AGP Executive Report

Women’s Football: The SLFA has launched Sierra Leone’s first women’s football strategy, a four-year plan to grow the game from grassroots to international level and expand opportunities for girls. Maternal and Child Health: Health Minister Austin Demby called for stronger accountability after reporting declines in maternal and child deaths, while warning that preventable losses continue. Youth Safety: Police sensitised Rutile pupils on drug abuse, violence, child abuse and early marriage, urging them to seek help and resolve disputes peacefully. Education: The government says 47,454 WASSCE results were withheld over suspected malpractice; separately, 63.33% of candidates failed English, prompting plans for urgent teacher training. Creative Industries: Sierra Leonean filmmakers can apply by 15 November for a free AI filmmaking programme backed by Idris Elba’s Akuna Group and Google, with training, mentorship and funding opportunities for selected teams. Peace and Reconciliation: President Julius Maada Bio apologised to civil war survivors and pledged an initial Le25 million for a proposed peace fund.

Women’s Football: The SLFA is launching Sierra Leone’s first women’s football strategy with FIFA support, alongside training to strengthen the administration of the game. Education: After 63.33% of 2026 WASSCE candidates failed English, Education Minister Conrad Sackey announced urgent training for English teachers. Bo’s Awada Senior Secondary School stood out, with 29 of 30 candidates earning at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. Creative Opportunities: Idris Elba’s Akuna Group and Google have opened applications for a free AI filmmaking programme for Sierra Leonean creators. Applications close November 15; selected teams can receive funding to make films. Peace and Reconciliation: President Julius Maada Bio apologised to civil-war victims and pledged Le25 million for a peace fund, while calling for peace education in schools and stronger political dialogue. Youth Sport: Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos led a mental-strength session for Leone Stars U-15 players at the FIFA festival in Azerbaijan.

Tourism & Culture: The National Tourist Board has launched inspections of hotels, nightclubs and other tourism businesses across the north, checking licences and payments as it seeks to improve standards. Film & Creativity: Idris Elba’s Akuna Group and Google are offering Sierra Leonean creators free AI filmmaking training, mentorship and a chance to secure production funding; applications close November 15. Education: Sierra Leone has released 2026 WASSCE results, but 47,454 candidates’ results were withheld over suspected malpractice. Awada Senior Secondary School in Bo led the initial school rankings, with 29 of 30 candidates earning at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. Women in Sport: The SLFA is launching the country’s first Women’s Football Strategy in Freetown, alongside training for administrators, to expand opportunities for women and girls. Peace & Unity: At a national conference, President Bio apologised to civil war survivors and pledged Le25 million for a peace fund.

Education: Sierra Leone has released its 2026 WASSCE results, but 47,454 candidates had their results withheld over suspected malpractice; withholding does not mean they have been found guilty. Awada Senior Secondary School in Bo topped the initial school rankings, with 29 of its 30 candidates earning at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. Peace and Reconciliation: President Julius Maada Bio apologised to civil war victims and pledged an initial Le25 million for a proposed Peace Basket Fund, alongside plans for peace education in schools. Creative Opportunities: Idris Elba’s Akuna Group has opened applications for a free AI filmmaking programme for creators, including Sierra Leoneans. Applications close November 15, and selected teams may receive funding to make films. Women’s Football: The SLFA will launch Sierra Leone’s first Women’s Football Strategy in Freetown from October 28 to 30, with a workshop for administrators focused on building opportunities for women and girls.

Women’s Safety: Sierra Leone and the UK are exploring stronger cooperation to prevent violence against women and girls and improve support for victims. Peace and Unity: President Bio proposed six measures, including peace education in schools and a national Peace Week, at Freetown’s unity conference. Education: The 2026 WASSCE results are due at noon today via SLBC; the education minister warns families to avoid unofficial claims and payment scams. Child Protection: Lungi police are raising awareness in schools about abuse, sexual offences and early marriage. University Strike: NUSS is urging the government and lecturers to resume talks, warning the dispute is disrupting classes and exams. Women’s Football: SLFA will launch Sierra Leone’s first women’s football strategy in Freetown on October 28, followed by training for administrators. Racism in Sport: SLFA condemned racist abuse and death threats against defender Juma Bah and called for action to protect players. Film and Technology: A free AI filmmaking programme for creators in Sierra Leone and four other African countries is taking applications until November 15.

