The Calabash Newspaper

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has been prominently featured in the October/November 2026 edition of Forbes Africa, where he outlined the Government’s strategic vision for economic transformation, infrastructure development, investment promotion, institutional reforms and sustainable job creation. The special Sierra Leone edition, published under the Africa Undiscovered series, highlights the country’s emerging [...] The post Forbes Africa Spotlights Vice President’s Leadership in Sierra Leone’s Economic Transformation first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Following the successful conclusion of a three-day consumer engagement roadshow in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s seasoning brand ONGA, marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, extended its 2026 World Food Day celebrations to the provinces through its Onga Market Storm and Live Cooking Demonstrations. The provincial activities, which ran from 26 to 28 October 2026, took [...] The post Onga Takes Live Cooking Demonstrations and Food Safety Awareness Campaign to Makeni, Magburaka and Kono first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has called for increased international investment in geological exploration, mineral processing, technological advancement and human capital development, stressing that the country’s vast mineral resources must be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities and lasting prosperity for its citizens. Speaking at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow [...] The post Mines Minister Calls for Greater Russian Investment in Sierra Leone’s Mineral Exploration and Processing first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Four men accused of involvement in an alleged fraudulent vehicle licensing operation at the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) have been remanded in custody after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown. The accused, Mustapha Rogers, 29; Simeon Vibbie, 29, a clearing and forwarding broker; Foday Jayah, [...] The post Four Face 61 Criminal Charges Over Alleged Forgery of SLRSA Licence Fraud Case first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

In recognition of his growing contribution to Sierra Leone’s industrial and construction sectors, Chief Executive Officer of ROCKCEM Limited, Bilal Hijazi, has been featured in the October/November 2026 edition of Forbes Africa, dedicated to Sierra Leone under its Africa Undiscovered series. The special publication examines Sierra Leone’s emerging investment opportunities, profiling business executives and entrepreneurs [...] The post ROCKCEM CEO Gains Forbes Africa Recognition for Advancing Local Cement Processing and Industrial Growth first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Deepak Bhurani, Chief Executive Officer of AP Business Venture (SL) Ltd, the company behind the Blue Moon Ice Cream brand, has attracted international attention following his inclusion in the October/November 2026 Sierra Leone edition of Forbes Africa, published under its Africa Undiscovered series. The special publication, which examines Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities, emerging industries and [...] The post Deepak Bhurani Earns Forbes Africa Recognition as Blue Moon Ice Cream Expands Sierra Leone’s Consumer Market first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Lithin Kumar Nasani, Chief Executive Officer and Technical Head of VLN Solutions Private Limited, has been featured in Forbes Sierra Leone’s 2026 Africa Undiscovered Edition, in recognition of his contributions to the development of digital infrastructure and technology-driven solutions in Sierra Leone. Featured under the title “Building the Digital Foundations of Tomorrow,” the publication highlights [...] The post VLN Solutions CEO Featured in Forbes Sierra Leone’s 2026 Africa Undiscovered Edition first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Karefa Ansumana Francis Kargbo, has been prominently featured in the October/November 2026 edition of Forbes Africa, where he outlined the Government’s economic reform agenda, achievements in macroeconomic stability and ambitious plans to attract foreign investment, strengthen public financial management and position Sierra Leone for sustainable economic growth. The special Sierra [...] The post Finance Minister Takes Centre Stage in Forbes Africa for Driving Sierra Leone’s Economic Reforms first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has called for sustained national attention to the welfare of military veterans and former servicemen, emphasizing that the sacrifices of those who defended Sierra Leone must be recognised through meaningful support, lasting appreciation and respect for their contributions to national security. The Vice President made the appeal on Thursday, [...] The post Ahead of Remembrance Day... VP Juldeh Jalloh Urges Greater Recognition and Support for Military Veterans first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Shankerdas & Sons (SL) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Sierra Leonean participation in the private sector following the signing of a Local Content Plan Implementation Agreement with the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA). The agreement, signed in Freetown on Thursday, 29 October 2026, represents an important step towards strengthening local employment, improving [...] The post Shankerdas & Sons Signs Landmark Agreement with Local Content Agency to Empower Sierra Leoneans first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

A 34-year-old security guard, Alie Sesay, has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after pleading guilty to stealing a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera valued at Le2,540. The sentence was handed down by Magistrate Medissa Massaquoi of Pademba Road Court No. 6 in Freetown after the accused admitted [...] The post 34-Year-Old Security Guard Pleads Guilty to CCTV Camera Theft, Bags Six-Month Jail Term first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Justice Adrian Fisher has issued a strong warning to members and supporters of the All Peoples Congress (APC) against intimidation, violence, destruction of electoral materials and other activities capable of disrupting the party’s internal elections, declaring that anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct could face serious legal consequences. The warning comes amid preparations for [...] The post “I Am Not Joking!” Justice Adrian Fisher Warns Against Disruption of APC Internal Elections first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has rejected allegations by the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Moses Sellu Mambu, that journalists Victor Jones and Thomas Dixon conspired to submit a false report against him, describing the claims as unsupported by its records. In a Press Release dated Wednesday, [...] The post SLAJ Rejects SLPP Publicity Secretary’s Allegations Against Journalist Victor Jones first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

