Historic Milestone: ECOWAS Opens New Headquarters in Abuja to Accelerate Regional Integration and Economic Growth

Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has entered a new era with the official inauguration of its new Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a landmark moment in the organization's journey toward deeper regional integration and sustainable development.

The historic ceremony was led by the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, who hailed the commissioning of the modern facility as a powerful symbol of the bloc's collective achievements and future ambitions.

The new headquarters underscores ECOWAS' continued commitment to fostering economic integration, promoting peace and security, strengthening democratic governance, and improving cooperation among its fifteen member states.

Addressing dignitaries at the event, the Chairman, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, said the inauguration represents more than the opening of a new building—it reflects the region's shared determination to build a more united, prosperous, and resilient West Africa.

He emphasized that the milestone should inspire renewed efforts to expand regional trade, deepen economic cooperation, strengthen institutions, and deliver lasting opportunities for the people of West Africa.

As ECOWAS continues to confront regional challenges and seize emerging opportunities, the new headquarters is expected to serve as a strategic center for policy coordination, innovation, and collaboration, reinforcing the organization's vision of an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.

Sierra Leone's Energy Transition Gains Momentum as Dr. Kandeh Yumkella Unveils Major Power Expansion Projects

MAKENI, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone's energy sector is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, with the government unveiling a pipeline of major electricity generation projects expected to dramatically increase national power capacity over the next three years.

Speaking during the 2026 Presidential Town Hall in Makeni, government officials reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio's commitment to expanding access to reliable electricity, describing the country's ongoing energy transition as a long-term investment that is already delivering results.

To reinforce the President's address, Dr. Yumkella  outlined a comprehensive list of completed, ongoing and planned projects aimed at strengthening both the national grid and off-grid electricity access across Sierra Leone.

Major Grid Expansion Underway

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella  highlighted several projects that have already been completed, including the 37MW Newton Solar Plant, the 10MW Lungi Solar Project, the 25MW Makkot Solar Expansion, and the 17MW rehabilitation of the Kingtom and Blackhall Road power facilities.

Attention is now turning to the next phase of expansion. The 20MW Waterloo-Innovent Solar Project is expected to come online between October and December 2026, while the Nant Gas Power Plant is scheduled to generate 60MW by February 2027, with an additional 40MW expected by June 2027.

Further plans include the 40MW Kamakwei Solar Project, targeted for completion in late 2027, and the 100MW Bumbuna Hydro Expansion, projected for completion between 2028 and 2029.

Collectively, these investments are expected to significantly improve electricity supply, support industrial growth and expand access to reliable energy for homes and businesses across the country.

Expanding Electricity Beyond the National Grid

Alongside large-scale generation projects, the government is investing in decentralised renewable energy solutions designed to bring electricity to underserved rural communities.

Among the flagship initiatives is the EU-Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Accelerator (SOGREA), a 5MW programme currently under implementation that is expected to benefit between 70 and 100 communities, reaching approximately 250,000 people.

The government is also implementing World Bank-funded mini-grid projects in eight communities, while the recently approved World Bank DARES Programme is expected to expand electricity access to an estimated 1.2 million Sierra Leoneans.

A Collaborative National Effort

Dr. Yumkella acknowledged that the progress achieved in the energy sector has been built on the work of previous administrations and sustained through strong partnerships with international development agencies.

Dr. Yumkella expressed appreciation to the World Bank, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the European Union, the African Development Bank, the governments of Germany, Denmark, Japan (JICA), China, the United States Government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and other development partners for their continued support.

Building the Future

As Sierra Leone continues to expand both grid-connected and off-grid electricity infrastructure, the government says patience and sustained investment will be critical to achieving universal energy access.

With multiple renewable energy and gas-powered projects progressing simultaneously, Dr. Yumkella believe the country is laying the foundation for a more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy future that will drive economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Sierra Leoneans.

 Government Reduces Freetown–Lungi Ferry Fares Following Fuel Price Cut

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Commuters travelling between Freetown and Lungi will now pay lower ferry fares following a reduction in fuel prices, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation has announced.

In a press release signed by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Rex Bhonapha, the ministry said it had reached an agreement with ferry operators to reduce sea transportation fares by 12.5 percent. The new fares took effect on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, following the government's recent announcement of lower pump prices for fuel.

According to the ministry, the fare adjustment is intended to ensure that the benefits of reduced fuel costs are passed on to the travelling public.

Under the revised pricing structure, First Class ferry tickets have been reduced from NLe 67.7 to NLe 59.2, while Second Class tickets now cost NLe 32.1, down from NLe 36.7.

