Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, inspected ongoing construction and rehabilitation works at Prince of Wales School in Kingtom and Milton Margai Technical University’s Brookfields campus, calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the projects.

The inspection, which brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MoTHE), the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Education Sector Support Project (ESSP) team, civil society organizations and the media, formed part of President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s directive for the Vice President to monitor Government-supported infrastructure projects across the country.

The monitoring exercise focuses on construction quality, value for money, project delivery and the benefits of public investments to citizens.

The works are being implemented under the Sierra Leone Support of Education Project (SLSEP), a US$68 million initiative of the Government of Sierra Leone, through MoTHE and MBSSE, with funding from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). The project aims to improve educational infrastructure and strengthen teaching, learning, administrative and residential facilities at selected educational institutions across Sierra Leone.

During the inspection, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh assessed progress at the two institutions and emphasized the importance of cooperation among Government Ministries, contractors, consultants and project management teams to ensure that the facilities are completed within the agreed timelines and meet the required standards.

He acknowledged that infrastructure projects could face challenges relating to financing, administrative procedures, project management and contractual responsibilities, stressing that addressing such issues require a coordinated approach.

“We need to support the entire project team so that we can deliver these projects,” he said, calling on stakeholders to work together to overcome outstanding challenges and ensure the successful completion of the works.

At Prince of Wales School, the Vice President described the ongoing construction and rehabilitation works as a major infrastructure improvement for the institution.

The project includes the construction of a modern complex comprising 24 classrooms, sanitary facilities, a perimeter fence to improve campus security and teachers’ quarters. It also involves the renovation of existing classrooms and administrative facilities, including offices for the principal and vice principal.

According to Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the new classroom complex is expected to accommodate more than 1,000 pupils, providing additional learning space and improved facilities for teaching and learning.

He commended the quality of work observed during the inspection but acknowledged delays in the project’s delivery. He urged the relevant stakeholders to intensify their efforts to complete the remaining works without further unnecessary delays.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of civil society organisations in monitoring public infrastructure projects, noting that independent assessments and comprehensive reports could help the Government evaluate progress, identify challenges and assess the impact of its investments.

At Milton Margai Technical University’s Brookfields campus, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the university administration for its support and cooperation in the implementation of the project.

He particularly applauded the Dean of the campus, Mrs Aminata Bangura, for presenting a comprehensive report documenting the condition of the facilities before and after rehabilitation.

The report, he noted, provided useful information on the improvements made and demonstrated the importance of documenting infrastructure development to support monitoring and accountability.

Vice President said the inspection formed part of a broader programme to assess ongoing infrastructure projects across the country. He disclosed plans to visit additional institutions, including schools and teacher-training colleges outside Freetown, to assess progress and identify areas requiring Government intervention.

He explained that the findings from the inspections would enable the Government to engage relevant stakeholders, address outstanding challenges and determine the support needed to facilitate the completion and handover of the facilities.

The Vice President described the SLSEP as part of broader efforts to modernize educational infrastructure nationwide, emphasizing that improved facilities were essential to creating better learning environments and strengthening educational delivery.

He urged contractors and project management teams to remain committed to their responsibilities, assuring stakeholders that challenges affecting the completion of the projects would be examined and addressed.

Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also pledged to revisit the institutions to assess further progress and support efforts to ensure that the facilities are completed and handed over for use.

Meanwhile, civil society activist, Alphonso Manley, welcomed the progress made on the projects, particularly the improvements observed following the Vice President’s earlier monitoring visit.

Alphonso Manley called for sustained monitoring and adequate funding to ensure that the remaining works are completed. He said the Vice President’s previous visit had contributed to improvements and welcomed assurances that challenges affecting the projects would be addressed.

He expressed confidence in the commitment to finding practical solutions to the outstanding issues, while stressing the need for continued engagement among stakeholders.

Project managers also assured the Vice President of their commitment to completing the outstanding works within the agreed timelines.

The inspection also provided an opportunity to review outstanding works and identify challenges that could affect delivery. The lasting benefits of the investment will depend on completing the facilities to the required standards, equipping them adequately and maintaining them for sustained use. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65838

 

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 committing the offence of larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of the offence presented before the court, Alie Sesay, on Monday, 21 September 2026, stole a CCTV camera belonging to Bilal Bah at No. 90 Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen, in the Western Area of Freetown.