A World Bank-supported assessment has revealed growing environmental destruction, economic losses and serious regulatory weaknesses associated with sand mining in Sierra Leone, warning that continued extraction from vulnerable coastal areas could further undermine the country’s tourism industry, threaten biodiversity and expose coastal communities to increasing environmental hazards. The findings, highlighted by the Sierra Leone [...] The post World Bank & SLURC Call for Urgent Action Against Destructive Sand Mining as Coastal Erosion Worsens first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s security forces have launched a major crackdown on a suspected international cybercrime network, arresting 18 individuals and detaining approximately 400 others during coordinated intelligence-led operations in Freetown and Kenema. The operations, conducted in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), resulted in the seizure of more than 1,200 mobile phones, hundreds of [...] The post Massive Cybercrime Crackdown: 18 Arrested, 400 Detained as Security Forces Seize Over 1,200 Phones first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a three-day capacity-building training programme for 20 Sierra Leonean innovators, aimed at transforming locally developed solutions to plastic pollution into sustainable businesses capable of creating employment, improving livelihoods and protecting the environment. The initiative, launched in Freetown during the week of 27 October 2026, forms part [...] The post UNDP Empowers 20 Sierra Leonean Innovators to Turn Plastic Waste into Business Opportunities first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has called for a fundamental transformation of Africa’s economic development strategy, urging African countries to strengthen their productive capacities, promote industrialization and negotiate international partnerships from a position of economic strength rather than continued dependence on foreign markets. Delivering the keynote address at the Elevate Africa Convening 2 026 [...] The post President Bio Urges African Leaders to Prioritize Economic Independence, Regional Trade and Accountable Governance first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The National Communications Authority (NatCA), has successfully delivered a landmark spectrum management and monitoring project aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s telecommunications regulatory framework, improving network service quality and accelerating the country’s digital transformation agenda. The milestone was marked on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, during the official handover of Spectrum Monitoring and Quality of Service [...] The post NatCA Unveils Advanced Spectrum Monitoring Equipment to Curb Frequency Misuse and Improve Telecom Service Quality first appeared on The Calabash New...

As demand for reliable construction materials continues to shape Sierra Leone’s building industry, ROCKCEM (SL) Ltd is strengthening its industrial and commercial operations through major investments in cement production, transportation and distribution infrastructure. The company is expanding its capacity to serve contractors, building material dealers, property developers and individual customers, with particular attention to [...] The post ROCKCEM Boosts RC BRAND Cement Supply with New Songo Warehouse and 50-Vehicle Fleet first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

In a country where political differences have sometimes threatened national harmony, the importance of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to promote understanding, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence cannot be overstated. Among those making a meaningful contribution to Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding journey is Hawa Sally Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace [...] The post Hawa Sally Samai: The Woman Behind the National Conversations Shaping Sierra Leone’s Peace and Unity first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

An AI filmmaking programme for African creators opened in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa. Applications are live at akunalearning.com. ACCRA, FREETOWN, JOHANNESBURG, LAGOS and NAIROBI. Akuna Learning, from The Akuna Group, chaired by Sir Idris Elba, today opened applications for From Script to Screen with AI, a free programme that equips eligible [...] The post Idris Elba’s Akuna Group launches free AI filmmaking programme for creators in five African countries, in collaboration with Google first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio and former President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma have called for stronger national unity, political tolerance and sustained dialogue as Sierra Leone intensifies efforts to consolidate peace, strengthen democratic institutions and address longstanding grievances ahead of the 2028 general elections. The two leaders made the appeal on Monday, 26 October [...] The post President Bio, Ernest Bai Koroma Unite in Call for National Peace, Reconciliation and Political Tolerance first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

A 58-year-old chef, Moses Sarrah Sesay, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 on a charge of murder. Moses Sarrah Sesay is accused of killing Zainab Jalloh between Saturday, 27 June and Sunday, 28 June 2026, at [...] The post 58-Year-Old Chef Remanded Over Alleged Murder of Woman in Tombo first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), in collaboration with the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), has engaged senior banking executives and development partners in high-level discussions aimed at expanding access to agricultural financing and encouraging greater private-sector investment in Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.Bank of [...] The post Government, UNCDF and Financial Institutions Explore New Investment Opportunities Under Feed Salone first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

