Sierra Leone's Economic Recovery Earns Fresh IMF Endorsement After Strong Reform Progress

BANJUL, The Gambia — Sierra Leone's economic recovery has received another major international endorsement after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised the country's improving macroeconomic performance and successful implementation of key economic reforms.

The Director of the IMF's African Department, Dr. Zeine Zeidane, commended the Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 2026 African Caucus Meetings in Banjul, following Sierra Leone's successful completion of the third review under the IMF's Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

Dr. Zeidane highlighted several encouraging achievements, including a significant decline in inflation, improved exchange rate stability, the attainment of international reserve targets, and continued progress towards debt sustainability.

He attributed these gains to the Government's consistent implementation of prudent macroeconomic policies, noting that the reforms are laying a stronger foundation for economic stability, resilience, and long-term growth.

Responding to the IMF's commendation, Minister Bangura reaffirmed the Government's commitment to preserving the progress achieved. He said the Ministry of Finance will continue prioritising domestic revenue mobilisation, safeguarding essential social spending, and maintaining fiscal discipline to support sustainable economic development.

The latest recognition from the IMF reinforces growing international confidence in Sierra Leone's economic reform agenda and underscores the Government's efforts to restore macroeconomic stability while positioning the country for inclusive and sustainable growth.

 Sierra Leone Parliament Greenlights Major Hydropower Deal as Nation Pushes to End Electricity Shortages

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone - in a significant move aimed at tackling Sierra Leone's persistent energy challenges, Parliament has ratified amended agreements for the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project (BHEPP), paving the way for expanded electricity generation, infrastructure development and job creation.

The agreements, approved during Parliament's sitting on Thursday, 9 July 2026, form part of the Government's broader strategy to improve energy access and support economic growth through increased investment in the power sector.

The House ratified three key agreements involving the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), and OHDAV Power and Minerals (SL) Limited. These include amendments to the project's Power Purchase Agreement and Implementation Agreement, as well as an Interconnection Agreement to facilitate the transmission of electricity from the hydropower facility.

Presenting the agreements, Minister of Energy Cyril Arnold Grant described the amendments as crucial to improving the project's operational efficiency and accelerating efforts to address the country's electricity deficit.

"Sierra Leone is a power-deficient country, and these amendment agreements are intended to provide electricity for our people," the Minister told Parliament, adding that the revised agreement includes an electricity tariff of 9.6 US cents per kilowatt-hour.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Hon. Momoh Bockarie, said the project would play a vital role in meeting the country's growing electricity demand as businesses and industries continue to expand. He noted that Sierra Leone currently generates approximately 157.17 megawatts of electricity and projected that the hydropower project could create around 1,500 jobs for Sierra Leoneans.

Lawmakers from both the Government and Opposition welcomed the project but called for greater attention to affordability, transparency and equitable distribution of electricity.

Hon. Bernadette Wuyattaa Songa appealed for improved electricity infrastructure in Kailahun District, while Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara urged the Government to ensure communities hosting hydroelectric projects directly benefit from the electricity produced in their areas.

Representing Kono District, Hon. Tamba Kellie raised concerns about the proposed tariff structure, warning that any additional costs could ultimately affect consumers. Hon. Musa Fofanah called on the Ministry of Energy to prioritise electricity supply to essential public institutions, including hospitals and police stations.

Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo questioned the absence of the original agreement during the debate and sought clarification on the financial implications of the amendments and the progress made since Parliament first approved the project in 2023. However, he later withdrew a motion requesting that the full agreement be presented before ratification.

Closing the debate, Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma defended the ratification process, noting that all parliamentary documents were accessible through Members' digital tablets. He stressed the importance of effective parliamentary oversight during implementation and called for the development of a comprehensive National Energy Plan to guide Sierra Leone's long-term electricity sector.

Responding to issues raised by lawmakers, Minister Grant thanked Parliament for ratifying the agreements and pledged to work with relevant institutions to address concerns expressed during the debate.

Parliament Also Approves State-Owned Enterprises Governance Act

In a separate development, Parliament approved the State-Owned Enterprises and Governance Act, introducing a new legal framework to strengthen the governance, transparency and accountability of state-owned enterprises.

The legislation establishes clearer ownership and governance standards, promotes prudent management of public assets, enhances accountability, encourages fair competition and seeks to improve public confidence in the management of state resources.

