all 15 districts. More than 26,000 primary teachers and 5,400 early-childhood teachers and supervisors have been trained.

The President strongly condemned examination malpractice, warning that public officials, principals, teachers, parents and pupils who facilitate malpractice must face the law.

In healthcare, President Julius Maada Bio reported that maternal mortality declined from 1,200 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 354 in 2023. Skilled birth attendance and institutional deliveries now exceed 95 percent, while childhood immunization has surpassed the national target of 90 percent.

Youth employment remains another major priority. Recalling his Government’s target of creating 500,000 jobs over five years, President Julius Maada Bio directed the publication of verified cumulative employment figures, including what qualifies as employment, the sectors involved and the duration of the jobs.

The Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment Project is supporting 8,000 youth-led enterprises, while Government plans to further connect technical and vocational training, digital skills and apprenticeships with employment opportunities.

On electricity, the President highlighted the US$2.2 billion Mission 300 Energy Compact, which aims to increase electricity access from 36 percent in 2024 to nearly 80 percent by 2030 and expand generation capacity from 271 megawatts to 1.12 gigawatts.

Government has also secured a 60 percent financing commitment from the OPEC Fund to rehabilitate and expand the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project from 50 to 100 megawatts. A 108-megawatt combined-cycle power plant currently under construction is expected to begin supplying electricity during the first quarter of 2027.

President Julius Maada Bio further disclosed that his administration had paved 474.46 kilometres of roads and constructed or reconstructed 23 bridges between 2018 and 2026, with another 26 major road projects underway.

On mining, the President said mineral exports reached US$1.3 billion in 2025, increasing by 16 percent over 2024 and generating US$55.8 million in non-tax revenue. The sector supported 15,543 formal jobs, with more than 92 percent held by Sierra Leoneans.

Planned mining expansions are expected to create another 4,500 jobs and increase annual mineral exports to between US$2 billion and US$2.5 billion by 2028.

President Julius Maada Bio also addressed national cohesion, welcoming the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice’s decision to discontinue criminal proceedings against former President Ernest Bai Koroma. He expressed hope that the development would reduce political tensions, promote reconciliation and enable the country to concentrate on pressing national challenges.

On electoral governance, the President reaffirmed Government’s commitment to implementing reforms arising from the Agreement for National Unity and recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, stressing that electoral reforms must strengthen institutions, transparency and public confidence.

Concluding his address, President Julius Maada Bio acknowledged that serious challenges remain, particularly the high cost of living, unemployment among young people, inadequate services and delays within public institutions.

He pledged that before the next State Opening, Government would concentrate on increasing food production, expanding electricity and clean water, completing priority roads and bridges, improving healthcare and education and creating more pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

President Julius Maada Bio said Ministries, Departments and Agencies would be subjected to clear and measurable targets, with performance reviewed, progress published, delays explained and failures corrected.

He urged Parliament to remain connected to citizens, enact sound laws, exercise responsible oversight and protect public resources, stressing that the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary have distinct constitutional responsibilities but ultimately serve one Republic.

For the President, the true measure of national progress will be reflected in farmers producing and earning more, children remaining in school, mothers surviving childbirth, young people securing meaningful employment and citizens receiving fair and efficient treatment from public institutions.

ECOWAS, IOM and Partners Launch $35,000 Grant to Support Trafficking Survivors

August 10, 2026

Three professionals pose with signed documents during a formal agreement ceremony, flanked by flags and a table with IOM branding at center.

The International Organization for Migration Sierra Leone, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force Secretariat have signed documents for the 2026 ECOWAS Grant for Direct Assistance to Victims of Trafficking.

The documents were signed in Freetown on Thursday, 6 August 2026, reaffirming the partners’ shared commitment to protecting and assisting survivors of human trafficking in Sierra Leone and across the West African region.

The US$35,000 grant will support 55 beneficiaries, comprising nine girls, four boys, 40 women and two men living in shelters and communities across Sierra Leone.

Funded by the Economic Community of West African States, the project, titled: “Protection of Victims of Trafficking,” is designed to strengthen survivor-centred protection and assistance systems in the country.

The initiative will help victims of trafficking gain access to essential care, protection, rehabilitation and other support services required to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.

The Request for Proposal documents were approved and signed by members of the Grant Steering Committee to formally begin the implementation process.