A major initiative aimed at reducing avoidable blindness in Sierra Leone has recorded significant progress, with 1,522 cataract surgeries performed during the second year of a nationwide eye care programme implemented by Choithram International Foundation in partnership with Noor Dubai Foundation, the Ministry of Health and Choithram Memorial Hospital. The programme, which has continued [...] The post Choithram and Noor Dubai Foundation Restore Sight to Over 1,500 Patients in Second Phase of Cataract Outreach first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called for greater political inclusiveness, increased women’s representation and public support for Proportional Representation (PR), describing those as important measures for strengthening national unity, addressing social injustice and building lasting trust among Sierra Leoneans. The Vice President made the appeal on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, [...] The post Vice President Urges Inclusive Governance, Greater Women’s Representation & PR to Consolidate Sierra Leone’s Peace first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has called for stronger commitment to aviation security, adequate resource allocation and greater recognition of aviation security professionals, describing the sector as a strategic investment in human lives, national security and economic growth. Musayeroh Barrie made the call during the International [...] The post At ICAO Security Week in Kazakhstan... SLCAA DG Musayeroh Barrie Calls for Stronger Aviation Security Investment first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

ROCKCEM (SL) Ltd is making significant strides in Sierra Leone’s cement industry with investments aimed at increasing processing capacity, improving nationwide distribution and making construction materials more accessible to customers, particularly those operating outside Freetown. The company’s expansion programme includes a modern cement grinding mill with a projected capacity exceeding 60,000 bags daily, a [...] The post ROCKCEM Positions RC BRAND Cement for Wider Market Reach as Industrial Investments Gain Momentum first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

One Family People (OFP) on Friday, 23rd October 2026, brought to a close a three-day strategic planning workshop held at City Hall in Freetown, aimed at developing the organization’s Strategic Plan for 2027–2031. The workshop, which began on 21st October, brought together OFP staff, partners and stakeholders under the theme: “Stronger Together for an [...] The post One Family People Concludes Three-Day Workshop to Develop Five-Year Strategic Plan first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sixty-two accused persons have been remanded following their appearance before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Court No. 1 in the Kenema Judicial District in connection with disturbances reportedly involving a Paramount Chief in Pendembu on 16 and 17 October 2026. The accused persons appeared in two separate criminal matters arising from the incidents, with charges [...] The post Magistrate Hadiru Daboh Remands 17 on Housebreaking Charges, 45 on Riotous Conduct Charges Over Pendembu Incidents first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Armed Forces Technical and Education College (AFTEC), has launched an orientation programme for 100 young Sierra Leoneans under the Sierra Ride Electric Mobility Initiative, aimed at promoting youth employment, technical skills development and environmentally sustainable transportation. The initiative, [...] The post 50 Electric Vehicles Set to Hit Freetown Streets as UNDP Advances Youth Employment and Green Mobility first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Highwoods Institute is contributing to the advancement of professional accounting education and technical skills development in Sierra Leone through specialized training programmes designed to equip students, aspiring accountants and working professionals with practical knowledge and internationally relevant competencies. Located at 92 Pademba Road in Freetown, the Institute provides professional accountancy tuition, bookkeeping, financial management [...] The post Highwoods Institute Expands Opportunities for Professional Accountancy Training and Digital Skills in Sierra Leone first appear...

