Business

The Ministry of Finance has assured health stakeholders of its commitment to immediately pay Sierra Leone’s GAVI Co-Financing obligation to support the continued procurement of vaccines and essential cold chain equipment for the country’s immunization programme. Financial Secretary Mr. Mathew Dingie gave the assurance on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a high-level follow-up meeting held [...] The post Finance Ministry Assures Immediate Payment of GAVI Vaccine Funding appeared first on Sierraloaded.

John Baimba Sesay: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 5 August 2026: Today, Wednesday, 5 August, accompanying my boss the Mayor of Freetown, I spent the entire day in Sierra Leone’s Parliament as a citizen, following the debate on the government’s proposed amendments to the 1991 multiparty Constitution. It was an important reminder

The Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC) has announced that the 2026 Local Tax is now available for payment and collection across the district. In a public notice issued on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Council stated that the approved rate for the 2026 Local Tax remains NLe 10.00 (Ten Leones) per person. Taxpayers will [...] The post WARDC Announces Availability of 2026 Local Tax Certificates Across District appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, at the Commission’s new headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. Dr. Touray warmly welcomed the former Sierra Leonean leader, with both men holding cordial discussions focused on [...] The post Former President Ernest Bai Koroma Meets ECOWAS Commission President in Abuja appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 04 August 2026 debated and approved the Tenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, Chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, confirming seven Presidential nominees to various state positions. The following Presiddntail Nominees were approved by Parliamrnt: 1. Ms. Isata Marah – [...]

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources has issued a detailed statement dismissing claims that JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited had its large-scale mining licence revoked, insisting that no licence was ever granted in the first place.

The Chinese Embassy in Freetown said Sierra Leone stands to benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy and the upgraded Green Channel 2.0, highlighting the measures as new opportunities to boost exports and strengthen bilateral trade. In a Facebook post published on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, the embassy noted that trade between China and Sierra Leone reached [...] The post China Highlights Zero-Tariff Policy as Sierra Leone Trade Grows in First Half of 2026 appeared first on Sierraloaded.

KFAED Headquarters, Kuwait City – Acting Director-General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Mr. Rashaid A. Al-Bader, has reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting the proposed construction of a Cancer Centre (Diagnostic, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine/Imaging) to improve specialised healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone. He made this disclosure during a meeting held with [...]

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) on August 4, 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the construction of a Cancer Centre in Sierra Leone during a high-level meeting between its Acting Director-General, Rashaid A. Al-Bader, and Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, at the Fund’s headquarters in Kuwait City. [...] The post Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) Reaffirms Support for Cancer Centre Project in Sierra Leone appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Parliament is preparing to intensify scrutiny of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) following concerns that weaknesses in tax enforcement and administration are preventing Sierra Leone from realising its full domestic revenue potential. The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, raised the concerns while contributing to the parliamentary debate on [...] The post Weak GST Enforcement Costing Sierra Leone Billions—Majority Leader first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

QCell has officially launched its new 035 mobile number series, introducing a fresh range of phone numbers aimed at expanding customer choice, supporting digital inclusion, and meeting the growing demand for telecommunication services in Sierra Leone. The new series was unveiled during a press conference held on Monday, 3rd August 2026, at QCell’s headquarters on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

Economist and development specialist Professor Dr Ibrahim Bangura on August 4, 2026, called for increased investment in Africa’s youth while delivering the keynote address at the China-Africa Youth Dialogue and Model United Nations Conference held at the Tunde Cole Complex, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Addressing young delegates, policymakers, and stakeholders, he emphasised [...] The post Dr Ibrahim Bangura Urges Greater Investment in Youth at China-Africa Dialogue in Freetown appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Prof. Dr Ibrahim Bangura, popularly known as DIB and one of the leading flagbearer aspirants of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has called for increased investment in Africa’s youth through innovation, quality education, and inclusive economic growth. He made the call on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the China-Africa [...] The post APC’s DIB Urges Greater Investment in Youth at China-Africa Dialogue Conference in Freetown appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Romanian business magnet and Chief Executive Officer of MACCEM Industries SL Limited, Ahmed Mackie, has strongly denied allegations of tax evasion and the production of substandard cement, describing the claims as misleading and without merit. Speaking in an exclusive interview with this medium, the Romanian businessman said MACCEM remains fully compliant with Sierra [...] The post As $40 Million Cement Plant Nears Completion... MACCEM Boss Rejects Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Sierra Leone’s Cement Industry first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency have clarified that JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited never held a Large-Scale Mining Licence in Sierra Leone, contrary to claims that the Government withdrew the company’s licence. In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the two institutions said JM Mining [...] The post Mines Ministry, NMA Set Record Straight on JM Mining’s Large-Scale Licence Application first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

