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Weak GST Enforcement Costing Sierra Leone Billions—Majority Leader

A man in a light blue suit and striped tie speaking, gesturing with his right hand in a meeting room.

 

Parliament is preparing to intensify scrutiny of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) following concerns that weaknesses in tax enforcement and administration are preventing Sierra Leone from realising its full domestic revenue potential.

The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, raised the concerns while contributing to the parliamentary debate on the 2026 Supplementary Budget. He demanded greater accountability from the NRA, particularly in the collection and remittance of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Hon. Nyuma said significant investments had been made to improve the country’s tax administration system, but the results had not met expectations.

“We are tired. The NRA must improve its performance. It must be corrected,” he told lawmakers.

He disclosed that the Commissioner-General of the NRA is expected to sign a performance contract containing specific revenue targets and other institutional responsibilities. According to him, Parliament will closely examine the Authority’s progress and demand accountability if the agreed targets are not achieved.

“We are going to monitor that performance contract. If the targets are not achieved, we will ask questions because someone must be responsible,” he warned.

The Majority Leader identified GST as a major source of revenue that could significantly strengthen the Government’s financial position if properly enforced. He said consumers pay GST daily when purchasing goods and services, but weaknesses in collection and remittance continue to deprive the State of much-needed revenue.

“GST has saved us. Every day, every minute, people pay GST when they buy goods and services. The challenge is ensuring that this revenue is fully and efficiently remitted to the Government,” he stated.

Hon. Nyuma noted that the NRA had distributed approximately 10,000 electronic fiscal cash register machines to businesses as part of efforts to improve tax compliance. However, he expressed concern that the devices were not being effectively used across the business community.

He called on the NRA to conduct stronger monitoring, enforce the relevant tax laws and ensure that registered businesses issue fiscal receipts for taxable transactions.

“If we are serious about enforcing GST, we can raise billions,” he maintained.

The Majority Leader also renewed his call for the full automation of Sierra Leone’s tax administration system, describing digitalization as essential to reducing human interference, preventing revenue leakages and improving transparency.

“I have been saying this for over three years let us automate,” he said.

According to him, many developed countries use automated systems that immediately record VAT or GST at the point of sale. He argued that introducing a similar system across Sierra Leone would enable the Government to accurately track transactions and determine how much tax businesses collect from consumers.

Hon. Nyuma further connected stronger revenue generation to improvements in the salaries and working conditions of public-sector employees. He said Parliament had exercised restraint in considering its own financial requirements because of the country’s economic challenges but insisted that discussions about workers’ welfare must continue.

“Our welfare must be discussed. We understand the financial constraints, but that does not mean we should stop talking about improving the welfare of public servants,” he told the House.

He also urged the Government to review and harmonise the national wage structure, citing disparities in the salaries paid to employees performing comparable duties in different public institutions.

“There are considerable disparities in wages. People doing similar work are paid differently. This is an issue the Government must address,” he said.

Despite his demand for stricter tax enforcement, Hon. Nyuma supported the Government’s decision to provide carefully targeted tax incentives to investors. He explained that such concessions could encourage private-sector expansion, attract investment, generate employment and contribute to national economic development.

“This is an incentive for investment. It is intended to encourage private-sector participation and support economic development,” he explained.

The Majority Leader also defended targeted Government subsidies, arguing that they remained necessary to protect citizens from the effects of rising prices and other economic pressures linked to global developments.

Concluding his contribution, Hon. Nyuma commended Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura for presenting what he considered a practical economic policy framework through the 2026 Supplementary Budget.

He nevertheless stressed that Sierra Leone’s long-term fiscal stability would depend on the Government’s ability to modernise tax administration, enforce GST compliance, eliminate revenue leakages and hold revenue-generating institutions accountable for their performance.

NPRA, UNEP and ECOWAS Advance Cleaner Fuel and Vehicle Standards in Sierra Leone

Panel of four people seated at a table with name placards (UNEP/ECOWAS Representative, Director General) at a formal meeting; water bottles and documents on the table.

 

The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the ECOWAS Commission and the Government of Sierra Leone, has concluded a two-day national workshop aimed at advancing the implementation of cleaner fuel and vehicle standards in the country.

The workshop, held from 3rd to 4th August 2026 at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown, brought together representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies, international organisations, the petroleum industry, civil society and the media.

Organised under the theme, “National Workshop on Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles,” the engagement focused on aligning Sierra Leone with ECOWAS directives C/DIR.1/9/2020 and C/DIR.2/9/2020 on cleaner fuels and vehicles.

The initiative is expected to support the use of higher-quality petroleum products and cleaner vehicles while reducing harmful emissions, protecting public health and strengthening environmental safeguards.