Vehicle transport charges have also been lowered. The fare for cars has dropped from NLe 245.2 to NLe 214.6, while vans and jeeps will now pay NLe 258.0, compared to the previous NLe 294.8. Charges for coaches and buses have also been reduced in line with the new pricing formula.

Motorbike transport now costs NLe 60.6, down from NLe 69.3, while kekeh (tricycles) will pay NLe 175.2, reduced from NLe 200.2. Bicycle fares have also fallen from NLe 37.6 to NLe 32.9.

The ministry maintained that students travelling in school uniform will continue to travel free of charge, while fares for trucks, trailers and luggage remain negotiable.

Officials said the fare reduction reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that decreases in fuel prices translate into lower transportation costs for citizens and businesses that rely on the Freetown–Lungi ferry service.

The revised tariff is expected to provide relief to thousands of daily commuters, travellers and transport operators using one of Sierra Leone's busiest sea transport routes.

Source: Ministry of Transport and Aviation 

 'Africa's Schools Are Preparing Students for Jobs That No Longer Exist' – Sierra Leone's Education Minister Unveils Bold Reform Agenda

KIGALI, Rwanda – Africa's education systems are preparing students for a world that no longer exists, Sierra Leone's Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Hon. Conrad Sackey, declared at the Young Africa Works Summit, delivering one of the conference's strongest calls for urgent education reform in the age of artificial intelligence and automation.

Addressing ministers, policymakers, development partners and business leaders gathered in Kigali for the Mastercard Foundation-hosted summit, Minister Sackey warned that rapid technological change is shortening the lifespan of workplace skills and demanding a complete rethink of how African countries educate their young people.

"The skills acquired today last only for about eighteen months," he said. "Education must prepare learners for lifelong adaptation, not just their first job."

His remarks formed part of Sierra Leone's ambitious vision to modernise its education system and better align learning with the realities of the 21st-century economy.

Sierra Leone Charts a New Course

Minister Sackey announced that Sierra Leone is developing a new Education Sector Plan, expected to be launched by 2027, that shifts the country's focus from memorisation and academic credentials to lifelong learning and practical competencies.

At the heart of the proposed reforms are the Five Cs—Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Civic-Mindedness and Computational Thinking—which the ministry believes are essential for preparing learners to succeed in an increasingly digital and technology-driven world.

The framework aims to equip students with adaptable skills that remain valuable even as industries evolve and new technologies transform the labour market.

Funding Education Based on Results

In one of the summit's most significant proposals, Minister Sackey called for the introduction of performance-based financing, arguing that universities, colleges and technical institutions should be funded according to the employability of their graduates rather than the number of students they enrol.

"My suggestion is to have some form of performance-based financing, for which employability is the performance element," he told delegates.

The proposal would encourage stronger collaboration between educational institutions and employers while ensuring that public investment delivers measurable employment outcomes for graduates.

Elevating Technical and Vocational Education

The minister also urged African governments to dismantle the long-standing stigma surrounding technical and vocational education and training (TVET), arguing that skilled trades are becoming increasingly vital to economic growth.

Under the proposed funding model, technical institutions that successfully prepare students for employment would receive the same recognition and financial support as universities, helping to create a more balanced and responsive education system.

Regional Momentum for Reform

Minister Sackey's proposals resonated across the summit. Rwanda's Minister of Education, Hon. Joseph Nsengimana, announced plans to publish graduate employment data at three, six and nine months after graduation, giving students and parents better information about educational outcomes.

He also stressed that education systems must anticipate future labour market needs rather than respond solely to present-day demands, reinforcing the urgency of reforms across the continent.

A Blueprint for Africa's Future

As artificial intelligence, automation and digital innovation continue to reshape global economies, Minister Sackey's address positioned Sierra Leone among the African countries seeking to transform education into a driver of employment, innovation and national development.

His call for competency-based learning, lifelong education and performance-driven funding offered delegates more than a critique of existing systems—it presented a practical roadmap for preparing Africa's young people for the jobs of tomorrow.

For many at the Kigali summit, the message was unmistakable: Africa cannot build tomorrow's workforce with yesterday's education model.

Source: MBSSE 

African Youth Transform Waste into Wealth Through Circular Economy Innovation 

ACCRA, Ghana – Across Africa, a new generation of innovators is proving that yesterday's waste can become tomorrow's opportunity.

Through the Youth for Circularity 2030 Initiative, supported by Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana, young entrepreneurs are developing practical solutions that promote repair, reuse and recycling while tackling some of the continent's most pressing environmental and economic challenges.

The initiative is empowering youth to turn end-of-life materials into valuable products and services, advancing climate action, creating green jobs and accelerating the transition to a circular economy across Africa.

By encouraging innovation and sustainable resource management, Youth for Circularity 2030 is helping young Africans reduce waste, minimise environmental pollution and unlock new economic opportunities through circular business models.

The programme also contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production, while demonstrating the critical role of youth-led innovation in addressing climate change and driving sustainable development.

As Africa continues to confront the impacts of environmental degradation and rising unemployment, initiatives such as Youth for Circularity 2030 are equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and support needed to build a greener, more resilient future.

The growing movement highlights how empowering youth to rethink waste is not only protecting the environment but also creating livelihoods and shaping a more sustainable economy for generations to come.

UN Peacebuilding Fund Marks 20 Years with Community-LDriven Peace Initiatives in Sierra Leone 

PUJEHUN/KENEMA, Sierra Leone – Communities in Sierra Leone's southern and eastern border districts have celebrated the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) through a week-long series of activities aimed at strengthening peace, resilience and social cohesion.

The commemorative events, organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone and the World Food Programme (WFP) Sierra Leone in collaboration with partners, formed part of the GOLA-REAP Project (Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding), an initiative focused on empowering communities to prevent conflict and promote sustainable development.

Held in Makpele Chiefdom in Pujehun District and Nomo Chiefdom in Kenema District, the programme brought together traditional leaders, youth groups, women, forest rangers, local authorities and community members to celebrate two decades of the UN Peacebuilding Fund's contribution to sustaining peace in Sierra Leone.

The week featured community sensitisation roadshows that promoted unity, peaceful coexistence, conflict resolution, environmental conservation and collaborative border management. Participants also established community peace structures to provide lasting platforms for dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes, particularly those involving land and natural resources.

One of the programme's highlights was the "Football for Peace" tournament, which used sport to unite young people and communities while fostering trust, teamwork and reconciliation among diverse groups.

According to the organisers, the activities reflect the core objectives of the GOLA-REAP Project, which seeks to strengthen community resilience, improve access to opportunities and build sustainable peace across border communities.

The 20th anniversary celebration also highlighted the importance of local ownership in peacebuilding, with communities taking the lead in creating solutions that address conflict while protecting shared natural resources.

As Sierra Leone continues to build on two decades of partnership with the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the success of these initiatives demonstrates that lasting peace is achieved through dialogue, inclusion and strong community participation.

The anniversary serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a renewed commitment by partners and communities to building a more peaceful, resilient and prosperous Sierra Leone.

Source: IOM-SL

 World Bank and Sierra Leone Step Up Food Security Efforts with New Crisis Monitoring Initiative

As climate shocks, economic pressures and global uncertainties continue to threaten food systems, the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank are strengthening the country's ability to detect and respond to food and nutrition crises before they become emergencies.

In a significant move to enhance national preparedness, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), through the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), has concluded a two-day Joint Monitoring Report (JMR) Workshop in Mile 91, Tonkolili District. The World Bank-funded initiative is designed to improve the capacity of government institutions to collect, analyse and share timely data that supports rapid decision-making during crises affecting food and nutrition security.

The workshop forms part of the implementation of Sierra Leone's newly developed Food Security and Nutrition Crisis Preparedness Plan and complements the Government's Feed Salone Agenda, which prioritises agricultural transformation and national food self-sufficiency.

Around 60 representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, alongside development partners including the World Food Programme (WFP), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), participated in the training. The sessions focused on the Joint Monitoring Report framework, a collaborative system that enables institutions to monitor, assess and anticipate structural, environmental, health and socio-economic risks that could disrupt food security.

World Bank Group Consultant Julius Babatunde Adewopo said the initiative equips technical experts with the skills needed to develop evidence-based Joint Monitoring Reports that will strengthen policy decisions and improve coordination among government and development partners. He noted that timely and reliable information is critical for mobilising resources and responding effectively before, during and after crises.

FSRP Sierra Leone Task Team Leader Dr. Adetunji Oredipe described the country's Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan as a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to protecting agriculture, livelihoods and the national economy from future shocks.

Closing the workshop, Dr. Kepifri Lakoh, FSRP Project Manager, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained by ensuring the early reporting of emerging threats. He emphasised that proactive monitoring and coordinated action will strengthen Sierra Leone's resilience and safeguard food and nutrition security for communities across the country.

The workshop underscores the growing partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank to build a modern, data-driven early warning system capable of protecting lives, supporting farmers and securing the nation's food future.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security