The Steering Committee includes the Executive Director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force Secretariat, Dehunge Shiaka; the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador John Azuma; and the Officer-in-Charge of the International Organization for Migration Sierra Leone, Dr. Pauline Macharia.

The 2026 intervention marks the second ECOWAS project grant supporting efforts against human trafficking in Sierra Leone. It also represents another important step in implementing the ECOWAS Regional Policy on the Protection and Assistance of Victims of Trafficking in Persons in West Africa.

Through the project, the institutions will work together to improve the systems responsible for identifying, protecting and assisting victims of trafficking while ensuring that survivors receive support based on their individual needs.

Human trafficking remains a serious challenge affecting vulnerable people, particularly women and children. Survivors often require accommodation, medical assistance, counselling, legal support and livelihood opportunities to recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives.

The latest ECOWAS grant is expected to strengthen the capacity of relevant institutions and service providers to deliver coordinated and effective assistance to victims in shelters and communities throughout Sierra Leone.

The partnership among ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force Secretariat demonstrates a collective determination to protect survivors, strengthen national response systems and advance the fight to end human trafficking.

Basita Michael Questions Constitutional Reform Direction After Speaker Backs Strong Executive Powers

August 10, 2026

Portrait of a woman with curly blond hair on the left; right shows a parliament chamber with blue seats and a red carpet.

Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has defended the constitutional executive powers of the President, arguing that Parliament should not enact laws that restrict the authority of the country’s highest office.

Speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 on Wednesday, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas told lawmakers that the President remains the supreme Head of State and Government and that the Constitution should reflect the full authority attached to the office.

“Nobody should make law to limit the powers of the President,” Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas said, stressing that the President’s constitutional executive authority should not be restricted.

The Speaker reminded Members of Parliament that any political party could assume power and benefit from the constitutional provisions currently being debated. He therefore urged lawmakers to approach the proposed amendments from a national perspective rather than allowing partisan interests to influence their decisions.

“What we do today will apply to whoever is in office tomorrow. We must legislate for the institution, not for individuals,” Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas remarked.

His intervention came as Members of Parliament continued deliberations on proposed amendments that could significantly reshape Sierra Leone’s constitutional and electoral framework.

The debate has generated considerable public interest, with discussions focusing on presidential authority, electoral arrangements, democratic representation and the balance of power among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

Supporters of the proposed constitutional changes have argued that the reform process provides an opportunity to address weaknesses in the existing legal framework, improve governance and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.

However, critics have expressed concern that some of the proposed changes could further concentrate power in the Presidency. They have called for reforms that strengthen accountability, political inclusion, institutional independence and the system of checks and balances.

Commenting on the Speaker’s position, Basita Michael, Founder and Governing Officer of the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice, said the statement raised important questions about the overall direction of Sierra Leone’s constitutional reform process.

Basita Michael acknowledged that Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas and other contributors to the debate were entitled to express their constitutional views. She nevertheless argued that citizens expect the reform process to strengthen the balance of power among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

“At a time when Sierra Leone is debating constitutional reform, citizens naturally expect proposals that strengthen checks and balances between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, not interventions that appear to preserve or expand presidential power,” she stated.

Basita Michael also referred to a proposal attributed to Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai to extend the presidential term to seven years. She maintained that proposals supporting stronger executive authority or longer presidential tenure should be accompanied by measures to increase accountability.

“When proposals consistently point towards stronger executive authority or longer presidential tenure without corresponding increases in accountability, an important constitutional question arises,” she said.

Basita Michael questioned whether the reform process was intended to limit the concentration of power, improve accountability and strengthen checks and balances or whether it would ultimately produce a Constitution that gives greater protection to the Presidency than to the Republic.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 remains under parliamentary scrutiny, with lawmakers expected to examine its provisions before taking final decisions on the proposed reforms.

ICPNC Presents 2025 Annual Report and Five-Year Strategic Plan to President Bio

August 10, 2026

Seven people in business and traditional attire posing for a group photo indoors, in front of a mural with palm trees.

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has presented its 2025 Annual Report and 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to President Dr, Julius Maada Bio, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening peace, dialogue and national cohesion across Sierra Leone.

The documents were presented on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, during a ceremony that highlighted the Commission’s achievements, challenges and strategic priorities for the next five years.

Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Samai, expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for his vision in establishing the Commission and providing the support required for it to fulfil its mandate.

Hawa Samai described the Commission’s work over the past five years as both challenging and rewarding, noting that it had consistently relied on dialogue, mediation and reconciliation to address conflicts and build trust among Sierra Leoneans.

She commended President Julius Maada Bio for recognizing peace as the foundation of national development, adding that his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and conflict prevention had empowered the Commission to intervene effectively in difficult situations across the country.

According to Hawa Samai, one of the Commission’s most significant achievements has been its contribution to rebuilding public confidence through dialogue and engagement. She particularly highlighted the Commission’s role in supporting the National Unity Agreement, which was designed to promote political stability, reconciliation and cooperation among key national stakeholders.

She also cited Sierra Leone’s re-eligibility for another five years of support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund as international recognition of the country’s commitment to preventing conflict and resolving disputes through peaceful means.

Hawa Samai, however, cautioned that peace should never be taken for granted, stressing that it must be continuously nurtured, protected and strengthened through collective national effort.

She described the 2025 Annual Report and the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan as a reflection of what Sierra Leone can achieve when citizens choose unity, dialogue and service over division and confrontation.

Presenting the documents, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Board Member, Paramount Chief Sheku Tejan Fasuluku III, praised President Julius Maada Bio for establishing the Commission. He described the institution as a lasting investment in Sierra Leone’s peace, stability and democratic development.

Receiving the documents, President Julius Maada Bio commended Hawa Samai, the Board and staff of the Commission for fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and remaining committed to promoting peace and national cohesion.

“The work you are doing is critical for national development because peace and national cohesion are indispensable to the country’s progress,” President Julius Maada Bio said.

The President recalled that the establishment of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion fulfilled a major recommendation contained in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. He described the creation of the Commission as one of his administration’s important contributions to consolidating peace and strengthening democratic governance in Sierra Leone.

President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed that peace remains the bedrock of national stability and sustainable development. He urged the Commission to intensify its efforts to foster dialogue, reconciliation, tolerance and mutual understanding across the country.

The ceremony concluded with President Julius Maada Bio formally receiving the Commission’s 2025 Annual Report and 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. He also reaffirmed his Government’s continued support for the Commission’s efforts to safeguard peace, strengthen national cohesion and promote inclusive development throughout Sierra Leone.

SLBA Must Determine Its Own Leadership Through Credible Elections — Tuma Adama Jabbi Esq.

August 10, 2026

Outgoing President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi Esq., has formally handed over the affairs of the Association to a caretaker team, stressing that the arrangement should remain temporary until free, fair, transparent and credible elections are conducted to determine the next leadership.

Speaking at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi described the circumstances surrounding the transition as difficult and unprecedented, maintaining that the electoral process intended to determine the Association’s new leadership was disrupted before voting could be completed.

Addressing Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq., Deputy Minister of Justice Madam Saptieu Saccoh, Solicitor General Osman Kanu Esq., SLBA directors, lawyers and observers, Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi said members had originally assembled for their Annual General Meeting prepared to transact the Association’s business and peacefully elect its leaders.

She noted that although the contest was tense and competing visions had been presented to members, she entered the process confident in the record of her executive and its prospects of securing another mandate.

However, according to the outgoing SLBA President, the election did not take place after police officers disrupted the process and informed members that they were acting on “instructions from above.”

“No ballot was completed, no votes were counted and no candidate received a democratic mandate from the membership,” she maintained.

Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi said those circumstances should be clearly placed on record, arguing that a profession founded on evidence must ensure that its history is based on facts rather than conjecture.

She described the intervention in the electoral process as deeply troubling, stressing that the independence of the Bar should not be regarded merely as a privilege enjoyed by lawyers but as an important component of the institutional framework protecting the rule of law.

According to her, any situation in which lawyers are unable to freely regulate their professional affairs through lawful and peaceful elections raises broader concerns about institutional credibility and citizens’ confidence in the legal profession.

Despite the controversy, Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi urged members of the Association to exercise restraint and demonstrate the discipline expected of members of the legal profession.

She said the Bar should not respond to disruption with disorder, tension with recklessness or disappointment with conduct capable of undermining the dignity of the profession.

The outgoing President stated that all legitimate avenues would be pursued to safeguard the Association’s autonomy, establish the facts surrounding the disrupted process and ensure that credible elections are eventually held.