The passage of both the hydropower agreements and the new governance law reflects Parliament's continued focus on strengthening Sierra Leone's energy sector and improving public sector governance to support sustainable national development

Source: Parliament of Sierra Leone 

 Kono Gets New Parliamentary Voice as Felicia Isata Wuleh Philips Takes Oath of Office

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Kono District has officially regained full representation in Parliament following the swearing-in of Hon. Felicia Isata Wuleh Philips, who succeeds the late Hon. Lucinda Finda Kellie in the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic.

Hon. Philips was sworn in on Thursday, 9 July 2026, during a formal ceremony in the Chamber of Parliament after the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone notified the House of her election in accordance with constitutional requirements.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, declared Hon. Philips duly elected before directing the Clerk of Parliament to administer the Oath of Office. The process was conducted under Section 83 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, together with Standing Order 1A.

Welcoming the new legislator, Speaker Thomas reminded her that her foremost responsibility is to represent the interests and aspirations of the people of Kono District. He encouraged her to approach the role with dedication, punctuality and a strong commitment to parliamentary service.

The Speaker also urged Hon. Philips to familiarise herself with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, describing them as essential guides for effective participation in debates, legislation and parliamentary oversight.

"The work of Parliament is demanding, but it is also an honour to serve the people," Speaker Thomas said, encouraging the new MP to uphold integrity, remain accessible to her constituents and continue the work of her predecessor.

Following the ceremony, Hon. Philips was formally assigned the parliamentary seat previously occupied by the late Hon. Lucinda Finda Kellie and assumes office with immediate effect to serve the remainder of the current parliamentary term.

Members of Parliament from across the political divide welcomed the new legislator and expressed confidence that she would make a meaningful contribution to Parliament's legislative work and Sierra Leone's national development.

The swearing-in marks a seamless constitutional transition, ensuring that the people of Kono District continue to have representation in Sierra Leone's highest lawmaking body.

 Sierra Leone's Next Generation of Innovators Gets a Major Boost as UniPod Launches at Fourah Bay College

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship with the official launch of UniPod Sierra Leone at Fourah Bay College, creating a dedicated space where young innovators can transform bold ideas into practical solutions.

The launch brought together key partners, including the Government of Sierra Leone, the University of Sierra Leone, UNDP in Sierra Leone, and Africell Sierra Leone, reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing innovation, technology, and youth-led enterprise.

UniPod is designed to serve as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and business development, providing students and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, skills development, networking opportunities, and resources needed to develop innovative solutions to national and global challenges.

The initiative is expected to empower a new generation of innovators capable of creating startups, generating employment, and contributing to Sierra Leone's growing digital economy.

The opening of UniPod signals more than the launch of a new facility—it represents an investment in the country's future, where young people are encouraged to innovate, solve problems, and drive sustainable economic growth.

As Sierra Leone continues to expand opportunities for youth and digital transformation, the new innovation hub at Fourah Bay College is expected to become a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial success.

For many young Sierra Leoneans, this marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where innovation is not just encouraged but supported with the tools and partnerships needed to thrive.

 Can Sierra Leone Finally Reduce Recurring Audit Queries? Finance Ministry and Parliament Join Forces

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – In a renewed push to strengthen transparency and curb the misuse of public funds, the Government Audit Committee (GAC), the Internal Audit Directorate, and Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have agreed to deepen collaboration to ensure audit recommendations are fully implemented and recurring financial irregularities are addressed.

The strategic meeting, held at Parliament, focused on improving compliance with audit recommendations and tackling issues affecting Sierra Leone's Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) ratings.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Claudius Williams Tucker, Chairman of the Government Audit Committee, outlined the Committee's mandate to work with the Internal Audit Directorate in implementing recommendations arising from both internal and external audits across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Dr. Tucker warned that persistent audit queries continue to weaken the country's financial accountability performance. He identified the late submission of supporting documents, repeated breaches of internal control procedures, and the failure to apply sanctions against officials responsible for financial infractions as the main drivers of recurring audit issues highlighted in reports by the Audit Service Sierra Leone.

To improve accountability, he disclosed plans to introduce an automated audit-tracking system that will record and monitor audit findings, alongside the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He also called on the Public Accounts Committee to actively monitor the system and support efforts to ensure audit recommendations are fully implemented.

Responding, Hon. Tawa Conteh, Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, welcomed the initiative and pledged the Committee's full support in reducing audit irregularities across government institutions.

He noted that despite operational challenges, the Committee has strengthened its oversight role, revealing that PAC reports covering 2021, 2022 and 2023 have been completed, while work on reviewing the 2024 Auditor General's Report is already in progress.

Hon. Conteh expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between the two committees would improve compliance with financial regulations, enhance accountability, and reduce the number of recurring issues identified in future audit reports. He also advocated for regular engagements to sustain progress.