Journalists from Sierra Leone and Liberia who recently visited the headquarters of international lifestyle and wellness company QNET in Malaysia have shared their firsthand experiences of the company’s operations, business model and products, as the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraudulent activities carried out under its name. The revelations were made during the [...] The post Journalists’ Visit to QNET Headquarters in Malaysia Sheds Light on Business Operations and Compliance Measures first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, joined the Second Vice-President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou and The Gambia’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, at a high-level regional seminar held at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown on Thursday, 22 October 2026. [...] The post ICC Vice-President, Chief Justice and Regional Officials Discuss Fight Against Impunity first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling for stronger international cooperation, effective national legal frameworks and greater protection of the Court’s independence in the global fight against impunity. He made the statement on Thursday, 22 October 2026, during [...] The post Sierra Leone Strengthens Fight Against Impunity as Attorney General Advocates Greater Support for ICC first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Orange Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness, employee wellbeing and community development through a series of activities organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2026. The telecommunications company participated in a national awareness walk, organized an employee sensitization programme and supported the [...] The post Orange Partners with Health Ministry to Strengthen Mental Health Awareness & Workplace Wellbeing first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his Government’s determination to transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector through innovation, mechanization, increased domestic food production and agro-processing, describing food security as a critical pillar of national security, economic independence and sustainable development. The President made the declaration on Thursday, 22 October 2026, during the commemoration of [...] The post At World Food Day Celebration: President Bio Highlights Feed Salone Gains, Urges Greater Investment in Agriculture first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq., has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic cooperation between Sierra Leone and India, calling for strategic business partnerships that will create employment, promote mineral value addition and deliver sustainable economic benefits to African countries. The Minister made the [...] The post Labour Minister Woos Indian Investors, Champions Sierra Leone–India Economic Partnership first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has called for stronger regional cooperation and increased investment in mineral processing to enable African countries to derive greater economic benefits from their vast natural resources. The Minister made the call during the Mining in Motion 2026 Conference in Accra, Ghana, where he [...] The post Mines Minister Pushes for Mineral Processing and Industrialization at Mining in Motion 2026 first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has commended Pee Cee & Sons for responding to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s call for increased private-sector investment in agriculture, describing the company’s contribution to the Feed Salone initiative as a significant step towards strengthening domestic food production, reducing import dependence and [...] The post Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka Commends Pee Cee & Sons for Transforming Sierra Leone’s Agricultural Landscape first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Faith Healing Agricultural Project, led by Rev. Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu, has showcased its rice harvest from 600 acres of farmland and unveiled 1,000 bags of locally produced rice for sale as part of efforts to support the Government’s Feed Salone initiative, strengthen food security and empower rural women through agriculture. The [...] The post Rev. Pastor Francis Mambu Showcases 600-Acre Rice Harvest, Unveils 1,000 Bags for Sale first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, received a special birthday celebration from fellow aviation professionals during the 2026 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week in Astana, Kazakhstan, where she joined global aviation leaders to discuss emerging security challenges and measures to strengthen the safety and [...] The post SLCAA DG Honoured at International Civil Aviation Organization Security Conference in Kazakhstan first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Twelve women have graduated from a tailoring and reusable sanitary pad production training programme organized by Lanyi Foundation and funded by Tzu Chi Foundation, with start-up kits provided to help them establish small businesses and improve their livelihoods. The graduation and handover ceremony was held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Bo Women’s [...] The post Lanyi Foundation Graduate 12 Women in Tailoring, Sanitary Pad Production first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Bravely T20 Cricket Premier League has commenced in Freetown on Saturday with a US$400,000 sponsorship package from Parwani Group of Companies to support Sierra Leone’s men’s and women’s domestic cricket competitions over the next five years. The sponsorship, announced during the opening ceremony at Kingtom Oval, Kingtom Police Field, will support the development [...] The post Bravely T20 Cricket Premier League Opens with $400,000 Sponsorship Boost first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

ROCKCEM (SL) Ltd is strengthening its contribution to Sierra Leone’s construction industry through major investments in modern cement processing equipment, transportation facilities and distribution infrastructure, including a new warehouse at Sumbuya in Songo, Western Rural District, scheduled to commence operations in November 2026. The expansion forms part of the company’s efforts to improve the [...] The post ROCKCEM Strengthens Nationwide Cement Supply as New Songo Warehouse Targets Lower Transportation Costs first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Saturday, 24 October 2026, inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, the Hilton Garden Hotel and 15 Presidential VIP villas under construction in Lungi as Sierra Leone intensifies preparations to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026. Scheduled for 17–18 November 2026 in [...] The post Vice President Inspects JMB International Conference Centre Ahead of WAIIS 2026 first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Gento Group’s proposed ports development at Kent and Banana Island has received strong endorsement from the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Oluniyi Robin Coker, who described the investment as strategic and potentially transformative for Sierra Leone’s economic development, regional trade and export competitiveness. Speaking during a Press Conference marking the launch of [...] The post As WAIIS 2026 Approaches... Gento Group’s Ports Investment Gains Strong Private Sector Endorsement first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The GERGHANSAL 2027 International Arts Exhibition has been officially unveiled in Freetown, offering Sierra Leonean artists an opportunity to showcase their creativity internationally while strengthening cultural cooperation among Sierra Leone, Ghana and Germany. The initiative was launched during a press conference held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at the Sierra Leone National Museum, ahead [...] The post GERGHANSAL 2027 Unveiled in Freetown to Strengthen Cultural Ties Among Sierra Leone, Ghana and Germany first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Muazzam Mairawani, Founder and Group Chairman of MSM Group, has met with Sierra Leone’s President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, to explore opportunities for strategic investment in the country’s mining sector, mineral processing and industrial development as global competition for critical minerals continues to intensify. The engagement, held in Freetown and announced on Wednesday, 21 [...] The post MSM Group Seeks to Unlock Sierra Leone’s Mineral Wealth Through Strategic Investment and Industrial Partnerships first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone is intensifying preparations to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, a major regional investment gathering designed to attract international capital, strengthen cross-border trade and accelerate economic integration across West Africa. The Special Envoy for WAIIS, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, officially launched the summit’s local media campaign on [...] The post Dr. Kandeh Yumkella Launches WAIIS Media Campaign as Sierra Leone Prepares to Host Major West African Investment Summit first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.