Against that background, she announced her decision to hand over the administration of the Association to a caretaker team pending fresh elections conducted in accordance with the SLBA’s governing instruments.

Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi stressed that her decision should not be interpreted as an admission that any candidate had won or lost the disrupted election.

“This handover must not be misunderstood. It is not an admission that an election was won or lost, because no election occurred,” she said.

She further maintained that the caretaker arrangement does not confer an electoral mandate on any individual or group, describing it instead as a temporary institutional measure aimed at preventing a leadership vacuum, safeguarding the Association’s assets and records, maintaining essential services and creating the conditions necessary for members to choose their leaders.

Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi consequently urged members of the caretaker team to restrict themselves to the responsibilities necessary to maintain continuity and prepare the SLBA for elections.

She said the caretaker administration’s tenure must be temporary, its decisions transparent and its conduct impartial, warning that the arrangement must never be transformed into an indefinite alternative to the democratic will of SLBA members.

Reflecting on her tenure, Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi expressed pride in the achievements recorded by her executive despite what she described as adversity and institutional strain.

She highlighted the expansion of scholarships and professional development opportunities that enabled lawyers to pursue specialized training at international institutions.

Her administration, she added, introduced a pension scheme for members, strengthened continuing legal education and capacity development, expanded partnerships and deepened engagement with the Judiciary.

She also pointed to the acquisition of land towards establishing a permanent SLBA secretariat, describing the initiative as an important step towards fulfilling a long-standing ambition of the Association, which she referred to as the oldest Bar in the ECOWAS sub-region.

According to Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi, those achievements are not merely campaign claims but “verifiable foundations” upon which future SLBA leaders should continue to build.

She expressed appreciation to members of her executive, SLBA staff, committees, partners, senior lawyers and members who provided criticism, advice and support throughout her tenure.

She also acknowledged candidates and their supporters who participated in the electoral process with the expectation that members would ultimately decide the leadership through the ballot.

Turning to the divisions generated by the disputed process, Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi appealed for unity within the legal profession and cautioned against allowing disagreements to create permanent divisions within the Association.

“Unity is not uniformity and disagreement is not disloyalty,” she said, maintaining that lawyers could disagree strongly while remaining committed to legality, professional courtesy and the collective dignity of the Bar.

She warned that a divided legal profession could find it difficult to effectively defend the wider interests of society, declaring that “a principled, independent, and united Bar can become a shield for justice and a conscience for the Republic.”

Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi said history would ultimately judge SLBA members not by the positions they occupied but by how they responded when the Association’s democratic process was interrupted.

She maintained that the responsibility of the profession is to defend principle without undermining peace, protect the Association without personalizing its institutions and ensure that the final authority to elect SLBA leaders returned to the membership.

The outgoing President said she was handing over the Association with a clear conscience and gratitude for the opportunity to serve, while maintaining her conviction that the future leadership of the SLBA must emerge through credible elections freely determined by its members.

“May wisdom guide the caretaker team. May courage sustain every member. May the rule of law prevail. And may the Sierra Leone Bar Association emerge from this difficult chapter stronger, more united and more resolute in the defence of justice,” Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi concluded.

Bio Calls for Reconciliation as Criminal Proceedings Against Former President Koroma Discontinued

August 10, 2026

Two older men in traditional attire pose and smile indoors.

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has welcomed the decision by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to discontinue criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, describing the development as an opportunity to reduce political tensions, promote reconciliation and strengthen national unity in Sierra Leone.

President Bio made the statement on Friday, 7 August 2026, while delivering his Presidential Address at the State Opening of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic at Parliament Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.

Addressing lawmakers on national cohesion and development, President Bio stressed that Sierra Leone’s continued progress depends on peace, trust and a shared sense of national purpose. He maintained that development must benefit citizens across the country irrespective of ethnicity, gender or political affiliation.

The President acknowledged the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice’s decision to discontinue the criminal proceedings against former President Koroma under the authority provided by Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.

“I hope this decision will help reduce political tensions, advance reconciliation and enable us to focus more fully on the pressing challenges facing our people,” President Bio stated.

In the significant message about his predecessor, President Bio declared that former President Ernest Bai Koroma remains an important part of Sierra Leone’s national history and expressed hope that he would continue contributing to the country’s peace, unity and democratic development.

