Sierra Leone's Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has concluded a successful participation at the 2026 Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) on Tuesday July 1, 2026 in Germany, where he joined world leaders, policymakers and development partners in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including sustainable development, economic resilience and geopolitical instability.

Reflecting on the two-day conference, the Vice President described the engagements as productive and valuable, noting that the forum provided an important opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and promote practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

"I leave Hamburg encouraged by the shared commitment to practical solutions and stronger international cooperation. Sierra Leone will continue to be an active voice in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for countries in the Global South," Dr. Juldeh Jalloh said.

The Vice President contributed to two high-level discussions during the conference. One focused on advancing child nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life, while the other examined the global implications of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. During the latter session, he highlighted the disproportionate impact of geopolitical conflicts on small, import-dependent economies such as Sierra Leone and emphasized the need for more flexible financing mechanisms to help vulnerable countries withstand global economic shocks.

Held in Hamburg, Germany, the conference brought together heads of state, senior Government officials, multilateral development bank presidents and United Nations leaders to discuss issues ranging from climate resilience and sustainable development financing to economic stability and international cooperation.

The Vice President participated alongside distinguished global leaders, including German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, World Trade Organization Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, Asian Development Bank President, Masato Kanda and President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, among others.

A key moment of his participation came during the high-level panel titled: "Navigating the Hormuz Crisis: Forging a Collective Response." Drawing on his experience as a former United Nations governance and security expert for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh warned that disruptions to strategic shipping routes have far-reaching consequences for developing nations.

"For the Global South, an oil shock is never just an oil shock. It becomes a food shock, a fiscal shock and ultimately a human development shock," he stated.

The Vice President called on global financial institutions, including the African Development Bank and the World Bank, to establish a Global South Shock Absorption Facility capable of providing rapid and flexible financing to countries affected by geopolitical crises before they escalate into humanitarian emergencies.

He stressed that the international community must move beyond financing recovery after disasters and instead invest in preventive resilience that protects critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

Observers noted that Dr. Juldeh Jalloh's interventions elevated Sierra Leone's profile at the conference, positioning the country as a constructive contributor to global policy discussions. His engagements with international leaders and development partners further reinforced Sierra Leone's growing diplomatic influence and commitment to advancing equitable growth, stronger multilateral cooperation and sustainable development across the Global South. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-wraps-up-successful-hamburg-sustainability-conference-with-renewed-global-partnerships/

Sierra Leone's cherished seasoning brand, ONGA, marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, is set to host the maiden edition of the ONGA Awojor Fiesta – Salone Jollof Battle Edition on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Melian Event Center in Murray Town, Freetown. The event will also serve as the official launch of the new ONGA Powder Spice.

The competition will bring together five shortlisted home cooks from across the country, who will compete for the title of Sierra Leone's Jollof Champion and the opportunity to represent the country at the Regional ONGA Jollof Battle in Ghana on August 22, 2026, coinciding with the annual celebration of World Jollof Day.

Speaking ahead of the event, Philip Kanu, Marketing Lead at Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, disclosed that Ghana will host the regional competition, bringing together representatives from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire.

According to him, the search for Sierra Leone's representative began with a nationwide call for nominations on ONGA's official Facebook page, where members of the public were invited to nominate individuals they believed prepared the country's best Jollof rice. The nomination process lasted nearly three weeks, after which the five contestants with the highest nominations were shortlisted.

The finalists are Kadie Turay from Kambia District and Mary Kargbo, Salamatu Kamara, Phebean Kamara, and Bintu Yie Octobean, all from Freetown.

Kanu explained that the winner of the Salone Jollof Battle, together with a representative nominated by the Chefs Association of Sierra Leone, will represent the country at the regional championship in Ghana. He added that all travel and accommodation expenses for the representatives will be fully covered by the company.

Beyond the competition, Kanu emphasized that the initiative seeks to promote healthy eating, proper nutrition, kitchen hygiene, and excellence in home cooking. “This is more than just a cooking competition. It is about encouraging families to embrace nutritious meals, maintain hygienic kitchens, and promote healthier lifestyles," he said.

He described the ONGA Awojor Fiesta – Salone Jollof Battle Edition as the foundation of what the company hopes will become a nationally recognized culinary platform that celebrates Sierra Leonean cuisine while strengthening community engagement.

The event will also feature live entertainment, audience engagement activities, and interactive quizzes designed to educate consumers on the various ONGA products available on the market.

Members of the public have been encouraged to attend the event to support their favourite contestants and enjoy a celebration that combines food, culture, and entertainment.