During the proceedings, the charge was read and explained to the accused, who pleaded guilty without contesting the allegation brought against him.

Prosecuting the matter, Sub-Inspector Amiza John tendered the accused’s voluntary caution statement as part of the prosecution's evidence.

The prosecutor further informed the court that  Alie Sesay was a first-time offender with no previous criminal record, a circumstance subsequently considered by the Magistrate before delivering her judgment.

Appearing before the court without legal representation, Alie Sesay appealed for leniency, pleading with Magistrate Massaquoi to temper justice with mercy when determining his punishment.

In delivering her judgment, Magistrate Massaquoi acknowledged the accused's guilty plea and the fact that he had no previous criminal convictions.

She also observed that his decision to admit the offence had spared the court the time and resources that would otherwise have been required to conduct a contested trial.

Despite those mitigating circumstances, the Magistrate considered the offence deserves a custodial sentence.

Consequently, Magistrate Massaquoi sentenced Alie Sesay to six months’ imprisonment at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.

The conviction followed the accused's admission that he had unlawfully taken the CCTV camera belonging to Bilal Bah, bringing the criminal proceedings against him to a conclusion. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65835

 

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 rerun elections within the opposition party, with Justice Fisher emphasizing the need for discipline, respect for electoral procedures and strict adherence to the law.

In his remarks, the judge specifically called on senior APC figures, including Osman Foday Yansaneh and Sidi Yaya Tunis, to impress upon party members and supporters the importance of maintaining peace and respecting the electoral process.

Justice Fisher made it clear that the courts would not tolerate attempts to undermine the elections through intimidation, threats, violence or deliberate interference with voting activities.

“I AM NOT JOKING AND I AM SERIOUS!” he declared, stressing his determination to ensure that the electoral process proceeds without unlawful interference.

He warned that individuals brought before the court in connection with electoral disturbances could face legal consequences, including detention where permitted by law and ordered by the court.

According to the judge, those found culpable of disrupting electoral activities could potentially remain in custody until after the APC National Delegates Conference, depending on the circumstances of their cases and the applicable legal provisions.

Justice Fisher expressed particular concern over allegations of intimidation, threats against political opponents, destruction of ballot boxes and disturbances at polling centres.

He reportedly condemned such actions as unacceptable in a democratic electoral process, maintaining that political competition must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with established rules.

To reinforce the seriousness of his warning, Justice Fisher reportedly addressed part of his remarks in Krio, ensuring that his message was clearly understood by party members and supporters.

Beyond warning against violence, the judge also addressed the legal procedures that would govern petitions arising from the forthcoming rerun elections.

He stressed that individuals wishing to challenge election results must follow the appropriate judicial process, including submitting sworn affidavits before the court.

“When the rerun elections are held, anyone wishing to file a petition must swear an affidavit before the court. I, Adrian Fisher, will personally handle all petition matters. Woe betide anyone who dares to lie under oath in an affidavit,” Justice Fisher warned.

His remarks underscored the legal responsibility attached to sworn statements and the potential consequences of knowingly providing false information in judicial proceedings.

The judge's warning also served as a reminder to aspirants and their supporters that electoral grievances should be pursued through established legal channels rather than confrontation, intimidation or destruction of electoral materials.

Justice Fisher maintained that democratic competition requires participants to recognize that elections produce both winners and losers, and that disagreements over outcomes must be addressed through lawful procedures.

He further emphasized that political ambition should never become an excuse for actions that threaten public order, undermine electoral credibility or interfere with the rights of other participants.

The warning places particular responsibility on APC leaders and influential party figures to discourage misconduct among their supporters and promote respect for the party's electoral arrangements.

Justice Fisher reportedly indicated that he would not be intimidated by individuals determined to create disturbances, reiterating that appropriate legal measures would be taken against those found responsible for offences brought before the court.

His intervention comes at a significant stage in the APC's internal electoral process, as the party works towards completing its outstanding electoral activities and preparing for its National Delegates Conference.