“Former President Ernest Bai Koroma remains part of our nation’s history and I trust that he will continue to support Sierra Leone’s peace, unity and democratic progress,” President Bio said.

The President’s remarks placed particular emphasis on reconciliation and political maturity, calling on all sides of the political divide to regard the latest development as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and advance national healing.

President Bio urged Sierra Leoneans to rise above political differences and approach the matter in a manner that promotes the broader interests of the country.

“I call on all sides to receive this development with maturity and embrace it as an opportunity for continued dialogue and national healing,” he told Parliament.

The President further argued that meaningful reconciliation must be rooted in respect for the rule of law, public confidence in state institutions and a collective commitment to Sierra Leone’s future.

His comments on former President Ernest Bai Koroma formed part of a broader appeal for national cohesion, tolerance and responsible political engagement. President Bio warned that although political disagreement is a natural feature of democracy, tribalism, hate speech, misinformation and violence undermine national unity and weaken the Republic.

He therefore called on Government, Parliament, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to promote tolerance, peaceful engagement and responsible dialogue.

The President stressed that regardless of political differences, citizens must place their national identity and the collective interests of Sierra Leone above partisan considerations.

The remarks represent one of President Bio’s clearest public messages on the discontinuation of the proceedings against his predecessor, framing the development around reconciliation, dialogue, national healing and democratic progress.

MobiCare Wins Orange Social Venture Prize 2026, Secures NLe 200,000 Grand Prize

August 10, 2026

Three prize winners pose with oversized checks for the Orange Social Venture Prize at a ceremony, showing large amounts on the boards.

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.

Independent Observer Managing Editor Honoured at 2nd Annual Scholar Media Africa Conference in Nairobi

August 10, 2026

Man in a traditional cap and blue tunic holds a black award plaque titled 'MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD' and smiles at the camera. — Bai Bai Sesay, Managing Editor of the Independent Observer newspaper

Sierra Leonean journalist and media personality Bai Bai Sesay, Managing Editor of the Independent Observer newspaper, was honoured on Friday August 7, 2026 at the Scholar Media Africa Awards during the 2nd Annual Scholar Media Africa Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

The award was presented by Professor Dr PLO Lumumba, who served as Special Guest Speaker at both the conference and awards ceremony. The recognition celebrates Bai Bai Sesay’s contribution to journalism and media development in Sierra Leone and across Africa.

Expressing appreciation for the honour, Bai Bai Sesay described the recognition as a humbling moment in his professional career.

“I am deeply humbled and incredibly happy to receive this recognition,” Bai Bai Sesay said. “It is a great honour to receive such a wonderful award from a continental icon like Professor Dr PLO Lumumba.”

Bai Bai Sesay dedicated the award to the media fraternity in Sierra Leone, particularly the management and staff of the Independent Observer newspaper, whose commitment and sacrifices he said had contributed significantly to the achievement.

“I dedicate this award to the entire media fraternity in Sierra Leone. This belongs to the hardworking staff of the Independent Observer newspaper,” Bai Bai Sesay stated. “Your commitment, sacrifice and belief in truth-telling made this possible. I share this moment with every reporter, editor and media worker back home who continues to serve the people with integrity.”

Bai Bai Sesay said the honour goes beyond his personal achievement, describing it as recognition of the contribution and potential of Sierra Leonean journalists on the African continent.

“This is not just about me. It is about Sierra Leone. It is about showing that our journalists can compete and be celebrated on the continental stage,” Bai Bai Sesay added.

The honour has been regarded as a proud moment for Sierra Leone’s media industry and a demonstration that the work of the country’s journalists continues to attract recognition beyond its borders.

The 2nd Annual Scholar Media Africa Conference and SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards 2026 were held from 5 to 7 August 2026 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

The three-day gathering brought together scholars, university leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, diplomats, development partners, youth leaders and other professionals from across Africa and beyond.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, the conference provided a platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, research dissemination, networking, innovation and the establishment of strategic partnerships.

Participants discussed several issues affecting Africa’s development, including higher education, research, leadership, governance, media, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, youth empowerment and sustainable development. Discussions also examined Africa’s position and contribution to the global knowledge economy.

One of the major highlights of the conference was the SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, where Professor Dr PLO Lumumba delivered the keynote address and presented awards to individuals and institutions whose work has made significant contributions to education, research, leadership, media, entrepreneurship, health and community development across Africa.