The winner will earn the honour of representing Sierra Leone at the regional ONGA Jollof Battle in Ghana, where contestants from five West African countries will compete for regional recognition.

ONGA, one of Africa's leading seasoning brands under Promasidor, has over the years organized cooking competitions and food festivals across West Africa to promote culinary creativity, encourage healthy cooking practices, and celebrate local cuisine.

With anticipation building ahead of Sunday's event, food lovers across Sierra Leone are eagerly awaiting the emergence of a new Jollof champion who will carry the nation's culinary pride onto the regional stage. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/onga-to-host-awojor-fiesta-salone-jollof-battle-this-sunday-winner-heads-to-ghana/

An independent investigation conducted by this medium has found no evidence to support allegations that Kings Foam Factory is causing persistent noise pollution in the Blackhall Road community or violating labour and immigration regulations.

The investigation followed the circulation of an article alleging that residents of Blackhall Road community, around where Kings Foam Factory is situated, are suffering from continuous noise generated by the factory's operations, resulting in sleepless nights, stress and other health concerns. The report also accused the company of employing foreign nationals without valid work and residence permits.

To verify the claims, a staff of this medium conducted an unannounced visit to the community on Thursday, July 2, 2026, where interviews were conducted with residents, community stakeholders and representatives of Kings Foam Factory.

Contrary to the allegations contained in the earlier report, residents interviewed during the investigation said they had not lodged complaints about noise pollution from the factory.

Several residents informed this medium that the factory's operations have not disrupted their daily lives, adding that the facility is located at a considerable distance from residential houses.

The investigation further revealed that there are no residential buildings immediately adjacent to the factory. Physical observation by this reporter showed that Kings Foam Factory shares a boundary fence with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) on one side, a church, Saint Martins compound on another side, while the Bomeh dumping site is situated behind the facility.

The location of the factory, according to observations made during the visit, does not support claims that nearby residents are subjected to constant industrial noise.

The investigation also challenged allegations that production machines operate continuously throughout the day and night.

Information gathered revealed that Kings Foam Factory has operated in the community since 2000 and that machine-based production activities are concluded by approximately 3:00 p.m. each working day.

Both community sources and company representatives stated that the factory does not conduct machine operations at night.

Residents interviewed by this medium also indicated that they have never experienced disturbances associated with overnight factory operations.

The investigation further examined allegations that the company poses an environmental hazard and employs foreign nationals without the required legal documentation.

A tour of the factory showed what appeared to be a clean and organised working environment, with no visible evidence of environmental conditions affecting neighbouring communities.

Regarding employment practices, inquiries revealed that the overwhelming majority of the company's workforce consists of Sierra Leoneans.

The few foreign nationals employed by the company were reported to possess the appropriate work permits and residence permits in compliance with Sierra Leone's labour and immigration regulations.

No evidence was obtained during the investigation to substantiate claims that the company is operating outside the country's labour or immigration laws.

A senior community stakeholder, who spoke to this medium, described the relationship between Kings Foam Factory and the surrounding community as cordial and mutually beneficial.

According to the stakeholder, the company has supported several community development initiatives over the years as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

"To claim that the community is suffering from noise pollution from the activities of the company is misleading, as the operations of the company do not affect us in any way as a community," the stakeholder stated.

The stakeholder further noted that residents have maintained a good working relationship with the company since it commenced operations more than two decades ago.

Based on interviews conducted with residents, direct observations at the factory, and information gathered from community stakeholders, This medium found no independent evidence to support the allegations that Kings Foam Factory is causing persistent noise pollution, operating machinery throughout the night, creating environmental hazards, or employing foreign nationals without the legally required documentation.

The investigation indicates that the claims published in the earlier report could not be independently verified during this medium's visit to the community and the factory.

If additional documentary evidence later emerges or relevant regulatory authorities issue findings on the matter, The medium will report those developments in keeping with its commitment to fair, balanced, and evidence-based journalism. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/fact-check-independent-probe-clears-kings-foam-factory-of-noise-labour-and-immigration-allegations/

CTC Mining SL Limited has strongly rejected reports alleging that the company is on the brink of collapse, describing the claims as misleading and lacking factual basis.

The response follows a claim alleging that the mining company has been facing severe financial difficulties, with workers reportedly going months without receiving salaries, working under deteriorating conditions and the complete or permanent cessation of mining operations.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with this medium, the Chief Executive Officer of CTC Mining SL Limited, Hisham Mackie, categorically denied the allegations and maintained that the company remains operationally and financially stable despite temporary challenges affecting the global mining industry.