Participants also discussed the role of cleaner fuel standards in promoting regional energy security and expanding cross-border trade through a more integrated and sustainable West African hydrocarbon market.

Addressing the workshop, the Director-General of NPRA, Brima Baluwa Koroma, described pollution from vehicle emissions and the high sulphur content of fuel as major environmental and public-health challenges confronting the world, particularly the ECOWAS region.

He said Sierra Leone must continue working with regional and international partners to address the harmful effects of vehicle emissions and poor-quality petroleum products.

Koroma expressed appreciation for the broad participation in the workshop, noting that the presence of delegates from UNEP, ECOWAS, government institutions, industry, civil society and the media demonstrated the importance of collective action.

“We are particularly excited to receive delegates from UNEP, ECOWAS, ministries, departments and agencies, industry actors, the media and civil society organisations,” he stated.

According to him, the diversity of participants provided an opportunity for meaningful multisectoral engagement capable of producing lasting reforms and supporting the implementation of the landmark ECOWAS directives.

The NPRA Director-General said the Authority had taken proactive measures since 2020 to prepare Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector for cleaner fuel standards, including the adoption of a 10-parts-per-million sulphur specification for petroleum products.

He maintained that this level of policy preparedness would help make Sierra Leone’s transition towards cleaner fuel standards smoother as implementation progresses across the ECOWAS region.

Koroma also stressed that climate change and environmental pollution transcend national boundaries and therefore require coordinated international and regional responses.

“Climate issues have no sovereignty; they are universal. The implementation of ECOWAS cleaner fuel and vehicle standards will inevitably promote cleaner transportation, environmental protection and regional energy security,” he said.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support the transition towards cleaner fuels and vehicles and strengthen cooperation in implementing the ECOWAS directives.

The engagement formed part of NPRA’s broader efforts to modernise Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector while ensuring that fuel-quality regulations contribute to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

APC Rejects PR System, 50%-Plus-One Threshold as Constitutional Amendment Debate Intensifies

Man in white traditional attire and red fez speaks into a red microphone at a formal meeting, with two suited men beside him.

 

Sierra Leone’s constitutional reform process has entered another critical stage after Parliament agreed to remove a provision that would have allowed independent candidates to contest presidential elections, while major disagreements persist over proportional representation and the threshold required to win the presidency.

Members of Parliament from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the main opposition All People’s Congress reached the decision during the Committee Stage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Monday, 3 August 2026.

The original proposal sought to amend Sections 41 and 42 of the 1991 Constitution to permit a person who is not a member of a political party to contest a presidential election. Such a candidate would have been required to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity and community support under conditions prescribed by law. The provision was contained in the original Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Its deletion at the Committee Stage means the existing party-based arrangement is expected to remain in place if the decision is retained in the final version of the Bill. Under the current framework, presidential candidates must be nominated by registered political parties.

The independent-candidate proposal attracted opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the political divide and raised concerns among sections of civil society. Critics argued that its undefined financial requirements could give wealthy individuals an unfair advantage and potentially weaken the role of political parties in Sierra Leone’s democratic system.

Despite the cross-party agreement on that provision, Parliament remains divided over the proposed reduction of the presidential election threshold from 55 per cent to a simple majority, commonly described as 50 per cent plus one vote.

The draft Bill provides that a presidential candidate may be declared elected after securing a simple majority of all valid votes cast nationwide and at least 20 per cent of the valid votes in two-thirds of Sierra Leone’s districts. If no candidate meets both conditions, a run-off election would be conducted.

Supporters of the amendment contend that a candidate who receives more than half of the valid national vote has obtained a sufficient democratic mandate. They argue that the proposed system could reduce the financial cost, political tension and security risks associated with conducting a second round of voting.

The APC, however, has demanded the retention of the existing 55 per cent threshold, arguing that it encourages presidential candidates to secure broader national support and promotes greater legitimacy for the eventual winner.

Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay, who is piloting the Bill through Parliament, has accused the APC leadership of abandoning an earlier understanding reached during consultations.

Sesay said APC representatives had previously accepted the simple-majority proposal as part of a negotiated compromise, adding that some elements of the reported agreement were recorded in writing. He described the opposition’s subsequent position as disappointing and maintained that his office had engaged the party in good faith throughout the reform process. The APC’s alleged earlier agreement was reported following the resumption of parliamentary debate on 3 August.

The APC has maintained its opposition, insisting that significant changes to Sierra Leone’s electoral framework should not be enacted without extensive public consultation and broad national consensus.

Another major area of disagreement is the proposed permanent adoption of proportional representation, commonly known as the District Block system, for parliamentary elections.