The meeting concluded with both committees agreeing to maintain closer collaboration, share expertise, and strengthen oversight mechanisms to improve public financial management and reinforce accountability across Sierra Leone's public sector.

The latest engagement reflects the government's broader commitment to improving financial governance, enhancing institutional accountability, and ensuring public resources are managed more efficiently and transparently.

Source: Finance Ministry 

 Can Sierra Leone's Next Elections Be More Peaceful? HRCSL, APC and Peace Commission Take Another Step Forward

As Sierra Leone continues its journey towards stronger democracy, key national institutions and political stakeholders have renewed efforts to improve electoral accountability, protect human rights, and prevent future election-related violence.

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) on Wednesday hosted a strategic follow-up meeting with representatives of the All Peoples Congress (APC), the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), and the Moral Guarantors to review progress on implementing Tripartite Committee Recommendation 29—one of the recommendations aimed at strengthening trust in the country's electoral process.

Recommendation 29 mandates HRCSL to monitor election-related human rights violations while leading civic education initiatives designed to promote peaceful participation and respect for democratic principles.

During the meeting, HRCSL Commissioner Hassan Samba Yarjah reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to independence, impartiality, and professionalism. He also highlighted HRCSL's position paper on the Constitution (Amended) Act, 2025, describing it as an important contribution to advancing electoral justice in Sierra Leone.

Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq. stressed that effective election monitoring requires more than legal authority. He called for increased resources, security of tenure for commissioners, professional capacity, and operational independence to enable the Commission to fulfil its constitutional mandate.

ICPNC Executive Secretary Hawa Samai noted that the meeting forms part of the Commission's ongoing responsibility to oversee implementation of the Agreement for National Unity and the recommendations emerging from the Tripartite process.

APC Chief Negotiator Dr. Kelfala Marrah welcomed HRCSL's work but urged the Commission to increase public awareness by making its monitoring reports more visible. He also encouraged stronger engagement with the Sierra Leone Police, political parties, and citizens to reduce tensions and build greater public confidence in future elections.

Adding to the discussion, Boniface S. Kamara Esq. called on all stakeholders to place national interest above political, ethnic, and regional considerations in order to preserve peace, constitutional governance, and democratic stability.

The meeting ended with several concrete commitments, including HRCSL's preparation of a detailed position paper on Recommendation 29, APC's support for resource mobilisation, continued collaboration with the police and the public, and renewed appeals for stronger government and donor investment in democratic institutions.

As Sierra Leone prepares for future electoral processes, the continued implementation of the Tripartite recommendations is widely seen as a crucial step towards promoting transparency, protecting human rights, and strengthening lasting peace across the country.

Source: HRCSL 

 Fatima Maada Bio Breaks Silence on FGM Allegations, Fires Back with Five Tough Questions

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has forcefully rejected allegations linking her to the promotion of female genital mutilation (FGM), accusing political opponents of orchestrating an international campaign to tarnish her reputation while calling for greater transparency in the national debate.

In a strongly worded statement, the First Lady claimed she had received information suggesting that the opposition All People's Congress (APC) and what she described as anti-FGM campaigners collaborated with sections of the British media to portray her as a pro-FGM advocate on the international stage.

According to Mrs. Bio, the alleged campaign failed because, she said, no one has been able to produce evidence of any programme or initiative she has led that promotes FGM. She further alleged that those behind the campaign have since shifted tactics by avoiding public criticism of her within Sierra Leone, believing such attacks could generate public sympathy and prove politically damaging.

The First Lady challenged both Sierra Leoneans and the international community with five key questions, including why Parliament has not passed legislation banning FGM, why lawmakers who opposed such legislation have not faced the same level of international criticism, and why she has become the focus of global attention over an issue she insists has never formed part of her official agenda.

She also questioned why the criticism directed at her has largely come from outside Sierra Leone rather than within the country, where she believes the public can assess the facts for themselves. Additionally, she called for greater scrutiny of individuals and organisations involved in anti-FGM advocacy, questioning whether some publicly oppose the practice while privately maintaining relationships with traditional Bondo leaders.

Mrs. Bio concluded by urging that public discussions on FGM be guided by facts, consistency, transparency, and accountability rather than what she described as selective outrage or politically motivated attacks.

Her remarks are expected to intensify public debate over FGM in Sierra Leone, where the issue remains one of the country's most sensitive social and political topics, attracting attention from lawmakers, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and international human rights groups.

Source: Statement by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio.