Sierra Leone has achieved another significant diplomatic milestone following the election of its Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, as Chair of the 59th Session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
The election took place ahead of the Commission’s fifty-ninth session, which is being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 29 June to 10 July 2026. As Chair of the session, H.E. Dr. Michael Imran Kanu will preside over deliberations on a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening the international legal framework governing global trade.
During the two-week session, the Commission is expected to oversee the adoption of draft international trade law instruments, review the progress of UNCITRAL’s various Working Groups, consider future legislative initiatives, strengthen technical assistance programmes, and advance efforts to harmonize and modernize international trade law to support global commerce and investment.
The election of H.E. Dr. Michael Imran Kanu is widely regarded as a strong endorsement of Sierra Leone’s growing influence within the United Nations system and reflects the confidence that Member States have placed in the country’s diplomatic leadership and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
It also underscores Sierra Leone’s increasing contribution to the progressive development and codification of international trade law, while reinforcing its support for a transparent, predictable and rules-based international economic order.
The appointment further elevates Sierra Leone’s profile on the global stage and demonstrates the country’s expanding role in shaping international legal frameworks that facilitate trade, investment and sustainable economic development across nations.
The Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, has announced substantial progress in Sierra Leone’s preparations to host the 2026 International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) Conference, assuring African information regulators that the country is on course to successfully stage the landmark global event in Freetown this September.
Speaking during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the African Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC) in Rabat, Morocco, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw presented a comprehensive update on the work of the Local Organizing Committee and encouraged prospective delegates from around the world to begin making travel and registration arrangements well ahead of the conference.
Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw directed delegates to the official conference website, www.icic-iduai2026.org, where participants can obtain detailed information on registration procedures, conference themes, accommodation options, travel arrangements, logistics and the various programme clusters prepared for the international gathering.
Emphasizing the importance of early registration, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw said delegates who register in advance will benefit from specially negotiated promotional rates at partner hotels while enabling organizers to make adequate logistical preparations for participants expected from across the globe.
On travel arrangements, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw informed delegates that Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has assured the Right to Access Information Commission that participants from countries requiring entry visas will be granted Visa-on-Arrival facilities. He noted that the arrangement is intended to ensure a smooth, efficient and hassle-free entry process for all conference participants.
As host of the joint ICIC-IDUAI Conference, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw said Sierra Leone is committed to promoting stronger African participation throughout the conference programme. He explained that deliberate efforts are being made to increase African representation in plenary sessions and technical discussions to ensure that the continent’s experiences, innovations and challenges in access to information and data governance receive greater prominence during global deliberations.
During the meeting, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw also participated as a panelist in a high-level discussion on “Combating Disinformation and Strengthening Trust in Public Information Ecosystems,” where he shared Sierra Leone’s experience in promoting transparency, accountability and citizens’ right of access to information.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s progress, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw highlighted the steady improvement in compliance among public authorities under the country’s Right to Access Information framework. He noted that an increasing number of public institutions are responding to requests for information and embracing transparency as an essential pillar of democratic governance and public accountability.
Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw further disclosed that work is progressing on proposed amendments to the Right to Access Information Act of 2013 to strengthen its implementation and align it with evolving international standards. He revealed that the proposed amendments are being developed alongside Sierra Leone’s Data Protection legislation, which is expected to enter the pre-legislative stage before Parliament in the near future.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, the two legislative reforms will establish a stronger legal framework that balances the public’s constitutional right to information with the protection of personal data, while enhancing public trust in state institutions and strengthening democratic accountability.
Held under the theme, “Public Information as a Development Asset: Rights, Governance and Digital Transformation,” the two-day Annual General Meeting brought together information commissioners and regulators from across Africa to review progress in advancing access to information, identify emerging challenges and develop common strategies for strengthening transparency and good governance across the continent.
Welcoming delegates to Morocco, President of Morocco’s Commission for the Right of Access to Information, Omar Seghrouchni, expressed his country’s pleasure in hosting fellow information commissioners and conveyed confidence that the discussions would produce meaningful outcomes for advancing access to information throughout Africa.