The conduct of the rerun elections is expected to attract considerable attention, particularly regarding compliance with electoral procedures, the handling of complaints and the ability of party stakeholders to maintain peace.

Justice Fisher's message was ultimately directed at all participants in the process, regardless of their preferred candidates or positions within the party.

He insisted that electoral contests must be conducted fairly, peacefully and within the confines of the law, while any disputes arising from the results should be resolved through the courts.

With his emphatic declaration that he is not joking, Justice Fisher has sent a clear warning that intimidation, electoral violence and knowingly false statements under oath could attract serious legal consequences as the APC prepares for its rerun elections. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65832

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, October 28, 2026, SLAJ expressed serious concern over statements allegedly made by Moses Sellu Mambu during an appearance on Liberty TV’s Online Breakfast Show, warning that public accusations against media practitioners could undermine their professional reputations and expose them to unwarranted hostility.

The Association said it received a formal complaint from Victor Jones on October 21, 2026, concerning remarks Moses Sellu Mambu allegedly made during the programme on October 19. The broadcast was hosted by Khadija Bangura and Mabel Kabba.

According to SLAJ, Moses Sellu Mambu reportedly accused Victor Jones of being among journalists pursuing an agenda against the SLPP and alleged that Victor Jones and fellow journalist, Thomas Dixon, had conspired to submit a false report against him to the journalists’ association.

The allegations have raised concerns about the relationship between political actors and the media, particularly the need to distinguish legitimate political disagreements from accusations that could undermine journalists’ credibility and professional independence.

SLAJ said its Secretary-General, Edward Fara Marrah, contacted Moses Sellu Mambu to obtain his response to the allegations. During that engagement, Moses Sellu Mambu reportedly clarified that his remarks about an agenda against the SLPP referred to media houses rather than Victor Jones personally.

However, according to the Association, Moses Sellu Mambu maintained his allegation that Victor Jones and Thomas Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against him. SLAJ said it reviewed the available evidence, including a video recording of the broadcast, before expressing its concerns about the statements.

Following that review, the Association said the allegations against Victor Jones could undermine his professional reputation and expose him to hostility, particularly in an environment where political divisions can influence public perceptions of journalists and their work.

SLAJ further clarified that its records contained no evidence of a false report submitted by Victor Jones and Thomas Dixon against Moses Sellu Mambu. It consequently rejected the allegation as unsupported by the information available in its records.

The Association called for responsible public communication on matters involving journalists, emphasizing that political disagreements should not be used to portray media practitioners as acting against a political party simply because their reporting or professional activities attract criticism.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara underscored the constitutional and democratic responsibilities of journalists, maintaining that their work should not automatically be interpreted as political opposition.

“Journalists have a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, scrutinize those in authority and hold power to account,” Alhaji Manika Kamara said.

He added that journalists’ professional work should not be portrayed as an agenda against a political party merely because their reporting might be critical or uncomfortable for those in positions of authority.

The SLAJ president further stressed that concerns about a journalist’s conduct should be raised through appropriate channels and addressed on the basis of evidence, rather than through public statements that could damage professional credibility.

The Association also expressed concern about the potential implications of publicly associating a named journalist with hostility towards a ruling political party in an already polarized environment. It warned that such statements could expose journalists to intimidation, harassment and threats to their personal safety.

Against that background, SLAJ called on political leaders and party officials to exercise restraint in their public pronouncements and ensure that their statements do not encourage hostility towards media practitioners.

The Association specifically urged Moses Sellu Mambu to demonstrate greater responsibility in his public communication and respect the independence and professional role of journalists, regardless of the political implications of their reporting.

SLAJ also encouraged political actors to address grievances involving the media through constructive engagement and established complaint mechanisms, rather than resorting to public accusations that may intensify tensions between political parties and journalists.

The Association’s position comes amid wider discussions about press freedom and journalists’ safety in Sierra Leone. Earlier in October, SLAJ raised concerns over a separate allegation involving Moses Sellu Mambu and journalist Thomas Dixon, calling for an impartial investigation into a reported confrontation following a television programme. Moses Sellu Mambu denied making the alleged threat, according to the Association’s earlier statement.

The broader debate has also coincided with renewed efforts by SLAJ to strengthen constitutional protections for press freedom and freedom of expression. On October 23, media stakeholders reportedly validated a proposed standalone constitutional chapter on press freedom, with the Association expected to pursue further advocacy for its adoption.

Reaffirming its commitment to ethical and responsible journalism, SLAJ said it would continue defending press freedom and the rights, safety and professional dignity of journalists across the country. The Association maintained that journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear or favour, while political actors should use lawful and democratic means to resolve disagreements with the media. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65829

 

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 Urban Research Centre (SLURC), are contained in a March 2026 report titled: “Assessment of the Scale and Impact of Sand Mining on Select Tourism and Coastal Communities in Sierra Leone.” The study calls for urgent Government intervention, including the adoption of a comprehensive national sand mining policy, stronger enforcement measures, improved transportation systems and sustainable alternatives to environmentally destructive extraction.

According to SLURC, although Sierra Leone's overall demand for sand and gravel remains relatively modest by international standards, the environmental and economic consequences of existing extraction practices are disproportionately severe.

The report examines sand mining activities along the Western Area Peninsula and the Mahera–Lungi corridor, two strategically important coastal areas that accommodate tourism facilities, expanding settlements, commercial activities and environmentally sensitive ecosystems.

Those locations are particularly significant because they include communities surrounding the nation's capital, Freetown, as well as the country's principal international aviation gateway and an emerging tourism corridor.

The assessment identifies coastal erosion, biodiversity loss and the deterioration of tourism infrastructure among the most troubling consequences of poorly regulated sand extraction.

Findings presented during Sierra Leone's Go Circular Week in April 2026 further illustrated the seriousness of the situation.

According to figures presented by Braima M. Koroma, Director of Research at SLURC, an estimated 1.25 million cubic metres of sand are extracted annually from the affected coastal areas.

Researchers also reported average shoreline retreat of approximately 53 metres since 2000, highlighting the growing vulnerability of coastal settlements and tourism infrastructure. However, shoreline changes are influenced by several factors, including climate change, natural coastal processes and human activities.

The assessment examined locations including John Obey, Lakka, Hamilton and Mahera Beach, where sand mining continues to support construction activities and provide income for local residents despite its environmental consequences.

Particularly concerning were findings presented during the April discussions indicating that approximately 60 percent of hotels along the Lakka–Hamilton corridor had reported structural damage associated with coastal erosion.

Such developments raise questions about the long-term sustainability of tourism investments in areas where beaches and coastal landscapes constitute major economic attractions.

The World Bank's Global Sector Lead for Tourism, Louise Twining-Ward, also raised concerns during the engagement about the consequences of continued sand mining for tourism development along the Freetown Peninsula and Mahera corridor.

Beyond the immediate damage to tourism facilities, uncontrolled extraction can weaken natural coastal barriers, increase exposure to flooding and contribute to the destruction of habitats that support marine life and fishing communities.

The study also identifies serious inefficiencies within Sierra Leone's sand supply chain.

One of its most striking findings is that transportation accounts for between 50 and 85 percent of the delivered price of sand, making logistics a major factor influencing construction costs and the choice of building materials.

This means that a substantial proportion of what consumers pay for sand is associated with moving the material from extraction sites to construction locations rather than the value of the resource itself.

According to the assessment, those high transportation costs reinforce inefficient sourcing practices and complicate efforts to introduce more sustainable construction materials.

The report consequently argues that Sierra Leone's principal challenge is not necessarily a shortage of sand but weaknesses in governance, transportation, regulation and spatial planning.

Another major concern highlighted by SLURC is the country's prolonged failure to establish an effective national policy framework governing sand extraction.

The organisation disclosed that Sierra Leone's initial response to the problem included the drafting of a National Sand Mining Policy in 2016, which, according to the March 2026 assessment, had still not been formally adopted.

The delay has raised concerns about the country's capacity to regulate extraction activities, protect environmentally sensitive locations and establish clear responsibilities among institutions involved in managing natural resources.

Without an effective policy framework, monitoring extraction sites, enforcing environmental standards and ensuring accountability remain difficult.

The World Bank-supported assessment therefore recommends updating, adopting and implementing a national sand mining policy supported by practical enforcement mechanisms.

It also calls for stronger spatial planning to identify suitable extraction locations while protecting beaches, tourism facilities, coastal settlements and ecologically sensitive areas from further degradation.

Improving the availability of sustainably sourced construction materials is another important recommendation.

The report encourages the exploration of alternative building materials and more efficient transportation arrangements that could reduce pressure on coastal sand deposits without unnecessarily increasing construction costs.

Such reforms would require cooperation among Government Ministries, environmental regulators, local authorities, construction companies, transport operators and communities involved in the sand trade.

However, the study acknowledges that sand mining also represents an important source of employment and household income.

In several coastal communities, residents depend on sand extraction, transportation and trading to support their families, particularly where alternative livelihood opportunities remain limited.

Consequently, restricting harmful extraction practices without providing viable economic alternatives could create additional hardship for already vulnerable households.

To address that challenge, the assessment recommends a just transition that combines environmental protection with alternative employment opportunities, appropriate fiscal measures and support for affected communities.

That approach seeks to ensure that efforts to protect Sierra Leone's coastline do not disproportionately burden those whose livelihoods depend on the existing sand economy.

The findings come at a time when Sierra Leone is pursuing greater investment in tourism, infrastructure and economic diversification.

In September 2026, the World Bank reported that activities under the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project had contributed to more than 35,000 direct and indirect jobs while helping to leverage over US$92 million in private investment.

Protecting the country's beaches and coastal attractions is therefore increasingly important to sustaining tourism-related employment and attracting further investment.

Community-led environmental protection efforts have also gained attention.

In October 2026, eight communities along the Western Area Peninsula endorsed a coastal conservation declaration aimed at strengthening environmental protection, community monitoring and cooperation with relevant authorities.

The initiative identified illegal sand mining, pollution, poor waste management and climate-related threats among the challenges confronting coastal communities.

For SLURC, the findings reinforce the urgency of translating research and policy recommendations into practical measures capable of reversing environmental degradation.

In drawing attention to the assessment, the organisation emphasized that the time for action is now, urging greater attention to sand mining, coastal erosion, sustainable development and environmental protection.

The report's broader message is that sand and gravel remain essential resources for Sierra Leone's development, supporting the construction of homes, roads, public infrastructure and tourism facilities.

As urbanization accelerates and demand for construction materials increases, policymakers face the challenge of ensuring adequate supplies without sacrificing the country's fragile coastal ecosystems.

The assessment stresses that addressing those competing demands requires coordinated Government action, responsible private-sector participation and meaningful engagement with communities directly affected by sand extraction.

It also highlights the importance of evidence-based planning, improved monitoring of supply chains and stronger institutional cooperation.

Ultimately, the World Bank-supported study presents Sierra Leone with a pressing policy challenge: how to balance the construction industry's growing demand for sand with the urgent need to protect beaches, preserve biodiversity, safeguard tourism investments and secure sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

With a national sand mining policy drafted a decade ago but still awaiting adoption as of the March 2026 assessment, the findings add weight to calls for decisive reforms before further environmental damage imposes even greater economic and social costs on the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65826

 

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 computers, passports, SIM cards, servers and other electronic equipment believed to be connected to the suspected criminal activities.

The development was confirmed in an official Press Release issued on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, which described the operations as part of the Government's determination to prevent Sierra Leone from becoming a centre for international cybercrime.

According to the Ministry, those detained include Sierra Leonean citizens and foreign nationals of African and Asian origin, raising concerns about the possible involvement of an organized criminal network operating across international borders.

The scale of the raids and the volume of electronic devices recovered have prompted investigations into the suspected network's operations, financial arrangements, international connections and the individuals who may have organized or facilitated its activities within Sierra Leone.

Security personnel recovered a total of 1,206 mobile phones, more than 500 computers and monitors, 301 passports and 339 SIM cards, among other items.

Of the SIM cards confiscated, 289 were international while 50 were locally registered, suggesting that investigators may need to examine possible communications links extending beyond Sierra Leone.

Other equipment seized included laptops, nine central processing units (CPUs), five servers, an iPad, translator glasses, a smartwatch, chargers and various electronic accessories. Officers also recovered 22 dry-cell batteries and an automatic voltage regulator.

The discovery of such a substantial quantity of telecommunications equipment has heightened concerns about the possible sophistication and reach of the suspected operation.

However, the Government has not yet disclosed the specific cybercrime offences under investigation, the nationalities of the foreign detainees or the precise roles allegedly played by those arrested.

Authorities have also not established publicly whether the recovered passports and electronic devices were used in criminal activities. Those matters are expected to form part of the ongoing investigations.

In its statement, the Ministry emphasized that Sierra Leone would not be allowed to serve as an operational base for individuals or organisations engaged in cybercrime.

The Government, working through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, NaTCA and the country's security services, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national telecommunications infrastructure against exploitation for unlawful purposes.

It further warned that investigations would be comprehensive and that anyone found responsible for criminal conduct would face prosecution in accordance with Sierra Leonean law.

The latest development brings renewed attention to the growing challenge of cybercrime and the importance of strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies, telecommunications regulators and other institutions responsible for national security.

The involvement of NaTCA in the operations also underscores the importance of telecommunications oversight in identifying suspicious activities and supporting investigations into the possible misuse of communications systems.

Beyond the arrests and seizures, investigators are expected to examine the origins and ownership of the recovered equipment, the nature of the suspected activities and whether individuals or organisations outside Sierra Leone were connected to the operations.

The authorities have not announced when the investigations will be completed or whether additional arrests are anticipated.

Meanwhile, the Government has appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cybercrime activities and suspicious operations to the appropriate authorities.

The Ministry assured the public that further verified information would be released as investigations progress.

While the arrests represent a significant security operation, the allegations against those detained remain subject to investigation and criminal responsibility must be established through the appropriate legal processes.

The Government's latest action signals an intensified effort to safeguard Sierra Leone's communications infrastructure, strengthen national security and prevent suspected international criminal networks from exploiting the country for unlawful activities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65823

 

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 of the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP), an international intervention funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF).

The training seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial and technical capabilities of selected innovators working on practical approaches to tackling Sierra Leone’s growing plastic waste challenges.

Participants are receiving specialized instruction in business development, financial management, investment readiness, market expansion, strategic partnerships and measuring the environmental and social impact of their activities.

Through expert-led discussions, practical exercises and networking opportunities, the programme is expected to equip participants with the knowledge and connections necessary to expand their operations beyond their immediate communities.

Speaking on the initiative, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, Kevin Petrini, underscored the importance of supporting homegrown innovations capable of addressing environmental challenges while generating economic opportunities.

“Sierra Leone's fight against plastic pollution is ultimately a story of innovation, entrepreneurship and community leadership,” he stated.

He explained that innovators across the country were already demonstrating how discarded plastic materials could be converted into economically valuable products, creating employment while contributing to environmental protection.

According to him, investing in local entrepreneurs represents an important step towards establishing a cleaner, more resilient economy built around sustainable production and responsible resource management.

Despite the growing interest in recycling and environmentally friendly businesses, many Sierra Leonean innovators continue to encounter difficulties accessing financing, attracting investors, developing partnerships and penetrating competitive markets.

The UNDP intervention is designed to address those limitations through targeted training and continued technical advisory support after the initial sessions.

Binta Barrie, UniPod Lead for the Zero-Waste Lab at Fourah Bay College, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses and increase their contribution to environmental sustainability.

“Many innovators have the passion and ideas needed to address plastic pollution, but scaling those solutions remains a significant challenge,” she observed.

She noted that the programme would provide participants with practical tools, professional networks and business knowledge to transform promising local initiatives into sustainable enterprises.

The Global Plastics Innovation Programme, which runs from 2024 to 2027, is being implemented across six countries: China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia and Viet Nam.

It supports entrepreneurs, startups and policymakers in developing innovative approaches to plastic waste collection, recycling, reuse and alternative materials.

Established in 2016 with support from the Government of China, the UNPDF finances development initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Through the programme, UNDP hopes to accelerate Sierra Leone’s transition towards a circular economy in which plastic waste becomes a valuable resource rather than an environmental burden, while creating opportunities for green entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65818