Under the draft Bill, districts would serve as electoral units and return Members of Parliament from lists of candidates submitted by political parties. It would also delete the existing Section 38A and amend Section 74 to make proportional representation the system through which ordinary Members of Parliament are elected.

APC National Chairman Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh said the party strongly opposes making proportional representation Sierra Leone’s permanent electoral system.

Yansaneh argued that constituency-based elections under Section 38 and district-block representation under Section 38A are both recognised by the 1991 Constitution but were designed to respond to different national circumstances.

Section 38 provides for constituency-based parliamentary representation, while Section 38A allows the President, after consulting the Electoral Commission, to direct that an election be conducted through the District Block system when constituencies have not been established for the election.

“As far as the APC is concerned, both the PR system and the first-past-the-post system are embedded in Section 38 of the Constitution,” Yansaneh said, arguing that the appropriate system should be determined by prevailing circumstances.

“If nothing is broken, leave it intact,” he added.

APC Deputy Leader 1 in Parliament, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, expressed a similar position, arguing that Section 38A was intended to address exceptional situations and should not be transformed into a permanent electoral arrangement without comprehensive national dialogue.

The APC maintains that permanently adopting the District Block system would weaken direct accountability between lawmakers and their constituents. It also fears that the system could give political party leaders greater control over candidate selection and make parliamentary participation more difficult for grassroots, youth and financially disadvantaged aspirants.

Under a party-list PR system, voters primarily cast their ballots for political parties, which receive parliamentary seats in proportion to their share of the vote. Candidates are subsequently selected from lists submitted by the parties.

Supporters of proportional representation argue that it could promote national cohesion, reduce constituency-based political violence, lower election costs and improve the representation of women, young people and minority groups. The Government has also cited inclusion and the elimination of costly parliamentary by-elections among its reasons for supporting PR. The Government publicly outlined its support for the system during the electoral reform dialogue.

The draft legislation further proposes that at least 30 per cent of political parties’ nominees for national and local government elections should be women.

The constitutional debate follows the disputed 2023 elections and the subsequent Agreement for National Unity, which led to the creation of the Tripartite Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review. The committee produced 80 recommendations intended to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electoral system and prevent future political disputes.

Tensions intensified earlier in 2026 when the APC launched a parliamentary boycott over the appointment of a new Chief Electoral Commissioner. The party returned to Parliament following mediated discussions and a Government commitment to restructure the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone by 31 December 2026.

Public institutions and civil society organisations have also taken positions on the proposed electoral system. The Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Council of Churches in Sierra Leone and Inter-Religious Council have expressed support for constituency-based elections. The Inter-Religious Council argued that FPTP provides clearer accountability between voters and their representatives.

A March 2026 opinion poll conducted by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International reported that 68 per cent of respondents preferred constituency-based representation. However, the same poll found that 60 per cent believed they lacked sufficient civic education to make informed decisions about the proposed constitutional reforms. CHRDI’s reported poll findings have intensified calls for wider public education and consultation.

The proposed process for selecting members of the Electoral Commission also remains under consideration. The draft Bill provides for a Search and Nomination Committee consisting of representatives from the inter-religious community, the legal profession, civil society, the private sector, the media, youth groups and women’s organisations.

Parliament is expected to continue consideration of the Bill as political leaders seek compromises on the remaining disputed provisions.

Although removing the independent presidential candidate clause represents a significant area of agreement between the SLPP and APC, disagreements over proportional representation and the presidential threshold remain major obstacles to the constitutional reform process ahead of the 2028 elections.

Transport Minister Urges SLCAA, Aviation Operators to Intensify Preparations for 2027 ICAO Safety Audit

Bald man in a dark suit sits at an office desk with papers and a phone; Ministry of Transport and Aviation logo in the top-left.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay

 

The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, has called on the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and aviation operators to intensify preparations for the 2027 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.

Speaking during a high-level stakeholder engagement held on August 3, 2026, at the Ministry’s office on the seventh floor of Youyi Building in Freetown, the Minister stressed that Sierra Leone must improve on its previous performance and demonstrate significant progress in aviation safety and security.

The meeting brought together the Director-General of the SLCAA and key operators within Sierra Leone’s transport and aviation sector to discuss the country’s readiness for the forthcoming international audit.

Minister Turay described the audit as a critical national assignment requiring the full commitment, cooperation and active participation of every institution operating within the aviation sector.

“We have a huge task ahead of us. We must improve on our previous figures. During the last ICAO audit, Sierra Leone scored 71 per cent on safety and 72 per cent on security,” he said.

The Minister noted that the country now has new aviation operators, modern equipment and stronger institutional capacity, which should contribute to improved performance during the 2027 assessment.