Delivering the opening address, Chairperson of the African Network of Information Commissioners, Pansy Tlakula, reflected on the remarkable growth of the network since its establishment seven years ago following an International Conference of Information Commissioners hosted in South Africa.
Pansy Tlakula said the African Network of Information Commissioners now comprises more than 30 members and continues to serve as an important platform for peer learning, knowledge sharing and institutional collaboration among information regulators across the continent. She noted that the network’s principal objective is to promote the exchange of experiences and the development of common approaches to advancing the right of access to information.
Describing access to information as a fundamental human right, Pansy Tlakula said it underpins many other rights, including health, education, political participation, good governance and socio-economic development.
Pansy Tlakula also highlighted several challenges confronting access to information in the digital era, including the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation, the misuse of data protection laws in certain jurisdictions to deny legitimate requests for public information, and inadequate financial support for oversight institutions.
Calling for a balanced legal and policy approach, Pansy Tlakula stressed that access to information and data protection should complement each other rather than compete, arguing that democratic governance is best served when both transparency and privacy are effectively safeguarded.
One of the major outcomes of the Annual General Meeting was the admission of The Gambia as a new member of the African Network of Information Commissioners after delegates concluded that the country had satisfied the organization’s membership requirements, particularly regarding institutional independence and security of tenure for information commissioners.
Meanwhile, the membership application submitted by Zambia was deferred pending further clarification on issues relating to the independence of its information oversight body. Zambia was not represented at the meeting.
The Annual General Meeting also resolved that Ghana will host the next meeting of the African Network of Information Commissioners, reflecting the confidence of member states in the country’s continued commitment to advancing access to information, transparency and democratic governance. The next gathering is expected to build on the resolutions adopted in Rabat while further strengthening cooperation, institutional collaboration and peer learning among information regulators across Africa.
The meeting brought together representatives from ten member countries, including Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Morocco, reaffirming the continent’s growing commitment to strengthening access to information as a cornerstone of democratic governance, accountability and sustainable development.
The Western Area Rural District Students’ Union (WARDSU) has celebrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence and community service during the Fourth Edition of the Western Area Rural District Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence Awards 2026, with speakers calling for greater youth empowerment, quality education and responsible leadership across Sierra Leone.
The awards ceremony, held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Western Area Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo, brought together education stakeholders, student leaders, public officials, development partners and representatives of tertiary institutions under the theme, “Excellence Beyond Limit, Leadership Beyond Boundaries.” The event recognized students, institutions, organisations and distinguished personalities whose contributions have advanced education, leadership and community development within the Western Area Rural District.
Addressing the gathering, President of the Western Area Rural District Students’ Union, Memunatu Tity Sannoh, described the awards as a platform established to celebrate achievement, inspire excellence and encourage future generations of leaders. She reflected on the challenges she encountered as a female student aspiring to lead an organisation traditionally dominated by men, noting that perseverance and determination enabled her to become the first democratically elected female President of WARDSU.
Memunatu Tity Sannoh highlighted several achievements recorded during her administration, including the expansion of institutional partnerships, the implementation of the MOVE Project with support from Purposeful and the establishment of WARDSU chapters across several tertiary institutions nationwide. She also explained that the awards scheme, first introduced in 2022 by former President Ambassador Eric Scientist Koroma, has continued to grow with additional categories that recognize excellence across diverse sectors.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the Union’s late Financial Secretary, Sallay Sankoh, who died in a road accident on January 1, 2026. A moving video presentation celebrated her commitment to student leadership, community engagement and national development, with members describing her as a dedicated leader whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Founding President of WARDSU and Head of Ex-Officios, Brima Tejan Khanu, traced the history of the union from its conception by university students seeking stronger representation for the district. He recalled that the organisation was initially proposed as the Waterloo Students’ Union before consultations with former Member of Parliament Dr. Claude D.M. Kamanda led to the adoption of the broader name, Western Area Rural District Students’ Union, to reflect the entire district. Officially launched on January 11, 2011, WARDSU has grown into one of Sierra Leone’s recognized student organisations despite facing financial and institutional challenges in its early years.
Delivering the keynote address, former Member of Parliament and former Chief Whip Dr. Claude D.M. Kamanda described the event’s theme as a powerful call for transformation. He said leadership and education are inseparable pillars of national development and urged award recipients to view their recognition as both an honour and a responsibility to continue serving their communities. Dr. Claude D.M. Kamanda encouraged young people to challenge limitations, embrace innovation and use their influence to create positive change regardless of their background or position in society.
Also addressing the ceremony, Programs Officer at Purposeful, Aminata Katta, thanked WARDSU for recognizing the organisation with an Outstanding Organizational Award. She emphasized that education should be viewed as a tool for empowerment and social transformation rather than merely the acquisition of certificates. She praised the partnership between Purposeful and WARDSU through the MOVE Project, highlighting its contribution to combating Gender-Based Violence, promoting safer learning environments and encouraging transparency and accountability in student leadership. Aminata Katta further urged young women to speak out against Gender-Based Violence and become advocates for positive change within their institutions and communities.
The Fourth Edition of the Western Area Rural District Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence Awards concluded with the presentation of awards to deserving individuals, institutions and organisations in recognition of their exceptional leadership, academic distinction and invaluable contributions to community development. The ceremony reaffirmed WARDSU’s commitment to promoting educational excellence, empowering young leaders and strengthening partnerships that support sustainable development across the Western Area Rural District.
Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Digital Inclusion Training Centre that will empower 150 persons with disabilities with practical digital skills, creating new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and economic independence.
The agreement was signed on Monday, 29 June 2026, at the ActionAid Sierra Leone headquarters at Jubal Hill in Freetown, marking a significant milestone in the two organizations’ shared commitment to promoting digital and social inclusion across Sierra Leone.
The ceremony brought together senior officials from both institutions, representatives of government, disability advocacy organizations and development partners, all united by a common goal of ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation.
Among those in attendance were the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Aicha Toure; the Director of Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, Mrs. Annie Wonnie-Katta; the Country Director of ActionAid Sierra Leone, Mr. Foday-Bassie Swaray; representatives of the Ministry of Social Welfare; officials of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI); and other invited guests.
Delivering the declaration of purpose, Mrs. Annie Wonnie-Katta emphasized the importance of bridging the digital accessibility gap, noting that equal access to technology is essential for creating inclusive societies and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Foday-Bassie Swaray described the partnership as a practical investment in the future of persons with disabilities. He said digital skills have become indispensable in today’s world and that the initiative would equip beneficiaries with the knowledge and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in education, employment and business.
Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Aicha Toure, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to using technology as a tool for social transformation. She said Orange Foundation remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower vulnerable communities and promote equal access to digital opportunities.
Representing the Government, Chief Commissioner Brima Abdulai Sheku of the Ministry of Social Welfare commended both organizations for championing disability inclusion. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities and improving the welfare of persons with disabilities through collaborative partnerships.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official signing and exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding, symbolizing the beginning of a partnership aimed at reducing the digital divide and promoting greater accessibility for persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities, Joseph Alieu Kamara welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that the Digital Inclusion Training Centre would transform lives by equipping beneficiaries with practical digital skills that would increase their independence and improve their economic prospects.
The Digital Inclusion Training Centre will provide digital literacy education, hands-on information technology training and access to assistive technologies tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities. The programme is designed to prepare participants for opportunities in the modern digital economy while enhancing their ability to access education, employment and entrepreneurial ventures.
The initiative aligns with Orange Foundation Sierra Leone’s vision of promoting digital and social inclusion and ActionAid Sierra Leone’s mission of supporting marginalized and vulnerable communities. By expanding access to technology and digital education, the partnership seeks to remove barriers that continue to limit the participation of persons with disabilities in national development.
Both organizations described the partnership as more than the establishment of a training centre, saying it represents a shared vision of building an inclusive society where technology empowers every individual, regardless of physical ability. Through the initiative, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone aim to create sustainable opportunities, break barriers to digital access and contribute to a more equitable future for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone's national telecommunications company, Sierratel, has officially launched nationwide commercial mobile services
Sierra Leone’s national telecommunications company, Sierratel, has officially launched nationwide commercial mobile services, marking a major milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector and signalling the return of the state-owned operator as a competitive player in the digital economy.
The commercial launch, which commenced on Monday, 29 June 2026, enables Sierra Leoneans for the first time in years to purchase a Sierratel SIM card, recharge their accounts, and access voice, SMS and mobile data services nationwide using any GSM-compatible handset.
The relaunch follows the successful implementation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, and leading mobile network operator Africell Sierra Leone. The partnership is expected to strengthen national telecommunications services while expanding access to affordable digital connectivity across the country.
Sierratel Officially Returns to Commercial Service
Under the new operational model, Sierratel functions as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), allowing the company to provide branded mobile services nationwide while leveraging an established telecommunications infrastructure. The arrangement enables Sierratel to concentrate on customer service, market expansion and innovation without the burden of maintaining an independent nationwide mobile network.
Despite the operational partnership, the Government of Sierra Leone retains full ownership of the Sierratel brand, its operating licence and its national identity. Officials say the collaboration provides the technical and operational expertise required to restore the country’s historic telecommunications company while safeguarding public ownership.
The relaunch represents a significant chapter in Sierratel’s history. Once regarded as Sierra Leone’s leading telecommunications provider, the company now seeks to reposition itself as a modern digital lifestyle network targeting a new generation of mobile users while reconnecting with long-standing customers who have remained loyal to the brand over the years.
According to the company, the renewed Sierratel brand has been designed to meet the evolving needs of students, entrepreneurs, content creators, professionals and digitally connected consumers seeking flexible, affordable and customer-focused mobile services.
To welcome new subscribers, every newly activated Sierratel SIM card comes with an introductory package that includes 10 minutes of voice calls, 100 SMS messages and 300 megabytes of mobile data. The company says the package is intended to allow customers to immediately experience its services upon activation.
In addition, subscribers who make their first recharge of NLe10 or more using a smartphone will automatically receive a bonus of one gigabyte of mobile data.
The company has also introduced an attractive recharge promotion aimed at rewarding customers from the outset. Under the promotion, smaller recharge amounts attract a 10 percent bonus, while recharges of NLe10 and above receive a 100 percent bonus, providing additional value to subscribers.
Sierratel confirmed that SIM cards are now available at Point-of-Sale outlets throughout Freetown and across the provinces through an expanding nationwide network of authorised dealers and agents.
To support customers, the company has established dedicated customer service operations through its call centre, ensuring subscribers receive prompt assistance whenever required. Its official mobile application and social media platforms have also been activated to provide customers with product information, service updates and ongoing digital support.
Company officials described the commercial launch as more than the return of a telecommunications operator, calling it the revival of a national institution established to serve Sierra Leoneans.
They noted that the initiative demonstrates how strategic partnerships between government and the private sector can successfully revive state-owned enterprises without privatisation or direct government budgetary expenditure.
According to the company, no national asset was sold as part of the arrangement. Instead, the partnership was structured to preserve public ownership while introducing operational efficiency, technological expertise and improved service delivery.
Beyond expanding competition within Sierra Leone’s telecommunications market, the relaunch is expected to contribute to increased digital inclusion, improved access to affordable mobile services and additional public revenue generated through the continued growth of the national operator.
As commercial operations begin nationwide, Sierratel says it remains committed to delivering reliable connectivity, competitive products and customer-focused services while supporting Sierra Leone’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The company has encouraged Sierra Leoneans to visit authorised dealers and Point-of-Sale outlets across the country to obtain their SIM cards and experience the new generation of Sierratel mobile services. Customers can also access assistance through the company’s customer care line by dialling 111, visit sierratel.sl, or follow @Sierratel across its official social media platforms for the latest products, promotions and service updates.
Sierra Leone's Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, emerged as one of the leading voices for developing nations at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026, where he joined heads of state, senior government officials, multilateral development bank presidents and United Nations leaders in discussions on strengthening global resilience and sustainable development.
Held on Monday, 29 June 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, the conference brought together some of the world’s most influential policymakers and financial leaders to address pressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic instability, climate resilience and sustainable development financing.