National Unity: President Julius Maada Bio and former President Ernest Bai Koroma are attending a two-day Freetown conference on rebuilding trust and social cohesion. Women’s Football: The SLFA will launch Sierra Leone’s first women’s football strategy in Freetown from October 28–30, alongside training for administrators. Creative Industries: Idris Elba’s Akuna Group has opened applications for a free AI filmmaking programme, with Sierra Leone among five participating countries. Applications close November 15. Arts & Recognition: Sierra Leonean-American storyteller Freddy Will was named Content Creator of the Year at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2026. Sport & Inclusion: The SLFA condemned racist abuse and death threats targeting defender Juma Bah, calling for stronger action to protect players. Women’s Health: Gender Minister Isata Mahoi joined a Freetown breast cancer awareness walk, urging women to seek regular screening and early detection. Coastal Livelihoods: Sand extraction at Mahera Beach is damaging the landscape and tourism, while women who depend on the trade face the strain of balancing income with conservation.

Sport & Inclusion: The Sierra Leone Football Association condemned racist abuse and death threats against defender Juma Bah, standing with him and his family and calling for action against online and in-person abuse. Women’s Health: Gender Minister Isata Mahoi joined Well Woman Clinic’s Freetown breast cancer awareness walk, urging women to seek regular screening and early care. Creative Recognition: Sierra Leonean American artist and author Freddy Will was named Content Creator of the Year at the Influencer Magazine Awards, recognising two decades of independent storytelling. Women in Sport: Boxer Josefien Betist is set to become the first Sierra Leonean at the World Boxing Cup Finals, while 17-year-old table tennis player Naomi Coker scored a notable win over Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana. Coastal Communities: At Mahera Beach, sand mining is damaging the coastline and affecting tourism, even as women sellers rely on the trade to support their families.

Creative Achievement: Sierra Leonean author, musician and publisher Freddy Will was named Content Creator of the Year at the Influencer Magazine Awards, recognising two decades of independent storytelling. Women in Leadership: First Lady Fatima Bio and Unity Party leader Femi Claudius Cole shared a stage at the party’s convention, highlighting solidarity among women across political lines. Press Freedom: SLAJ is seeking a dedicated constitutional chapter to protect free speech and journalists, including those working in digital media. Sports: Seventeen-year-old Naomi Coker beat Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana 3–1 at the Africa Senior Table Tennis Championships; boxer Josefien Betist is set to become Sierra Leone’s first competitor at the World Boxing Cup Finals. Coastal Livelihoods: Sand extraction is putting Mahera’s beach and tourism at risk, while women who sell the sand rely on the trade to support their families. Community Care: Isha Johansen brought breast-cancer awareness and practical support to women at Freetown’s Female Correctional Centre. Civic Life: The Salone Civic Festival returns to Freetown from 10 to 12 December, offering citizens a chance to engage with public institutions.

Coastal Life: Sand mining at Mahera Beach is damaging the landscape and coastal ecology, even as women rely on the trade to support their families. Maternal Health: Kingharman Hospital has received a new maternity room and neonatal equipment to improve care for mothers and babies. Women in Agriculture: 100 small businesses, including women-led ventures, received equipment to support food production and reduce post-harvest losses. Children’s Rights: A parliamentary workshop called for juvenile justice reform focused on rehabilitation and dignity, rather than punitive detention. Young Achievers: 17-year-old Naomi Coker defeated Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana at the African Senior Table Tennis Championships. Culture & Learning: EBKUST and the Chinese Embassy have opened a Confucius classroom in Makeni for language learning and cultural exchange.

Child Rights: Parliament’s human rights committee is urging a shift from detention to rehabilitation and community support for children in conflict with the law. Youth & Jobs: UNDP and local partners have begun training 100 young people to operate electric vehicles, with 50 vehicles expected to serve Freetown. Women & Livelihoods: Agricultural equipment is going to 100 small businesses, including women-led enterprises, to support production and reduce post-harvest losses. Culture & Education: EBKUST and China’s Embassy have opened a Confucius classroom in Makeni for language learning and cultural exchange. Sports: Seventeen-year-old Naomi Coker beat Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana at the African table tennis championships. Human Rights: Amnesty International is urging Sierra Leone to stop the threatened return of three people deported from the US, including Iowa mother Fatou Traore, to countries where they may face harm. Civic Life: The Salone Civic Festival returns to Freetown from December 10–12, offering a public forum for dialogue with government institutions.

Young Talent: Seventeen-year-old table tennis player Naomi Coker beat Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana at the Africa Senior Championships, a standout win for Sierra Leone on the continental stage. Education & Culture: EBKUST and the Chinese Embassy have opened a Confucius classroom in Makeni, offering students Chinese-language lessons and cultural exchange. Migrant Rights: Amnesty International is urging Sierra Leone to stop the threatened return of three US-deported West Africans, including Fatou Traore, who had US protection against being sent to countries where they could face harm. Community Health: A Chinese medical team offered free consultations and practical training in Calaba Town, while health and disaster agencies are working to bring mental-health support into emergency response. Women’s Wellbeing: Isha Johansen took breast-cancer awareness and support to women at Freetown’s Female Correctional Centre; model Almon Sall is also using fashion to promote awareness. Civic Life: The Salone Civic Festival returns to Freetown from December 10–12, with activities designed to bring citizens and public institutions together.