A Geneva-based Sierra Leonean activist is urgently calling on the Sierra Leone government to take decisive action against QNET and its affiliated IGNITE network marketing operations, following a landmark court ruling in neighboring Ivory Coast that permanently shut down the company’s activities. In a widely circulated Facebook video, Karim Kamara warned that thousands of Sierra [...] The post Sierra Leonean Activist Urges Government Action as Ivory Coast Shuts Down QNET Operations appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Acting Director-General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Mr. Rashaid A. Al-Bader, has reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting the proposed construction of a Cancer Centre (Diagnostic, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine/Imaging) to improve specialised healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) say JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited never obtained a Large-Scale Mining Licence, stating that the company’s application expired after it failed to satisfy statutory requirements. In a joint statement issued Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the Ministry and the NMA said reports [...] The post Ministry of Mines, National Minerals Agency (NMA) Say Why JM Mining’s Large-Scale Licence Application Lapsed appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, has called for urgent collective action to close the country’s digital usage gap, as the National Telecommunications Authority (NatCA) marked its 20th anniversary under the theme “Twenty Years of Consumer-Focused Connectivity.”

, August 5, 2026 The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has officially handed over 20,000 bags of locally produced rice to the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, marking the launch of the 2026/27 Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. Implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone in collaboration with the World [...] The post Government launches 2026/27 home-grown school feeding programme:...injects NLe22 million into rural economy first appeared on AYV Media Empire Sierra Leone, London, Ghana and Africa News Channel. The post Government launches 2026/27...

, August 5, 2026 President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the President of the Gabonese Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, have agreed to establish a structured strategic partnership aimed at deepening cooperation between Sierra Leone and Gabon in key sectors, including natural resources, agriculture, maritime security, trade and democratic governance. The agreement was reached during high-level bilateral talks [...] The post Salone, Gabon Presidents strengthen bilateral cooperation first appeared on AYV Media Empire Sierra Leone, London, Ghana and Africa News Channel. The post Salone, Gabon...

, August 5, 2026 Housemates Salone Season 4 winner Suad Baydoun has secured a major endorsement deal after signing a one-year Brand Ambassador agreement with the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB). The partnership marks another milestone in Suad’scareer following her victory in the country’s popular reality television show, further cementing her growing influence beyond the entertainment industry. Under [...] The post SLCB signs Housemates Salone Winner as Brand Ambassador first appeared on AYV Media Empire Sierra Leone, London, Ghana and Africa News Channel. The post SLCB signs Housemates...

By Musa Paul Feika All People’s Congress (APC) party Member of Parliament for Bombali District, Hon. Suliaman Osman Sesay has smeared the Government of Sierra Leone’s Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2026 as a portrayal of the poor and unprogressive state of country’s economy as it fails to translate positive macroeconomic indicators into meaningful improvements in the [...]

By Musa Paul Feika The ruling SLPP MPs who also doubles as the Chairman of Parliamentary Finance Committee, Hon. Keikura Vandi, representing Bo District has publicly exposed what he described as serious weaknesses in the National Revenue Authority’s (NRA) tax collection system, warning that poor enforcement of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime is [...]

The government of Sierra Leone has unveiled a series of emergency financing measures worth US$160 million to stabilize markets and protect households as the global oil crisis continues to strain the economy.