“We now have new operators, modern equipment and stronger institutional capacity, so we must do better. We are moving from where we are to the top, and that will only happen through hard work, coordination and commitment,” Minister Turay stated.

He urged the SLCAA, airport authorities, airline companies, ground-handling firms, security agencies and other stakeholders to take the preparatory process seriously and ensure full compliance with international safety, security and operational standards.

According to the Minister, success in the ICAO audit will depend on effective coordination among regulatory institutions, service providers and security agencies. He called on stakeholders to identify existing gaps, strengthen internal systems and address outstanding compliance issues before the audit.

Minister Turay reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation sector through continuous investment, regulatory reforms, institutional development and closer collaboration with industry partners.

He said the Government’s broader objective is to position Sierra Leone as a safe, reliable and competitive aviation hub within the West African region.

Director-General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, also underscored the national importance of the forthcoming audit, noting that its outcome would extend beyond the aviation industry and reflect the country’s commitment to international standards and best practices.

“This is a very important event for the State, so we need to take it very seriously,” Barrie said.

She encouraged aviation operators, regulatory institutions and other agencies to work collectively to ensure Sierra Leone records a stronger performance during the 2027 audit.

The engagement reaffirmed the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s determination to work closely with the SLCAA and other stakeholders to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance aviation safety and security, and secure a higher ICAO compliance score that reflects the country’s ongoing reforms.

As $40 Million Cement Plant Nears Completion… MACCEM Boss Rejects Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Sierra Leone’s Cement Industry

Romanian business magnet and Chief Executive Officer of MACCEM Industries SL Limited, Ahmed Mackie

 

The Romanian business magnet and Chief Executive Officer of MACCEM Industries SL Limited, Ahmed Mackie, has strongly denied allegations of tax evasion and the production of substandard cement, describing the claims as misleading and without merit.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with this medium, the Romanian businessman said MACCEM remains fully compliant with Sierra Leone’s tax laws and continues to produce high-quality cement that has gained widespread acceptance across the country.

“Our cement has proven to be one of the best in Sierra Leone and is among the most widely sold products on the market,” Mackie said. “The allegations against our company are misleading and do not reflect the reality of our operations.”

Responding to claims of tax evasion, the MACCEM CEO maintained that the company meets all of its tax obligations.

“We pay all our taxes, amounting to billions,” he stated, adding that the company operates transparently and remains committed to contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic development through tax payments, investment and employment.

Mackie also revealed that construction of the company’s estimated US$40 million cement factory at Hastings is now in its final stages, with completion expected before the end of 2026.

According to him, the state-of-the-art cement grinding plant will significantly strengthen local cement production, reduce dependence on imported cement and improve the stability of supply in the domestic market.

The Hastings facility is expected to have an annual production capacity of approximately 657,000 tonnes, enabling it to meet a substantial share of Sierra Leone’s cement demand. The project is also expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities while supporting industrial growth.

The company previously secured financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the development of the project, which incorporates modern production technology and renewable energy components aimed at improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Beyond the factory itself, Mackie said the investment has already created thousands of technical, skilled and casual employment opportunities for residents of Hastings and neighbouring communities during the construction phase.

Community stakeholders have welcomed the investment, noting that the project has stimulated economic activity within the area and created new opportunities for local businesses and workers.

The company said worker safety remains a top priority, with the factory designed to operate under modern industrial standards requiring employees to use appropriate personal protective equipment and adhere to strict occupational health and safety procedures.

Mackie also highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining positive labour relations, stating that MACCEM places significant emphasis on employee welfare and compliance with labour regulations.

As construction progresses towards completion, the company expressed confidence that the new factory will play a major role in supporting Sierra Leone’s industrialisation agenda, expanding local manufacturing capacity and contributing to long-term economic growth.

The MACCEM CEO reiterated that the company remains focused on delivering quality cement, fulfilling its tax obligations and completing the landmark investment by the end of 2026, despite what he described as unfounded allegations directed against the company.

Sierra Leone, Gabon Sign Joint Communiqué to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Two men in blue suits sit facing each other in a formal meeting, small flags on the table between them and a presidential seal on the floor nearby.

 

Sierra Leone and Gabon have committed to strengthening bilateral relations and establishing a more structured partnership following high-level talks between President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

The discussions, held at State House in Freetown on Monday, 3 August 2026, formed part of President Oligui Nguema’s three-day state visit to Sierra Leone. They culminated in the signing of a Joint Communiqué by the Foreign Ministers of both countries, outlining priority areas for cooperation.

President Bio formally received the Gabonese leader and his delegation at State House, where the two Heads of State held a private meeting before joining their respective delegations for bilateral discussions.

Welcoming his counterpart, President Bio congratulated President Oligui Nguema on his election and commended Gabon’s return to constitutional governance, describing the transition as an important step for democratic development in Africa.

He said the visit offered both countries an opportunity to transform their longstanding friendship into a more ambitious and results-driven partnership.

“Your visit provides an important opportunity to open a more ambitious chapter in the relations between our two countries,” President Bio stated.

The Sierra Leonean leader proposed the establishment of a Sierra Leone–Gabon Joint Commission for Cooperation, supported by a time-bound implementation roadmap to ensure that agreements reached by the two countries deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.

President Bio identified agriculture, mining, fisheries, energy, infrastructure, tourism and logistics as sectors with strong potential for investment and bilateral cooperation.

He also called for greater interaction between the private sectors of both countries through trade and investment missions aimed at identifying commercially viable partnerships and expanding economic exchanges.

President Bio highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agricultural mechanisation, irrigation, research and agro-processing, particularly in support of Sierra Leone’s flagship Feed Salone programme.

Recognising Sierra Leone and Gabon as Atlantic nations, he called for stronger collaboration in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and marine resource protection. He said joint action was needed to combat illegal fishing and environmental degradation.

The President also encouraged cooperation in mining governance, petroleum regulation, local-content development, responsible environmental management and domestic value addition.

Acknowledging Gabon’s experience in forest conservation and biodiversity protection, President Bio proposed increased collaboration in climate finance, carbon markets, marine protection, forest conservation and coastal resilience.

Education, technical and vocational training, healthcare, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sports, youth development and professional exchanges were also identified as areas in which the two countries could share knowledge and expertise.

On peace and security, President Bio called for closer cooperation in maritime surveillance, intelligence sharing and efforts to combat trafficking, organised crime, cyber threats and illegal fishing, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region.

He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to working with Gabon through the African Union, United Nations and other multilateral platforms to advance Agenda 2063, African integration and reforms to global governance institutions.

Responding, President Oligui Nguema described his visit as an important step towards strengthening relations between the two countries.

He said the discussions covered several areas of mutual interest, including agriculture, education, vocational training, language and cultural exchanges, as well as additional opportunities for sustainable economic development.

The Gabonese leader stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual trust and constructive engagement in addressing contemporary challenges confronting African countries.

He also reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to regional and continental integration, noting that African solidarity remained essential to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development.

The bilateral talks were followed by the signing of a Joint Communiqué by the Foreign Ministers of Sierra Leone and Gabon. The document formalised the commitments reached and established a framework for future cooperation between the two countries.

The day’s official engagements concluded with a State Banquet hosted in honour of President Oligui Nguema and his delegation at Chapter One on Lumley Beach Road.

Chaired by Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation Director General Josephine Kamara, the banquet brought together senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic community and other invited guests to celebrate the growing friendship between Sierra Leone and Gabon.

President Oligui Nguema’s state visit continued with engagements focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting tourism and investment, and expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Advancing the AU Commitment: Accountability as the Pathway to Ending Harmful Practices in Sierra Leone

Portrait of a man in a navy suit and yellow tie, with a UN flag in the background.

 

The true measure of policy commitments lies not only in the frameworks and declarations they create but also in the lives they protect and the results they deliver.

Across the world, countries have made commitments to advance the rights and dignity of women and girls through national laws, regional frameworks, and global agreements. But commitments only make a difference when they are matched with implementation, adequate resources, and systems that measure progress and deliver results.

For Sierra Leone, this is not only a question of policy; it is a question of the future envisioned for every girl, one where her rights are protected, her choices are respected, and she has the opportunity to thrive. Yet harmful practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM), continue to affect the health, education, and futures of girls across the country.

This is why Sierra Leone’s participation as part of the second cohort of African Union (AU) Member States piloting the AU Accountability Framework on the Elimination of Harmful Practices is significant. The framework provides an opportunity to improve how progress is measured, implementation gaps are addressed, and responsibilities are translated into action.

Sierra Leone has demonstrated meaningful progress in protecting girls. According to the Demographic and Health Survey, FGM prevalence among women aged 15–49 declined from 90 percent in 2013 to 83 percent in 2019. It is our hope that the next population survey will reveal an even bigger reduction in FGM prevalence due to the measures undertaken by government and civil society with the support of UNFPA to accelerate the elimination of FGM in Sierra Leone. The enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act also marked a significant milestone in advancing legal protection for girls under 18.

These gains show what is possible. They also demonstrate that progress depends not only on laws and commitments but also on the systems, resources, and coordination required to deliver results. Reliable evidence, clear responsibilities, and meaningful community participation are essential to ensuring that progress reaches those who need it most.

The AU Accountability Framework supports this approach by strengthening evidence systems, tracking progress, and reinforcing shared responsibility among stakeholders working to eliminate harmful practices. Anchored in Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.3, it provides a practical mechanism for translating commitments into measurable outcomes.

Achieving lasting change requires action at every level. Government institutions must lead through policy implementation, investment, and enforcement. Traditional and religious leaders, communities, and local actors must remain engaged in transforming social norms. Civil society organizations, survivor networks, women’s movements, and youth advocates provide critical evidence, oversight, and community perspectives that strengthen national efforts.

In Sierra Leone, civil society has played a vital role in bringing harmful practices into national dialogue, supporting survivors, engaging communities, and advocating for stronger protection mechanisms. Their contribution demonstrates that accountability is strongest when the experiences and priorities of communities are reflected in national action.

This collective effort is strengthened by partners such as the Government of Iceland, whose continued investment in gender equality and the rights of women and girls supports initiatives that promote prevention, protection, and accountability. Through its partnership with UNFPA and the Government of Sierra Leone under the Accelerating Progress Towards the Elimination of FGM project, Iceland is helping to reinforce national systems and supporting community action.

As the lead United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the rights of women and young people, UNFPA remains committed to working with the Government of Sierra Leone and partners to advance the AU Accountability Framework and contribute to national efforts to protect girls.

Moving forward, progress will depend on four priorities:

  • Strengthening data and evidence systems to measure progress and guide action;
  • Ensuring coordinated implementation across government, civil society, communities, and partners;
  • Investing in prevention and survivor-centred services that protect dignity and support those affected; and
  • Maintaining effective oversight mechanisms that track commitments and results.

Ending harmful practices is achievable, but it will not happen through declarations alone. It requires action, shared responsibility, and systems that ensure every institution and actor plays their role in delivering results for girls.

Ultimately, accountability is what transforms ambition into lasting change. When action matches commitments, Sierra Leone can build a future where every girl’s rights are protected, her choices are respected, and her full potential is realized.

NatCA Marks 20 Years, Pledges Consumer-Focused Digital Future

Audience members seated in a conference hall with blue upholstered chairs, some clapping and looking toward the stage. Front row includes a woman in a blue patterned outfit and a man in a suit.

 

The National Communications Authority (NaTCA) has marked its 20th anniversary with renewed commitments to expand connectivity, protect consumers and prepare Sierra Leone for emerging technologies, while Government challenged the sector to close the wide gap between mobile-network coverage and actual internet use.

The celebration, held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the NatCA Tower in Southridge, IMATT, Freetown, brought together Government officials, former leaders of the institution, telecommunications operators, development partners, staff and media representatives. It was organized on the theme, “Twenty Years of Consumer-Focused Connectivity.”

In his address, NatCA Director General, Amara Brewah, described the anniversary as an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s transition from limited fixed-line telephone services to a competitive and increasingly digital economy. He said a child born when the regulator was established in 2006 would now be a young adult accustomed to mobile phones, broadband internet, mobile money, online learning and instant communication.

He recalled a period when making an international call required travelling to Freetown, waiting in a queue and relying on collect-call services. Today, he said, citizens communicate instantly across borders, conduct financial transactions, obtain information and develop businesses through digital platforms.

Parliament established the National Telecommunications Commission, then known as NATCOM, through the Telecommunications Act of 2006. The law was amended in 2009 to broaden the regulator’s responsibilities, while the landing of the Africa Coast to Europe submarine fibre-optic cable in 2013 connected Sierra Leone to high-speed international broadband. The National Communications Authority Act of 2022 subsequently transformed NATCOM into NatCA, creating a technology-neutral regulator with an expanded mandate.

DG Brewah said that mandate now covers consumer protection, fair competition, service quality, regulatory compliance, nationwide coverage and efforts to bridge the rural-urban digital divide. Sierra Leone, he noted, has progressed from basic 2G services to widespread 3G and 4G connectivity and is now preparing for greater deployment of 5G and other advanced technologies.

According to him, the sector currently has four mobile-network operators, one mobile virtual-network operator, 32 internet service providers, 21 digital television stations, 222 FM radio stations and three open-access infrastructure providers. Mobile voice subscriptions have reached approximately 8.66 million, while mobile data subscriptions stand at about 3.78 million.

NatCA has also supported mobile-money interoperability, improved subscriber-registration systems, harmonised short codes, promoted regional roaming arrangements and introduced regulatory measures for satellite services. Brewah said the Authority had conducted market and consumer studies, strengthened quality-of-service rules and issued 5G trial licences to interested operators.

He stressed that progress should be judged by its impact on ordinary people, including farmers obtaining market information, traders receiving mobile payments, students accessing educational materials and entrepreneurs operating digital businesses from different parts of the country.

Addressing complaints about dropped calls and poor connections, Brewah said NatCA must follow lawful monitoring, investigation and enforcement procedures before sanctioning an operator. He maintained that regulation must protect consumers while providing investors with a fair and predictable business environment.

Brewah concluded that the Authority must prepare for artificial intelligence, satellite broadband, cloud computing, digital identity, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things. He pledged that NatCA would pursue a future in which every Sierra Leonean, regardless of location, gender or economic circumstances, could participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

In her keynote address, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation Haja Salima Monorma Bah said mobile-network coverage had reached about 96 per cent of Sierra Leone’s population, but internet usage remained at approximately 42 per cent. She described the disparity as one of the country’s most serious digital challenges.

Haja Salima Monorma Bah said the national fibre-optic backbone had reached 14 of Sierra Leone’s 16 districts, while satellite providers and new licensing models had further expanded communications infrastructure. However, she argued that the next phase of digital transformation must focus on affordability, reliability, digital skills, suitable devices and meaningful use.

“The next 20 years should be about bridging the usage gap, making services more affordable and ensuring that citizens receive better quality of service,” she said.

The Minister called for cooperation among Government, Parliament, NatCA, operators, civil society and development partners. She also urged telecommunications companies to respond promptly to complaints, communicate openly during service interruptions and respect customers who expected value for money.

Acting NatCA Board Chairman Paul Squire said stronger and more responsive regulation would be required as artificial intelligence, 5G, cybersecurity and digital financial services reshape economies. He urged management and staff to improve performance, declaring that if their previous effort stood at 60 per cent, it should rise immediately to 90 per cent.

Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aïcha Touré reaffirmed her company’s commitment to network expansion, digital infrastructure and financial inclusion.

She said Orange Money had widened access to financial services, while the telecommunications industry supported national revenue through taxes, licence fees, regulatory levies, employment and infrastructure investment.

QCell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Karthik Jayamani praised NatCA for enforcing standards and holding operators accountable. Comparing the sector to a sporting contest, he described NatCA as the referee, operators as the players and consumers as the supporters whose interests must remain central.

Jayamani said competition had widened customer choice, while mobile money had strengthened financial inclusion for people without conventional bank accounts. He acknowledged that operators must continually invest as technologies change, even before recovering the full cost of previous upgrades.

Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Shadi Gerjawi called for collaboration instead of confrontation between operators and the regulator. Africell began operating in 2005, he noted, making it slightly older than NatCA, and both institutions had developed alongside Sierra Leone’s communications industry.

CEO Gerjawi said NatCA must balance operator investments, Government expectations and public demand for affordable, reliable services. He highlighted rising fuel costs as a major burden because operators rely heavily on generators to power network sites where electricity remains limited.

The ceremony recognised former leaders, retired personnel and long-serving employees, while deceased officials and staff were remembered for their contributions. An anniversary logo was unveiled, a commemorative cake was cut and guests toured the NatCA facility.

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

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pew Survey Highlights China’s Growing Diplomatic Influence Across Africa, Asia and Latin America

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald J. Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald J. Trump

China is now viewed more favourably than the United States in most Pew Research Center surveys. This marks a significant shift in global public opinion. Beijing’s international image improves while confidence in Washington continues to decline.

Two Pew Research Center reports, released on July 15, 2026, show public attitudes toward China have recovered. The recovery follows historic lows recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The improvement has been particularly strong in middle-income countries across Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The first report, titled “People in Many Countries Now View China More Positively Than the U.S.,” compared international perceptions of the two global powers, their leaders, respect for personal freedoms and foreign-policy roles.

The study surveyed 42,151 adults in 36 countries between February 8 and May 13, 2026. It found that China was viewed more favourably than the United States in 25 countries, while the US received stronger ratings in only six. Public opinion of the two countries was statistically similar in the remaining nations.

A second report, “Views of China and Xi Are Improving Globally,” examined China’s international image and public confidence in President Xi Jinping. That survey covered 45,658 respondents in 37 countries, including the United States, during the same period.

The findings point to a major reversal in international opinion between 2023 and 2026. Across 20 countries surveyed annually during that period, the median favourable rating of the United States fell from 58 per cent in 2023 to 36 per cent in 2026. China’s rating, by contrast, increased from 32 per cent to 46 per cent.

Pew Research Center said the shift reflected both improving views of China and increasingly negative perceptions of the United States. The decline in America’s international standing became particularly noticeable during the first two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.

The changing attitudes were evident even among America’s closest neighbours. In Canada, 57 per cent of respondents viewed the United States favourably in 2023, compared with only 14 per cent who held a positive opinion of China. By 2025, ratings of the two countries were similar. In 2026, China moved ahead, with 44 per cent of Canadians expressing a favourable view of Beijing, compared with 33 per cent for Washington.

China recorded some of its strongest ratings in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Pakistan, 90 per cent of respondents expressed a favourable opinion of China, while only 15 per cent viewed the United States positively.

China was also viewed favourably by 75 per cent of respondents in Malaysia, 73 per cent in Singapore, 72 per cent in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, 69 per cent in Thailand and 56 per cent in Bangladesh.

The findings showed similarly strong support for China in the four African countries included in the surveys. In Nigeria, 78 per cent held a favourable view of China, compared with 63 per cent who viewed the United States positively.

China also led in Kenya, receiving a 76 per cent favourable rating against 63 per cent for the United States. In South Africa, China recorded 52 per cent, compared with 35 per cent for the US.

Ghana was the exception among the African countries surveyed. Sixty-eight per cent of Ghanaians viewed the United States favourably, while 64 per cent expressed a positive opinion of China.

China’s image was generally stronger in middle-income countries than in wealthier nations. Across all 37 countries covered by the second report, a median of 51 per cent held a favourable opinion of China, while 39 per cent viewed the country negatively.

Negative perceptions of China, however, remained high in several developed countries and nations with longstanding security or territorial concerns involving Beijing. Only 11 per cent of Japanese respondents viewed China favourably, compared with 27 per cent in the United States and Sweden, 28 per cent in South Korea and 31 per cent in Australia.

The surveys found a similar divide in confidence in President Xi. Confidence in his ability to do the right thing in world affairs was highest in Pakistan at 83 per cent, followed by Kenya at 73 per cent, Singapore at 67 per cent and Malaysia at 66 per cent.

Xi also received confidence ratings of 62 per cent in Nigeria and Indonesia, and 61 per cent in Bangladesh.

Across the 36 countries where the two leaders were compared, respondents in 22 expressed greater confidence in Xi than in Trump. Although confidence in both leaders remained generally low in Europe, Xi received better ratings in Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

In South Africa, 46 per cent expressed confidence in Xi, compared with 26 per cent for Trump. Xi also led Trump by 10 percentage points in Kenya and two points in Ghana. Trump received a slightly higher rating in Nigeria.

The US President performed better in countries with longstanding security concerns about China, including India, Japan, the Philippines and Israel. In Israel, 66 per cent expressed confidence in Trump, while only 10 per cent said the same about Xi.

The reports also examined how China and the United States are perceived as international partners. Across 17 middle-income countries, a median of 69 per cent described China as a reliable partner, compared with 49 per cent who said the same about the United States.

Fifty-eight per cent believed China contributes to peace and stability around the world, while 40 per cent held that view of the US. Another 57 per cent said China considers the interests of countries like theirs when making international policy decisions, compared with 42 per cent for the United States.

The difference was particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa. Eighty-eight per cent of Kenyans described China as a reliable partner, followed by 76 per cent in Nigeria, 72 per cent in South Africa and 69 per cent in Ghana.

Majorities in the four African countries also believed China contributes to global peace and stability. The figure stood at 68 per cent in Ghana, 67 per cent in Kenya, 65 per cent in Nigeria and 64 per cent in South Africa.

Respondents nevertheless expressed concerns about foreign interference. Across the 17 middle-income countries, 75 per cent said the United States interferes in the domestic affairs of other nations, while 45 per cent expressed the same opinion about China.

Despite Beijing’s improving standing, concerns remain over personal freedoms. Across the 37 countries, only 26 per cent believed the Chinese Government respects the freedoms of its people, while 59 per cent said it does not.

The United States continued to receive better ratings on personal freedoms, with 39 per cent saying the American Government respects its citizens’ rights. However, that figure has fallen sharply in several countries since 2021, narrowing the longstanding gap between Washington and Beijing.

The findings also exposed major divisions within the Asia-Pacific region. China was widely regarded as a partner in Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, but was frequently identified as a threat in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea and India. Concerns about territorial disputes involving China were particularly high in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Pew Research Center concluded that China’s improving image does not mean international concerns about its domestic and foreign policies have disappeared. Instead, the findings reveal a changing global balance in which many middle-income countries increasingly regard China as a dependable economic and diplomatic partner, while confidence in the United States and its leadership has weakened.

Sierra Leone was not among the countries covered by either survey.

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