Women’s Health: Isha Johansen brought breast cancer awareness to Freetown’s Female Correctional Centre, while model Almon Sall used a pink-ribbon suit to encourage early detection and support for women. Deportee Rights: Amnesty International urged Sierra Leone to stop the expected return of three people deported from the US, saying they could face serious harm in their home countries. Civic Life: The Salone Civic Festival returns to Freetown from December 10–12, offering citizens a chance to engage with government agencies. Education: PPRC Chair Emmanuel Amara urged university trainers to teach political education without partisan advocacy. Maternal Care: Angel Care Foundation launched a newborn blanket initiative in Sierra Leone, pairing supplies with advice on newborn and postnatal care. LGBTQ+ Rights: Two Sierra Leonean activists say they fled after a police raid and warrants for their arrest, eventually reaching Spain.

LGBT+ Rights: Two Sierra Leonean activists say they fled to Spain after escaping a police raid in Freetown, where warrants reportedly accused them of “homosexuality” and LGBT+ activity. Maternal and Newborn Care: Angel Care Foundation has launched its blanket initiative in Sierra Leone, pairing newborn supplies with guidance for families on infant care and maternal health. Film: Sierra Leonean filmmakers won several awards at festivals in Liberia, including Best International Film for Money Sweet, despite reporting a mob attack and the loss of travel funds. Creative Voices: Sierra Leone-born fashion leader IB Kamara says African identity strengthens his work and urges greater opportunity for other creatives. Mental Health: Orange Sierra Leone joined the Health Ministry’s public awareness campaign, promoting understanding and challenging stigma around mental health. Freetown Living: A new 2026/27 budget guide highlights rent as a major upfront cost, with expenses varying widely by neighbourhood and lifestyle.

Freetown Living: A new 2026 cost guide highlights how housing, often paid for well in advance, can make moving to Freetown expensive. Mental Health: Orange Sierra Leone joined the Health Ministry for a public awareness walk, promoting understanding and support instead of stigma. Eye Health: Sierra Leone’s cataract outreach has restored sight to thousands through free surgeries and screenings, with organisers planning a bigger, faster third year. Film & Culture: Sierra Leonean filmmakers won several awards at festivals in Liberia, including Best International Film for Money Sweet, despite a reported attack and losses during their trip. Learning: Orange Sierra Leone delivered a digital school kit to a primary school in Karene, while a new national assessment aims to improve early-grade reading and numeracy. Creative Voices: Sierra Leone-born fashion leader IB Kamara says African identity informs his work and urges established creatives to make room for others.

Sierra Leonean Roots on Display: Artist Sarah Harris’s “BEACON” light-and-sound installation opens at Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival, inspired by Latchford’s seafaring history and her great-grandfather, a merchant sailor from Sierra Leone. Filmmakers Triumph: Sierra Leone’s film delegation won several awards in Liberia, including Best International Film for Money Sweet and directing and short-film honours for Stuck, despite reports of a mob attack and stolen travel funds. Creative Voices: In a new interview, Sierra Leone-born fashion creative IB Kamara says his African identity strengthens his work and urges established artists to make room for others. Education: Orange Sierra Leone Foundation delivered a digital learning kit to a primary school in Karene District; separately, a new national assessment highlights the need to address early-grade reading and numeracy gaps. Family’s Plea: Fatou Traore, deported from the US to Sierra Leone, says she is confined to a hotel without identity documents as her family seeks her safe return before an October 26 deadline. Regional Health Watch: Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case has renewed calls for stronger cross-border preparedness, resonating in a region still shaped by Sierra Leone’s experience of the 2014–16 outbreak.

Film & Culture: Sierra Leonean filmmakers won major honours at festivals in Liberia despite reporting a mob attack and the loss of travel funds. Money Sweet took Best International Film, while Zachariah Lloyd Sesay and Mary Grace Fatoma also earned awards. Creative Voices: Sierra Leone-born fashion creative IB Kamara says his African identity shapes his work and that success means making room for others. Learning & Child Protection: Orange Sierra Leone Foundation delivered a digital school kit to a primary school in Karene, while a Pujehun quiz competition paired academic challenges with lessons on protecting children and girls. Women’s Rights: Sierra Leonean and UK parliamentarians met in Freetown to strengthen action against violence toward women and girls. Tourism: An opinion piece urges authorities to clarify when Leicester Peak, a major Freetown viewpoint, will be consistently open to the public.