Responding to claims that workers have gone months without receiving their salaries, Hisham Mackie described the allegation as not only false but baseless. He explained that all employees had received their salaries up to the end of May 2026, while all backlog payments, for one month only, will be made soon.

"There is no truth to the claim that our workers have gone months without pay. All staff have been paid through May 2026 and the June salaries will be paid next week," he stated.

Addressing allegations of poor working conditions and concerns over occupational health and safety standards, the Chief Executive Officer said the company continues to operate in full compliance with Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) requirements and they are top notch.

He noted that CTC Mining maintains stringent safety standards and that all environmental regulatory approvals, including licences issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are current and fully compliant with national regulations.

"Our safety standards are fully in line with HSE requirements, and all our EPA licences are valid and up to date," Hisham Mackie said.

The CEO also responded to claims that the suspension of mining operations was evidence that the company is collapsing. He confirmed that mining activities were temporarily halted in April 2026 but stressed that the decision was driven entirely and purely by prevailing global market conditions rather than financial distress.

According to Hisham Mackie, escalating global tensions significantly increased international shipping costs, making sea freight to China commercially unviable when compared with prevailing mineral prices on the international market.

He explained that the temporary suspension of production was a strategic business decision aimed at protecting the company's long-term sustainability until market conditions improve.

"The fact that operations were paused does not mean the company is on the brink of collapse," he said. "The decision was necessitated by global market realities that made exports to China uneconomical."

Hisham Mackie further emphasized that temporary operational adjustments are common within the international mining industry, particularly during periods of market volatility and should not be interpreted as evidence of corporate failure.

He reaffirmed the company's commitment to its workforce, regulatory compliance and responsible mining practices, expressing confidence that operations will resume when global market conditions become more favourable.

CTC Mining SL Limited maintained that while current international economic pressures have affected operational decisions, the company remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to employees, complying with Sierra Leone's regulatory framework and sustaining its long-term investment in the country's mining sector. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/exclusive-ctc-mining-fully-operational-meets-100-safety-compliance-standards/

The Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Sierra Leone Chapter has unveiled plans for the maiden Nigeria Sierra Leone Trade Fair 2026, a major private sector initiative aimed at strengthening trade, investment and business partnerships between the two countries.

The unveiling and press conference took place on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at the Freetown City Council Hall ahead of the trade fair, which will run from 27 July to 9 August at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.

The exhibition will bring together manufacturers, investors, importers, exporters, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises from Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Products and services from sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, fashion, consumer goods, construction materials and automotive industries will be showcased.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Barrister Hanson Agbai Abosi, said the organisation was established under the auspices of the Nigerian High Commission to promote business cooperation between the two countries and support investors seeking opportunities in either market.

He said the trade fair would provide a platform for businesses to network, form partnerships, access new markets and attract investment.

Hanson Agbai Abosi described Sierra Leone as more than a domestic market, noting that its position within the Mano River Union provides access to Guinea and Liberia, making it an attractive gateway for regional trade.

He said the Chamber would support businesses through mentorship, market guidance, regulatory assistance and networking opportunities, particularly for small and medium enterprises.

According to him, the Chamber aims to promote two way trade by helping Sierra Leonean businesses access the Nigerian market while encouraging Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in Sierra Leone.

Hanson Agbai Abosi added that exhibitors would benefit from business support services, market access opportunities and connections with financial and export promotion institutions.

He disclosed that a large number of exhibition spaces had already been reserved and urged interested businesses to register early.

Describing the initiative as a private sector driven programme, Hanson Agbai Abosi said it was designed to create practical business opportunities capable of generating investment, jobs and economic growth in both countries.

Chairman of the Trade Fair organizing Committee, Remi Okafor, said the event was intended to translate the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone into stronger economic cooperation.

He noted that although political relations between the two countries had remained strong for decades, greater emphasis was now needed on trade and investment.

Remi Okafor said Sierra Leone's private sector had grown significantly in recent years and is increasingly positioned to compete in regional markets.

He stated that the trade fair would connect local businesses with Nigerian manufacturers and investors while providing opportunities to access one of Africa's largest economies.

He also encouraged Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs to join the Chamber, saying members would receive support on product development, quality standards, packaging and market entry requirements.

Remi Okafor also urged local businesses to pursue opportunities beyond Sierra Leone and take advantage of regional markets across West Africa.

