The Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector after receiving the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone for a courtesy meeting aimed at advancing programmes that support women and children across the country.

The meeting, held on Friday, 3 July 2026, focused on deepening the longstanding collaboration between the Ministry and Orange Sierra Leone, with discussions centred on promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, child protection, digital inclusion and education.

Both parties reviewed ongoing initiatives and explored new opportunities to expand interventions that improve the lives of women and children while fostering inclusive national development.

During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone commended the Gender Minister and her team for their unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and protecting the rights and well-being of women and children across Sierra Leone. He praised the Ministry's efforts in implementing programmes that promote inclusion, empowerment and social protection.

In her remarks, the Minister expressed appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for its sustained investment in social development through the Orange Foundation. She highlighted the Foundation's contributions to empowering communities, particularly through digital skills training for more than 500 women and continued support for children's education.

She noted that those interventions have enhanced economic opportunities for women while equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills needed to participate more effectively in the country's growing digital economy.

The Minister further underscored the importance of strong public-private partnerships in addressing social challenges and accelerating national development, emphasizing that collaboration remains essential to achieving lasting progress in gender equality and child welfare.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs and Orange Sierra Leone reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening their partnership and working together to promote gender equality, reinforce child protection systems and create greater opportunities for women and children throughout Sierra Leone.

The  Minister also reiterated the Ministry's resolve to continue engaging private sector institutions in support of inclusive development, with the goal of building a safer, more equitable and empowered Sierra Leone for all women and children. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-sierra-leone-gender-ministry-deepen-collaboration-on-womens-empowerment-and-digital-inclusion/

The proposed 30-megawatt waste-to-energy project for Freetown and the Western Area has moved a step closer to implementation following the successful completion of comprehensive technical assessments by a team of international engineers specializing in civil, environmental, waste and energy engineering.

The delegation visited Sierra Leone on a working mission to evaluate critical project requirements ahead of the implementation of the highly anticipated infrastructure investment, which is expected to transform waste management, improve sanitation and increase electricity generation across the Western Area.

The engineering team, led by Infinitum Energy's Lead Engineer, Raphael, included specialists from De Smet, a Belgium-based engineering company that has been selected to construct the waste-to-energy plant at the Hastings project site. The company previously completed the construction of a sugar cane processing facility in Hastings.

During the visit, the engineers conducted detailed inspections of all legally designated dumpsites across the Western Area, including Kingtom, Kissy and Waterloo. They also toured industrial and agricultural facilities in Cline Town, Wellington and Waterloo, where they engaged stakeholders to assess waste generation levels, existing disposal practices and operational challenges.

According to the engineering team, the proposed facility will require more than 1,200 tonnes of waste each day to generate 30 megawatts of electricity. Based on their technical findings, the engineers expressed confidence that sufficient waste would be available to sustain the plant once operations commence.

The delegation also carried out an extensive technical assessment of the 60-acre Hastings project site, where the waste-to-energy facility will be constructed. The evaluation focused on the site's topography, landscaping, logistics and supporting infrastructure, including the condition of access roads and other facilities required for the successful construction and operation of the plant.

As part of the assessment, the engineers visited the Queen Elizabeth II Quay at the Freetown Port and the Jui electricity substation, both of which are considered critical components of the project's logistics and power transmission network.

Country Director of Infinitum Energy Group, Dr. Yassin Kargbo, welcomed the successful completion of the technical assessment, describing it as another significant milestone in the project's development.

Dr. Yassin Kargbo has coordinated closely with relevant Government institutions, regulatory agencies and community stakeholders since 2021 to facilitate the implementation of the project. Despite delays during the approval process, he expressed optimism that the initiative is now approaching its final stages before full implementation.

He noted that, once operational, the project will provide 30 megawatts of reliable electricity to Freetown and the Western Area while significantly improving waste collection and management, enhancing environmental sanitation and contributing to the creation of a cleaner city.

Dr. Yassin Kargbo further stated that the project is expected to create employment opportunities both at the waste-to-energy plant and across the wider waste management value chain. He added that it will also generate millions of dollars in corporate social responsibility investments to support education, healthcare, sanitation and community development initiatives.

Valued at more than US$200 million, the project is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits through infrastructure development, private sector investment and long-term sustainable energy production.

The waste-to-energy initiative has steadily progressed over the past several years and received Government approval in principle last year. According to Infinitum Energy Group, the company has fulfilled its obligations under the development process, with only the remaining contractual approvals and ratification required before construction can officially commence. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/foreign-engineers-assess-freetowns-waste-system-ahead-of-infinitum-energys-30mw-waste-to-energy/

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has called for greater grassroots action and personal responsibility to accelerate women's leadership and participation in Africa's aviation sector, stressing that sustainable transformation cannot rely solely on government policies and interventions.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie made the remarks during the Women, Youth and Skills Development session at the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026, held from 15 to 19 June 2026 in Lomé, Togo.

The continental event, organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and other partners, brought together ministers responsible for transport and aviation, civil aviation regulators, airline executives, airport operators, investors, development partners and industry experts to discuss strategies for advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and strengthening the continent's aviation industry through improved connectivity, sustainability, innovation and human capital development.

Addressing participants during the high-level session, Madam Musayeroh Barrie challenged women and other stakeholders to move beyond dependence on government directives and embrace personal initiative in driving meaningful change.

She acknowledged that governments have significant responsibilities in creating policies, providing leadership and establishing enabling environments for development. However, she argued that waiting for instructions from presidents, ministers or other public officials before taking action often delays progress.

"Action begins with us," she told delegates. "While governments have responsibilities, real transformation comes when individuals take bold action without waiting for directives."

She encouraged participants to adopt a proactive mindset by taking responsibility within their homes, workplaces and communities, noting that sustainable development begins with individual commitment and collective action.

According to the SLCAA Director General, meaningful implementation of development programmes should not be confined to national institutions alone but must also be reflected in communities where lasting social and economic change takes place. She maintained that empowering women at the grassroots level remains critical to building a stronger, more inclusive and competitive aviation industry capable of supporting Africa's broader economic transformation.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie further stated that women possess the leadership potential, innovation and resilience needed to contribute significantly to the growth of Africa's aviation sector. She urged governments, private sector institutions and development partners to continue creating opportunities that enable women and young people to acquire the necessary skills and leadership experience to thrive in the industry.

While acknowledging the progress already being made in promoting gender inclusion across the continent, she cautioned that Africa must accelerate the pace of implementation if it is to achieve its ambitions under the Single African Air Transport Market and other continental development frameworks.

She called on women, youth organisations, professional bodies and community leaders to work collectively in promoting leadership, skills development and mentorship initiatives that will prepare more women to occupy strategic positions within the aviation sector.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie's address was widely regarded as a strong call for a shift in mindset from dependence to self-driven leadership. Her message reinforced the importance of community participation, women-led initiatives and local ownership in advancing aviation development and ensuring that Africa's aviation industry becomes more inclusive, innovative and sustainable. She emphasised that while supportive government policies remain essential, lasting transformation will ultimately be driven by individuals who are willing to act, inspire others and create opportunities within their own communities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/action-begins-with-us-slcaa-dg-calls-on-citizens-to-take-bold-action-without-waiting-for-government/

The Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has donated digital learning equipment to Rural Education Community Primary School in York, Western Area Rural District, in a move aimed at expanding access to digital education and equipping pupils with the technological skills needed for the future.

The presentation ceremony brought together education stakeholders, community leaders, teachers and pupils, highlighting the Foundation's continued commitment to promoting digital inclusion and improving learning opportunities for children across Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the event, Director of Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, Annie Wonnie Katta, said the donation reflects the Foundation's vision of ensuring that every child, irrespective of location, has access to quality digital education.

She explained that the initiative is intended to provide pupils with opportunities to explore technology, enhance their digital literacy and prepare for the demands of an increasingly technology-driven world.

According to Annie Wonnie Katta, the Foundation remains committed to equipping schools with modern digital learning resources that will broaden educational opportunities and empower children to achieve their full potential.

Welcoming the delegation, Head Teacher of Rural Education Community Primary School, Madam Christiana Macarthy, expressed appreciation to Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for selecting the school as a beneficiary.

She described the donation as a significant contribution to improving teaching and learning, noting that the digital equipment will enhance classroom instruction and provide pupils with valuable learning experiences.

York Headman, Mr. Julrick Pratt, also commended Orange Sierra Leone for its continued support to the community, observing that the company's interventions extend beyond education to the health sector.

"It is very, very timely, this particular donation Orange has brought to our children," he said.

He assured the Foundation that both teachers and pupils would take proper care of the equipment while making the best use of the learning resources provided.

Chairman of the Community Teachers Association (CTA), Mr. Samuel Frewy, thanked Orange Sierra Leone for choosing the school to benefit from the initiative, describing the donation as one that will significantly improve the quality of education available to the pupils.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Aicha Toure, described education as one of the most valuable investments any nation can make, stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, innovate and realise their dreams.

She disclosed that Orange Digital School kits are currently benefiting more than 30,000 pupils across six districts in Sierra Leone, while over 500,000 pupils worldwide are using similar digital learning kits in countries where Orange operates.

Madam Aicha Toure commended teachers for their dedication to nurturing future generations and expressed confidence that the donated equipment would strengthen classroom teaching and prepare pupils for the digital age.

"Investing in education means investing in the future of the country," she said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education said he has travelled extensively across Sierra Leone since assuming office to engage communities and better understand the challenges confronting the education sector.

He noted that although York is located within the Western Area, it remains one of the district's least developed communities, making interventions such as Orange Foundation's digital education initiative particularly significant.

The Minister praised Orange Sierra Leone for its sustained investment in the community, noting that the company has consistently supported development initiatives in the area.

"We believe that our kids must be educated and be educated properly," he said.

Addressing the pupils, the Minister encouraged them to embrace digital technology and maximise the opportunities created by the donated equipment, reminding them that they are growing up in an era where technology has become central to education and future employment.

The donation forms part of Orange Foundation Sierra Leone's broader programme to expand digital inclusion and improve access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities, as it continues to invest in initiatives that equip young learners with the skills required for success in the digital economy.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-foundation-boosts-digital-learning-with-equipment-donation-to-york-primary-school/

 

The College of Digital Excellence (CODE) has officially welcomed 350 new students into its academic community during its fourth matriculation ceremony, with Government officials and education leaders urging the new entrants to embrace innovation, discipline and integrity as they prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving digital sector.

The matriculation ceremony, held on Friday, 3 July 2026 at the Choithram International School auditorium along Hill Cut Road in Freetown, attracted Government representatives, education stakeholders, lecturers, parents and supporters who gathered to witness the formal admission of the students into the institution.

Delivering the keynote address, Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, congratulated the matriculants and encouraged them to approach their studies with determination, discipline and a strong work ethic. She reminded the students that lasting success is built through commitment and perseverance rather than shortcuts.

Reflecting on the institution's growth, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr observed that the College of Digital Excellence has expanded significantly from its early years of enrolling only a small number of students to now admitting 350 matriculants. She described the achievement as a clear indication of the growing demand for digital and technology-focused education in Sierra Leone.

While acknowledging existing challenges, including limited internet access and employment opportunities, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr urged the students to remain resilient and committed to their goals.

She encouraged the new students to cultivate integrity, hard work and perseverance, stressing that those qualities would enable them to overcome obstacles and succeed both academically and professionally.

Highlighting the development priorities of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said the city continues to focus on climate action, heritage tourism, human capital development and the digital economy, which she described as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the municipality.

She noted that the council has embraced digital transformation by introducing electronic corporate systems and technology-driven public services, including the "Dorti Must Go" sanitation programme that allows residents to register with licensed waste collection providers using their mobile phones.

The Mayor further challenged the matriculants to use the knowledge they acquire at the College of Digital Excellence to become innovators, entrepreneurs and employers capable of contributing to national development.

Earlier, Director of the College of Digital Excellence, Niharika Agnani, described the ceremony as another important milestone in the institution's efforts to equip young Sierra Leoneans with practical digital skills required in today's technology-driven world.

According to Niharika Agnani, the college was established to prepare students for emerging opportunities in technology while complementing the broader educational vision of Choithram International School, which promotes innovation, critical thinking and globally competitive education.

She said the institution was founded on the belief that Sierra Leone's young people possess the talent and potential to become leaders in the digital economy if provided with the right training and opportunities.

Encouraging the students to think beyond simply using technology, Niharika Agnani challenged them to become innovators who develop solutions capable of transforming communities and industries. She also advised them to remain committed to continuous learning, uphold ethical standards and build resilience throughout their academic journey.

Representing the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education, Deputy Accreditation Officer Komba Moiwo described the matriculation as the official beginning of an important educational journey.

Komba Moiwo encouraged the students to attend lectures consistently, participate actively in practical learning sessions and respect both their lecturers and institutional regulations. He also cautioned them against examination malpractice, drug abuse, violence and other behaviours that could jeopardize their academic future.

Drawing lessons from countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, Komba Moiwo noted that sustained investment in education, technology and innovation has been central to their economic transformation. He urged the students to maximize the opportunities available to them and contribute to Sierra Leone's own development.

Speaking on behalf of the matriculants, Mohammed Bangura expressed appreciation for reaching the milestone despite the personal challenges he had encountered along the way.

He described his admission into the College of Digital Excellence as the beginning of a new chapter, acknowledging that the journey ahead would present challenges but expressing confidence in his determination to overcome them.

The ceremony concluded with the administration of the matriculation oath, officially admitting the 350 students into the College of Digital Excellence to begin their studies in digital technology and related disciplines. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/code-matriculates-350-students-urges-innovation-ethical-leadership-in-digital-education/

Globe Cup 26 is in full swing, and the tournament has moved into a stage where football traffic becomes more focused, emotional and dependent on timing.

To help partners work with this stage more effectively, 1xPartners, the official affiliate programme of 1xBet, has prepared the Globe Cup 26 Traffic Guide - a practical manual with insights on football traffic, user behaviour, content timing and monetisation during the tournament.


Understanding the Current Stage of the Tournament


Right now, users need fast, clear and relevant content. The strongest angles are no longer broad tournament previews, but sharper stories: who will advance, which player can decide the match, and more.

The 1xPartners manual helps affiliates understand this shift and adapt their campaigns to the current stage of the tournament instead of working with outdated group-stage logic.


Live Moments as Traffic Triggers


During decisive matches, users react instantly. A goal, red card or late equaliser can quickly change interest in a match and create a short but valuable traffic window.

This is where affiliates can use live-hype: short updates, fast reactions and simple match-context posts. The message should be immediate and clear, for example: the favourite is under pressure, or extra time is becoming a real possibility.


Broader Angles Beyond the Winner


At this stage, content focused only on the match winner may be too limited. Some games are difficult to predict, while odds on favourites may not be attractive enough for users.

Affiliates can create more useful content around team to advance, total goals or player-focused outcomes. These formats give more room for analysis and help avoid repetitive “who will win” messaging. Stronger content angles can support better conversion.


The Final Needs Its Own Plan


The final is not just the last match. It is a separate traffic peak. Many casual users who did not follow every round may appear only for the biggest game.

Affiliates should prepare final content in advance: simple finalist analysis, key player stories and easy explanations for users who want to understand the match quickly.

The Guide helps partners plan this stage as a separate campaign, not as another regular matchday. This is important because the final window is short, competitive and highly emotional.


Using Traffic After the Final


One of the biggest mistakes affiliates make is stopping communication after the final whistle. The tournament ends, but the audience can still be redirected.

After tournament, users can move toward club football, new season content or player-club storylines. For example, fans who followed national team stars can be redirected to matches involving their clubs.


Why the Manual Matters


The Globe Cup 26 Traffic is not just a general overview. It is a practical support tool for affiliates who want to understand what works now, what to avoid, and how to use tournament traffic more effectively.

It brings together insights on audience psychology, live content, final-stage planning and post-tournament retention. For new partners, it can become a clear entry point into 1xPartners. For active affiliates, it can help adjust current campaigns while the tournament is still generating strong attention.


Final Takeaway


Globe Cup 26 traffic is not over. It has become more focused, more emotional and more dependent on timing.

The group stage was about frequency. The current stage is about decisive matches, live reactions and stronger narratives. The final will bring another major traffic peak, and the post-final period will show which affiliates can keep the audience.

With the Globe Cup 26 Guide, 1xPartners gives affiliates a practical way to use the remaining tournament traffic and prepare for what comes next.

Register in 1xPartners and get the full guide to monetising Globe Cup 26 traffic with 1xBet.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/affiliates-get-ready-globe-cup-26-traffic-is-entering-its-hottest-phase/

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/