The conference further strengthened Scholar Media Africa’s growing reputation as a continental platform for intellectual engagement, professional recognition, knowledge exchange and collaboration among African institutions and professionals.

As It Sets High Benchmark… FAWAZ Building Materials Champions Safer Construction with Top-Quality RANDCEM Cement

August 10, 2026

FAWAZ Building Materials continues to supply premium RANDCEM Cement as one of the top-quality brands within its diverse range of construction products, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing reliable materials for residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects across Sierra Leone.

RANDCEM Cement is gaining acceptance among contractors, engineers, masons, property developers and homeowners because of its strength, durability and quick-setting performance. FAWAZ Building Materials says the cement provides customers with a dependable option for constructing safer, stronger and longer-lasting structures.

Manufactured in Vietnam and supplied in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM Cement is classified as Strength Class 42.5R. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for general concrete applications and designed to deliver consistent performance across various construction projects.

One of the cement’s notable features is its reported ability to begin setting within approximately 30 minutes. Construction professionals say the quick-setting property could help builders reduce waiting time during critical stages of construction, improve efficiency and maintain project schedules without compromising structural quality.

RANDCEM Cement has reportedly attracted increasing demand from construction professionals and individual customers across Sierra Leone. Dealers and users have expressed satisfaction with its performance, describing it as a reliable choice for producing strong and durable concrete.

Industry professionals maintain that the safety and durability of any building depend not only on the quality of workmanship but also on the standard of materials used. They believe the availability of a 42.5R-strength cement such as RANDCEM provides builders with a dependable option for projects designed to withstand demanding conditions and remain durable over time.

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the recommended mixture for general concrete is one part cement, two parts sand, four parts aggregate and 0.8 parts water. For lean concrete, users are advised to combine one part cement, three parts sand, six parts aggregate and one part water.

The manufacturer also recommends that newly cast concrete be sprayed regularly with water during the first one to three days of curing to minimize cracking and support the development of adequate strength. Contractors and other users are encouraged to follow the prescribed mixing and curing instructions to achieve the best results.

Opened bags should be completely used within seven days or tightly sealed to prevent exposure to moisture and deterioration. The cement should also be kept under shade in a dry and properly ventilated location.

Users are advised to wear gloves and face masks when handling the product, lift the bags carefully and keep the cement out of the reach of children. These precautions are intended to promote safe handling and preserve the product’s quality before use.

The growing demand for dependable cement brands such as RANDCEM comes amid increasing public concern over building safety in Sierra Leone. Incidents involving the collapse of buildings under construction have intensified calls for stronger enforcement of construction regulations and closer scrutiny of cement and other materials entering the local market.

Construction professionals have repeatedly warned that substandard cement and inferior building materials can weaken structures, endanger lives and expose property owners to considerable financial losses. They have therefore encouraged contractors and homeowners to purchase construction materials from reputable suppliers, engage qualified engineers and comply with approved building practices.

Against this background, Sierra Leoneans are urging the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau to intensify inspections of cement importers, distributors and dealers nationwide. Stronger market surveillance, they say, is necessary to ensure that only cement products meeting approved national and international quality standards are sold to the public.

Regular inspections and laboratory testing would help identify and remove substandard products from the market, protect consumers and strengthen confidence in Sierra Leone’s construction sector. Consistent monitoring would also provide regulators and policymakers with reliable information to improve rules governing the importation, distribution, storage and sale of cement and other construction materials.

FAWAZ Building Materials has reaffirmed its commitment to supplying products that respond to the needs of Sierra Leone’s expanding construction industry. The company says its continued marketing of RANDCEM Cement reflects its focus on quality, reliability and customer satisfaction.

With demand for residential buildings, commercial properties and public infrastructure continuing to grow, access to dependable construction materials will remain essential to Sierra Leone’s development. RANDCEM Cement’s strong presence within FAWAZ Building Materials’ diverse product range is therefore being viewed positively, with the brand standing among the quality cement options available to builders seeking stronger, safer and more durable structures.

Orange Sierra Leone CEO Concludes Nationwide Listening Tour to Strengthen Customer Engagement

August 8, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The company reaffirmed its commitment to connecting people and empowering communities. It also supports innovation for a more inclusive digital future in Sierra Leone.

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