He further revealed how discussions with Nigerian manufacturers had generated strong interest in the trade fair after many recognized Sierra Leone's strategic importance as a gateway to the wider Mano River Union market.

According to him, several Nigerian companies have already indicated their willingness to participate in the exhibition and explore investment opportunities in Sierra Leone.

The trade fair will also feature business networking sessions, product demonstrations, business to business meetings and other promotional activities for visitors.

Organisers expressed confidence that the event would become an annual platform for strengthening trade, investment and private sector collaboration between Nigeria and Sierra Leone while creating new opportunities for businesses across the region. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/nigeria-sierra-leone-set-for-landmark-trade-fair-to-boost-investment-and-regional-commerce/

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has officially opened a new branch office, recently, in Segbwema, Kailahun District, marking another significant milestone in its nationwide decentralization programme aimed at bringing essential civil registration services closer to citizens.

The newly established office will operate alongside the Authority's ongoing mobile registration outreach in Segbwema and neighbouring communities, improving access to national identity and civil registration services for residents who previously had to travel long distances to obtain those essential services.

The Segbwema office forms part of the NCRA's expanding national network, complementing its regional headquarters in Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko, as well as recently established sub-offices, including those in Mile 91 and Lungi. The expansion reflects the Authority's commitment to extending its services to communities across Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Paramount Chief of the area welcomed the establishment of the office, describing it as a major development for the chiefdom and surrounding communities. He noted that the office would make it easier for citizens to obtain National Identity Cards and other civil registration services without travelling to distant locations.

The Paramount Chief also disclosed that he is working with fellow Paramount Chiefs in neighbouring chiefdoms to introduce bylaws aimed at encouraging all eligible citizens to obtain National Identity Cards, describing the card as the country's most authentic form of identification.

Director General of NCRA, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, said the opening of the Segbwema office is part of the Authority's broader strategy to decentralize civil registration services and ensure that every Sierra Leonean has convenient access to legal identity documentation.

Since assuming office in 2018, the Director General has overseen several reforms within the NCRA, including the expansion of mobile registration teams to underserved communities, the digitization of civil registration records, the introduction of secure biometric National Identity Cards and the establishment of additional offices across the country.

The Authority maintains that strengthening access to civil registration services remains central to improving governance, national planning and public service delivery, while ensuring that citizens can easily access legal identity documents regardless of where they live.

The opening of the Segbwema branch office is expected to reduce travel costs and waiting times for residents of Kailahun District, while supporting the Government's broader objective of promoting inclusive and accessible public services throughout Sierra Leone.

NCRA reiterated that civil registration is a fundamental right and remains a key pillar of national development, stressing that expanding its presence across the country will continue to be a priority as it works to ensure that no citizen is left behind. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ncra-dg-advances-decentralization-with-new-office-in-segbwema/

Chair, Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF); Special Envoy for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS); Former Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Under-Secretary-General.

Every evening, millions of Sierra Leoneans still plan their lives around electricity. Businesses close early. Students struggle to study. Hospitals rely on generators. Changing that reality is one of our country’s greatest development challenges.

There is one lesson that history teaches over and over again: no country has achieved sustained economic transformation without reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.

Whether we look at Europe after the Industrial Revolution, the rapid rise of East Asia, or the remarkable progress of countries closer to home, the pattern is unmistakable. Electricity powers factories, irrigates farms, enables digital innovation, strengthens healthcare, improves education and creates jobs. It is not simply another public service; it is the foundation upon which modern economies are built.

For Sierra Leone, therefore, the question has never been whether we can afford to invest in energy. The real question is whether we can afford not to.

That conviction lies at the heart of Sierra Leone’s Energy Transition Agenda.

Leadership Means Looking Beyond Today’s Crisis

When President Julius Maada Bio began his second term in 2023, he made an important choice. Rather than allowing the energy sector to remain trapped in a cycle of emergencies and short-term fixes, he committed the country to a long-term strategy.

At the first National Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET) Dialogue in October 2023, the President launched the Sierra Leone Energy Transition Agenda. It was more than the unveiling of another Government programme. It was a recognition that transforming an energy sector requires patience, consistency and a willingness to make investments whose greatest benefits will be enjoyed years into the future.

Energy transitions do not happen in one budget cycle or within a single political season. They require stable policies, capable institutions, strong partnerships and sustained leadership.

Above all, they require persistence.

Three Years Later, the Results Are Beginning to Speak for Themselves

When I addressed Parliament in November 2025, I expressed my belief that 2026 would mark the beginning of Sierra Leone’s energy revolution.