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio welcomed His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic to State House, where both leaders held high-level bilateral talks and agreed to deepen cooperation through a structured partnership in natural resources, agriculture, maritime security, trade and democratic governance. Receiving President Oligui Nguema and his delegation, ... The post PRESIDENT BIO AND GABON’S PRESIDENT AGREE ON STRUCTURED PARTNERSHIP TO DEEPEN SIERRA LEONE–GABON COOPERATION appeared first on Global Times Newspaper.

Chief Executive Officer of MACCEM Industries SL Limited, Ahmed Mackie, has strongly denied allegations of tax evasion and the production of substandard cement, describing the claims as misleading and without merit. Speaking in an exclusive interview the Romanian businessman said MACCEM remains fully compliant with Sierra Leone’s tax laws and continues to produce high-quality cement [...] The post $40 Million MACCEM Cement Plant Nears Completion as CEO Responds to Allegations appeared first on Sierraloaded.

FROM LAST EDITION 3RD AUGUST 2026 With disappointment and disgruntlement, the investors abandoned the site for close to two years with the ore lying waste. The investors had respite only when the International Arbitration Court and a court in England ruled in the company’s favour. Government which cannot compensate the financial loss entered a new [...]

The dream of owning a house became a reality for Kenema resident, Abu Fomba after Mercury International Sierra Leone Limited, the country’s leading sports betting and lottery company, officially handed over the keys to a fully completed residential house won through its “Win Your Dream House” promotion. The official handover ceremony took place on Monday, [...]

State House, Freetown – Monday, 3 August 2026- Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Monday received His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic at State House in Freetown for high-level bilateral talks. The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in natural resources, agriculture, maritime security, trade and democratic governance, [...]

Guma Valley Water Company has announced a temporary shutdown of water supply across Freetown on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to allow emergency repairs on a damaged transmission main. In a public notice issued on Aug. 4, the utility said water service will be suspended from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. as technical teams work to repair [...] The post Guma Valley Announces Emergency Water Shutdown Across Freetown for Burst Main Repairs appeared first on Sierraloaded.

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio welcomed His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic to State House, where both leaders held high-level bilateral talks and agreed to deepen cooperation through a structured partnership in natural resources, agriculture, maritime security, trade and democratic governance. Receiving President Oligui Nguema and his delegation, [...] The post Bio and Gabon’s President Agree on Structured Partnership to Deepen Sierra Leone–Gabon Cooperation appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leone’s hard-won economic stability is under fresh strain as the global oil crisis, triggered by Middle East tensions, forces the government to revise its 2026 budget. Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura told Parliament on Friday that the surge in international oil prices has “necessitated a revision of the original 2026 macro‐fiscal framework” to protect citizens and preserve budget credibility.

Freetown – Petrol and diesel prices have gone up across Sierra Leone with effect from Monday, 3 August 2026, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has announced. Following a review of the petroleum pricing formula by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), the new pump [...]

The government of Sierra Leone has announced an increase in fuel prices effective Monday, 3 August 2026, with petrol rising from NLe33.00 to NLe35.00 per litre and diesel from NLe35.00 to NLe40.00 per litre. The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Oil Marketing Companies reviewed the petroleum pricing formula, taking into [...] The post Government of Sierra Leone Increases Fuel Prices, Petrol Now NLe35 Per Litre appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has announced sweeping regulatory measures aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, curbing mobile phone fraud and improving accountability within Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector through the mandatory registration of all Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards with the National Identification Number (NIN). The reforms, contained in the Subscribers Regulations 2025, introduce stringent compliance [...] The post NatCA Strengthens Cybersecurity, Orders SIM Registration Overhaul to Protect Digital Services first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Parliament has approved Sierra Leone’s Supplementary Budget for the 2026 Financial Year, introducing significant revisions to the country’s fiscal framework in response to rising global oil prices, declining domestic revenue and growing economic pressures associated with the conflict in the Middle East. Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura presented the Supplementary Budget and [...] The post Parliament Approves 2026 Supplementary Budget to Protect Economy Amid Global Oil Shock first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has declared that Sierra Leone urgently needs a new seaport, stating that the country’s existing port infrastructure is no longer capable of supporting the demands of the growing economy. Responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament following the presentation of the 2026 Supplementary Budget and Statement [...] The post Finance Minister Says Sierra Leone Needs New Port to Unlock Economic Growth first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

A third group of third-country nationals transferred from the United States under the Third Country National Agreement arrived at Freetown International Airport on Friday, 31 July 2026, bringing the total number of people received by Sierra Leone under the arrangement to 32. The latest contingent comprised 10 nationals from countries within the Economic Community [...] The post US–Sierra Leone Repatriation Agreement: Total Arrivals Rise to 32 first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Pavi Fort Al-Associates (SL) Ltd is constructing major irrigation and energy infrastructure to support a 5,000-hectare rice cultivation project in Torma Bum Chiefdom, Bonthe District, under the Government’s Feed Salone Initiative. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Al-Associates, Alimu Sanu Barrie, provided an update on the project during President Dr. Julius Maada [...] The post Pavi Fort Advances Feed Salone with Irrigation and Solar Projects at Torma Bum first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leonean public health expert Patrick Hansil Lansana has been elected to a key regional position within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in recognition of his contributions to Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Behavioural Intelligence, and Infodemic Management. The election highlights Lansana’s growing role in strengthening public health communication systems and [...] The post Sierra Leonean Public Health Expert Elected to Key ECOWAS Regional Position appeared first on Sierraloaded.

By: Guma Valley Water Company Communications Unit Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 28, 2026 – The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Isatta Sao‐Kpato Macarthy, has hailed Guma [...]

By Alusine Sesay Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 31, 2026: Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura on Friday presented a Supplementary Budget to Parliament, warning that global oil price volatility [...]

Popular Sierra Leonean musician and cultural icon Drizilik has officially returned to Africell Sierra Leone as the company’s brand ambassador, marking what both parties described as a renewed partnership built on shared values, creativity, and a commitment to national development. The ambassadorial signing ceremony took place at the conference center of Africell’s mobile company at [...]

A privately financed public transportation project has moved closer to operation after 25 new buses cleared customs at Queen Elizabeth II Quay, paving the way for the launch of a service intended to improve commuter travel across Sierra Leone. The fleet was funded by philanthropist Mohamed Omodu Kamara, widely known as Jagaban, who invested $3 [...] The post Jagaban’s $3 Million Bus Fleet Set for Public Rollout After Clearance at Freetown Port appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Young Sierra Leonean graduates now have a strong chance to gain top-level regional work experience. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for its 2027 Young Graduates Immersion Programme. This is a one-year, fully paid professional placement in ECOWAS institutions and agencies. The call was published on 31 July 2026. ECOWAS [...]

The Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement–Global (SLAM-GLOBAL) has congratulated Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his assumption of the Chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), while urging him to make Sierra Leone’s democratic reforms a key priority of his tenure. In a press statement issued on 30th July, 2026, the advocacy group [...]

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and Chairperson of the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHAERP) Steering Committee, Hannah Isatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy, has commended Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) for the successful implementation of major water infrastructure projects. The Minister made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Babadorie Raw Water [...] The post Minister Macarthy Inspects WASHAERP Water Projects Ahead of Presidential Launch appeared first on Sierraloaded.

ChopWin Sierra Leone has announced its first major jackpot winner after a player turned a modest stake of Le100 into an impressive Le58,000, marking one of the platform’s earliest success stories since its launch in the country. According to the company, the lucky player secured the win on Wild Hot 40, a popular online slot [...] The post ChopWin Sierra Leone Celebrates First Major Jackpot Winner with Le58,000 Payout first appeared on AYV Media Empire Sierra Leone, London, Ghana and Africa News Channel. The post ChopWin Sierra Leone Celebrates First Major Jackpot Winner with Le58,000 Payout...

Parliament has approved the 2026 Supplementary Budget presented by Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura to help Sierra Leone address the economic impact of rising global oil prices and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Presenting the budget, themed “Strengthening Budget Credibility to Safeguard Macroeconomic Stability and Protect Livelihoods of Citizens,” the Minister said the revised [...] The post Parliament Approves 2026 Supplementary Budget to Address Global Economic Shocks appeared first on Sierraloaded.