Vice President Juldeh Jalloh participated alongside distinguished global figures, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan, United Kingdom Minister of State for International Development and Africa Baroness Jennifer Chapman, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo, and President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Sidi Ould Tah.
From the official leaders’ gathering at Hamburg’s historic City Hall to the conference’s high-level policy sessions, the Vice President actively engaged fellow world leaders and development partners, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s growing influence in international discussions on sustainable development, economic resilience and global cooperation.
A defining moment of his participation came during the high-level panel discussion titled “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis: Forging a Collective Response,” which followed a keynote address by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, emerged as one of the leading voices for developing nations at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026
Speaking from the perspective of both a former United Nations governance and security expert for West Africa and the Sahel and the leader of an import-dependent African economy, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh highlighted the severe consequences that geopolitical conflicts have on developing nations.
He observed that disruptions to strategic shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, extend far beyond fuel markets and create widespread economic hardship for vulnerable countries.
“For the Global South, an oil shock is never just an oil shock. It becomes a food shock, a fiscal shock, and ultimately a human development shock,” the Vice President stated.
He explained that increases in global oil prices rapidly translate into higher costs for fuel, food, fertiliser, electricity and transportation, placing enormous strain on national budgets and slowing economic growth in low-income countries.
The Vice President urged the international community to recognize food and energy security as essential pillars of global stability rather than domestic policy concerns, stressing that geopolitical crises in one region often have devastating consequences for millions of people living thousands of miles away.
Beyond outlining the challenges facing developing economies, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh presented practical proposals aimed at strengthening the international financial system and improving global resilience.
He called on multilateral development banks, including the African Development Bank and the World Bank, to establish a Global South Shock Absorption Facility that would provide rapid, flexible financing to countries affected by geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions before such crises escalate into humanitarian emergencies.
Drawing parallels with international climate financing mechanisms, the Vice President argued that global financial institutions should move beyond financing recovery after disasters and instead invest in preventive resilience that enables vulnerable economies to withstand external shocks.
“We must shift from financing recovery after crises to financing resilience before they occur,” he emphasized.
He noted that countries like Sierra Leone require responsive financial instruments capable of cushioning economies against sudden external shocks while protecting critical investments in health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
His intervention received considerable attention during the conference and reinforced growing calls for reforms that make the international financial architecture more responsive to the realities confronting developing countries.
Observers noted that Sierra Leone’s contribution elevated the country’s profile from being a participant in global discussions to becoming an active contributor of policy solutions aimed at strengthening economic resilience across the Global South.
Throughout the conference, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh also held engagements with international leaders, development partners and representatives of multilateral institutions, further strengthening Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence on the global stage.
His participation underscored the country’s commitment to constructive international engagement and demonstrated Sierra Leone’s determination to contribute meaningfully to shaping policies that promote equitable growth, sustainable development and inclusive global prosperity.
As the Hamburg Sustainability Conference concluded its deliberations, Sierra Leone’s Vice President left a strong impression as a persuasive advocate for developing nations, calling for greater international solidarity, stronger multilateral cooperation and financial reforms capable of protecting vulnerable economies from increasingly complex global challenges.
His message resonated clearly throughout the conference: sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring that developing countries have the financial resilience and international support needed to withstand the economic consequences of geopolitical crises beyond their control.
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening international educational partnerships following a high-level engagement with a delegation from the African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in higher education, technical and vocational training, research, leadership development, youth empowerment and cultural exchange between Sierra Leone, Africa and the United States.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, described the visit as a significant opportunity to deepen cooperation in education and human capital development. She emphasized that investing in young people through quality education, skills training and leadership development remains a key priority of the Government of Sierra Leone.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie noted that the Government continues to make substantial investments in the education sector as part of its broader commitment to developing a skilled and competitive workforce capable of driving national development.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education across the country. He disclosed plans to establish community colleges nationwide while expanding skills training in strategic sectors, including agro-processing and renewable energy.
According to him, practical and industry-oriented education is essential to equipping young people with the skills required for employment and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Senior Permanent Secretary, Sheick Kargbo, underscored the importance of academic research in exploring the historical and cultural connections between Africa and the Americas. He encouraged greater collaboration among academic institutions to promote research and knowledge exchange.
Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Abdul Senesie, also called for stronger alignment between educational initiatives and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, stressing that education must remain a catalyst for Africa’s long-term development and transformation.
Speaking on behalf of A2MEND, the organization’s Executive Director, Dr. Erin Vines, outlined the institution’s mission of mentoring and developing Black male students through leadership programmes, scholarships, academic support and international study opportunities.
He said reconnecting people of African descent with their cultural heritage remains central to A2MEND’s mission and expressed optimism that stronger partnerships with Sierra Leone would create lasting educational and developmental opportunities for students on both sides of the Atlantic.
During their visit, members of the A2MEND delegation are expected to tour key Government institutions, universities and historical sites across Sierra Leone as part of efforts to identify areas for future collaboration in education, research and youth development.
The engagement concluded with both the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the A2MEND delegation reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in education, leadership development, academic research, cultural exchange and youth empowerment, with the aim of creating lasting opportunities for future generations.
Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening the country’s legal and institutional response to financial crimes, terrorism financing, money laundering and other forms of transnational organized crime.
The assurance was given on Thursday, 25 June 2026, when the Chief Justice received a high-level delegation from the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for West Africa (ARINWA) at his Chambers on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown. The meeting focused on advancing efforts to establish a comprehensive Asset Recovery and Management Framework in Sierra Leone aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to recover proceeds of crime and strengthen accountability.
The ARINWA delegation comprised the organization’s President and Director General of Senegal’s National Office for the Recovery of Criminal Assets (ONRAC), Mor Ndiaye; ARINWA Permanent Secretary, Madam Kadiatou Ly Sangaré; and Assistant Permanent Secretary, Charles Ballet. The delegation was led by the Director of Sierra Leone’s Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), David N. Borbor.
Addressing the delegation, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda stressed the importance of establishing effective legal mechanisms that not only ensure the prosecution of offenders but also deprive criminals of the financial benefits derived from their illegal activities.
He emphasized that an effective asset recovery system is a vital component of the country’s fight against corruption, organized crime and illicit financial flows.
“Crime should never pay,” the Chief Justice declared, noting that a credible asset recovery regime is fundamental to promoting accountability, strengthening public confidence in the justice system and safeguarding the integrity of national institutions.
He further observed that effective asset recovery mechanisms serve as a strong deterrent to criminal conduct while reinforcing transparency, accountability and the rule of law. According to him, strengthening the legal framework for tracing, confiscating and managing criminal assets is essential to protecting the country’s economic and governance systems from abuse by criminal networks.
The visit by the ARINWA delegation forms part of broader regional efforts to enhance cooperation among West African countries in tracing, recovering and managing assets obtained through criminal activities. Such collaboration is expected to improve information sharing, strengthen institutional capacity and promote coordinated responses to cross-border financial crimes.
The meeting also highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to aligning its legal and judicial systems with international best practices in asset recovery and financial crime prevention, while reinforcing partnerships with regional institutions dedicated to combating organized crime across West Africa.
Sierra Leone has received a major boost in its drive to achieve universal electricity access following the World Bank Board’s approval of US$60 million under the first phase of the Regional Programme for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES).
The funding forms part of a broader US$200 million regional financing package benefiting Sierra Leone, Benin, the Central African Republic and Liberia. It represents the first phase of an ambitious US$853 million regional initiative aimed at expanding access to clean and reliable electricity through renewable energy technologies.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the investment will support Sierra Leone’s National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 initiative by accelerating the deployment of solar home systems, mini-grids and other off-grid renewable energy solutions, particularly in rural and underserved communities where extending the national electricity grid remains both costly and challenging.
The initiative comes at a time when only 36 percent of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity. Through Regional DARES, the programme is expected to mobilize an additional US$54 million in private sector investment while providing reliable electricity to more than 1.2 million people and approximately 24,000 businesses across the country. Homes, schools, health facilities and commercial enterprises are expected to benefit significantly from the improved energy supply.
Beyond increasing electricity access, the programme is expected to stimulate economic growth by improving productivity among farmers, cooperatives and small businesses. It will also generate employment opportunities for young people and women through the expansion of Sierra Leone’s renewable energy value chain while supporting the country’s transition to cleaner and more climate-resilient sources of energy.
The Ministry of Energy, on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone, expressed appreciation to the World Bank Group and development partners for their continued collaboration in supporting the country’s energy sector transformation.
Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant, described the approval as another significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards universal electricity access.
“The approval of Regional DARES is another important step towards achieving universal access to electricity in Sierra Leone. Distributed renewable energy offers the fastest and most practical way to reach many of our rural communities. This investment will help bring reliable electricity to households, schools, health facilities and businesses, while creating opportunities for economic growth. We are committed to ensuring that these resources deliver real benefits for the people of Sierra Leone,” the Minister stated.
The Ministry further noted that the Regional DARES programme builds on ongoing reforms and recent investments in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, including the RESPITE Project, while complementing broader Government efforts to strengthen the electricity sector, encourage greater private sector participation and accelerate national development through sustainable energy solutions.
The Government of Sierra Leone has announced encouraging progress in the country’s agricultural sector following the release of the 2025 Sierra Leone Crop Production Survey, which shows increased rice production, improved crop yields and steady advancement toward national food self-sufficiency under the Feed Salone programme.
Published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) on 26 June 2026, the survey was conducted in partnership with the Planning, Evaluation, Monitoring and Statistics Division (PEMSD) and Statistics Sierra Leone. It provides comprehensive data on the country’s agricultural performance during the 2025/2026 cropping season and highlights positive trends across both food and cash crops.
According to the report, Sierra Leone produced 1,441,015 metric tonnes of paddy rice in 2025, representing a 4.21 percent increase over the previous year’s production. The report attributes the increase to the expansion of cultivated farmland and improved productivity among farmers nationwide.
The survey shows that farmers cultivated approximately 661,016 hectares of rice during the year, reflecting a 3.86 percent increase compared to 2024. National average rice yield also improved significantly, rising by 9 percent to 2.37 metric tonnes per hectare. Rice self-sufficiency increased to 73 percent, up from 72 percent recorded the previous year, demonstrating continued progress toward reducing dependence on imported rice.
Officials noted that Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) farming remains the country’s most productive rice-growing ecology, contributing 58 percent of national rice production while recording the highest average yield of 2.97 metric tonnes per hectare. Upland farming accounted for 27 percent of total production, followed by boli lands with 9 percent, riverine areas with 4 percent and mangrove ecologies contributing 1 percent.
The nationwide survey covered all 15 districts using crop-cutting techniques supported by GPS-based area measurements to produce nationally representative estimates. A total of 6,340 rice-producing households and 2,625 households cultivating other crops were sampled, while 41,368 rice farmers were enumerated to establish the national rice sampling framework.
Beyond rice, the survey recorded encouraging performances in other major crops. Cassava remained the country’s largest food crop, with production reaching 1,654,516 metric tonnes at an average yield of 12.54 metric tonnes per hectare. Groundnut production stood at 95,873 metric tonnes with an average yield of 2.33 metric tonnes per hectare, while maize production reached 91,666 metric tonnes at an average yield of 2.80 metric tonnes per hectare. Cocoa production totalled 19,642 metric tonnes with an average yield of 1.50 metric tonnes per hectare, reaffirming its importance as a major export commodity.
Despite those gains, the survey identified several challenges limiting agricultural productivity. Only 4.9 percent of farmers reported using chemical fertilizers, while pesticide use remained low at 1.7 percent. Irrigation access also remains limited, with only 18.8 percent of farmers in boli and upland ecologies benefiting from irrigation systems. Additionally, 27.9 percent of IVS farmers reported cultivating rehabilitated swamp land.
The report recommends increased investment in Inland Valley Swamp rehabilitation, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, improved access to agricultural inputs and strengthened extension services. It concludes that continued implementation of the Feed Salone initiative will be critical to sustaining agricultural growth, improving farmers’ livelihoods and accelerating Sierra Leone’s journey toward achieving full national food security.