Today, that vision is beginning to take shape.

In June this year, President Bio commissioned Sierra Leone’s first utility-scale solar power plants in Newton and Lungi. These projects are more than engineering achievements. They represent a shift toward cleaner, more affordable and more reliable electricity while strengthening power supply to Freetown and surrounding communities.

Across rural Sierra Leone, another transformation is quietly unfolding. Through the European Union-supported Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Access (SOGREA) Programme, nearly 100 communities are preparing to receive modern mini-grids. For many families, electricity will arrive not as a luxury, but as an opportunity; for children to study after dark, health centres to provide better care, farmers to add value to their harvests and entrepreneurs to build businesses that were previously impossible.

Another significant milestone came with the World Bank’s approval of the US$60 million Decentralized Renewable Energy Access Scale-up (DARES) Programme. Together with Sierra Leone’s Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and our participation in Mission 300, the joint World Bank and African Development Bank initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, these investments will dramatically expand access to electricity across the country.

Taken together, these are not isolated projects. They are pieces of a carefully designed national strategy.

Energy Is About People, Not Just Power

Discussions about electricity often become conversations about megawatts, transmission lines and generation capacity.

Those numbers matter.

But they are not the reason we invest.

The true measure of success is what electricity makes possible.

Reliable power allows a farmer to process cassava instead of selling it raw. It enables manufacturers to operate competitively. It keeps medicines refrigerated, allows hospitals to save lives and gives students the chance to study after sunset. It provides the confidence that investors need before building factories and creating jobs.

In other words, energy policy is really economic policy.

Our ambition is not simply to build more power plants.

It is to build a more productive, competitive and prosperous Sierra Leone.

Building an Energy-Secure Future

The pipeline of projects now under implementation is among the most ambitious in our nation’s history.

It includes the completed solar facilities at Newton, Lungi and Makoth; rehabilitation of the Kingtom and Blackhall Road power stations; the Innovent solar project at Waterloo; the Nant gas-fired power plant; the Kamakwie solar project; and the expansion of the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project.

Alongside these grid investments are decentralized solutions that will reach communities where extending the national grid would otherwise take years. The SOGREA programme, existing World Bank mini-grid projects and the newly approved DARES initiative will together bring electricity to well over one million Sierra Leoneans.

By mid-2027, electricity available to Greater Freetown is expected to increase dramatically as Newton, Waterloo and the first phase of the Nant power project come fully online. Looking further ahead, renewable energy is expected to account for approximately 50 percent of Sierra Leone’s electricity generation by 2030.

Equally important, under the Mission 300 Compact, Sierra Leone aims to increase national electricity access from approximately 36 percent today to nearly 78 percent by 2030.

These are ambitious targets.

But unlike many development aspirations, they are backed by real projects, committed financing and clear implementation plans.

Partnerships Make Transformation Possible

No country makes an energy transition alone.

Sierra Leone’s progress has been possible because of strong partnerships with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the European Union, the Governments of Germany and Denmark, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, BADEA, the OPEC Fund, JICA, government of China and many others.

Just as encouraging is the growing confidence of private investors, who increasingly see Sierra Leone as a country committed to reform and long-term planning.

That combination, political leadership, development finance and private investment, is exactly what successful energy transitions require.

The Work Is Far From Finished

While we celebrate progress, we should also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead.

Transmission and distribution networks must continue to expand. Utilities must become more efficient and financially sustainable. Regulatory reforms must continue. Private investment must accelerate. Above all, electricity must become affordable and accessible in every district, every chiefdom and every community.

An energy transition is not an event.

It is a journey.

Beyond Energy

In the years ahead, we should judge our success not simply by the number of megawatts we install, but by the opportunities those megawatts create.

Success will be measured by factories that open because reliable electricity is available; by young people who find meaningful jobs; by farmers who process and market their produce locally; by entrepreneurs who build thriving businesses; by hospitals that save more lives; and by schools that prepare a generation ready to compete in a modern economy.

That is the true promise of the Energy Transition Agenda.

Reliable electricity is not the destination. It is the foundation.

President Bio’s Energy Transition Agenda is laying that foundation. The journey will require patience, partnership and continued commitment. Challenges will undoubtedly arise, but the direction is now clear.

Sierra Leone’s energy transition is no longer a distant aspiration.

It is underway.

It is producing measurable results.

And if we sustain this momentum it has the potential to become one of the defining development success stories of our generation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leones-energy-transition-from-vision-to-transformation/