Author: gleanernewspaper

Director General, Brima Baluwa Koroma The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) declared in January 2026 that the price of fuel would increase from approximately NLe 25.00 to NLe 28.50 per litre at the pump. The increase, according to the regulator, is a result of new tax policies that were included in the 2026 budget with the goal of boosting domestic revenue collection. On the other hand, the adjustment has caused immediate public concern and several economic risks.  Transportation nationwide increased fares within hours of the NPRA’s announcement, transferring the increased cost of fuel to commuters. Urban and rural traders and…

From 9 to 13 February 2026, the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will meet bilaterally with Sierra Leone’s Competent National Authority (CNA) and other key stakeholders to review and strengthen the enforcement of its judgments in the country. The gathering is part of a series of events commemorating ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary, and it aims to foster closer collaboration between the regional Court and national institutions.The week-long engagement, according to the Court, is intended to create a structured framework for collaboration, allow for the exchange of best practices, and address obstacles to the…

Dr David Moinina Sengeh, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, convened a high-level strategic forum on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to advance national efforts to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and strengthen child protection. Dr Sengeh thanked government agencies, civil society, and development partners for their contributions to President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of a fairer, more inclusive society in his opening remarks, and he urged unified action to overcome obstacles to progress.Dr Sengeh acknowledged that measurable progress had been made, but warned that entrenched harmful practices and ongoing challenges continue to undermine those gains. He emphasised that…

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Global South Utilities (GSU) of Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai. The agreement entrusts GSU with conducting feasibility studies for renewable energy investments and projects worth up to 500 megawatts, to assist Sierra Leointending to assist meeting power needs in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.Sierra Leone’s president, His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, witnessed the signing, demonstrating the government’s dedication to increasing the country’s capacity for sustainable energy. In addition to accelerating efforts to improve…

President Julius Maada Bio and Eminence Cardinal Arrigo Miglio President Julius Maada Bio welcomed His Eminence Cardinal Arrigo Miglio of the Holy Roman Church on February 10, 2026, during a pastoral visit to Sierra Leone. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown described Cardinal Miglio as a highly respected figure in the Church, adding that the visit will include an inspection of the Love Bridge Project in Lokomasama Chiefdom, Port Loko District.Archbishop Charles stated that the Love Bridge facility, which was established more than 15 years ago, continues to provide essential health services, with a special…

Dr Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma and Director of the African Development Bank and President Julius Maada Bio Monday, February 10, 2026 — President Julius Maada Bio received Dr Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma, the newly appointed Executive Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB), during a courtesy visit to State House. Dr Rahma was accompanied by Dr Halima Yusuf Hashi, the Bank’s outgoing Country Manager for Sierra Leone, who paid her a farewell call before leaving the office.Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura informed the President about Dr Rahma’s mandate and responsibilities. Minister Bangura emphasised that Dr Rahma represents Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia,…

Sierra Rutile Limited and Ecobank have signed a USD 40 million senior secured loan facility, which will be critical to advancing the Sembehun expansion project in Sierra Leone. The agreement, signed on the second day of the 2026 Mining Indaba, is the first phase of a USD 70 million syndicated facility led by Ecobank Sierra Leone, with participation from Ecobank Ghana.The funding is specifically designated to facilitate the acquisition and relocation of the Kwale Mineral Sands Processing Plant to the Sembehun site, a move Sierra Rutile claims will significantly alter the project’s economics. By repurposing an existing, high-quality processing plant…

President Julius Maada Bio and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Signing a comprehensive economic agreement, the UAE and Sierra Leone commit to deeper collaboration in the areas of artificial intelligence, water, energy, and regional security.  To strengthen their relationship and broaden their collaboration across economic, technological, and development priorities, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and President Julius Maada Bio of the Republic of Sierra Leone met in Abu Dhabi on Monday, February 2, 2026, as part of the World Governments Summit 2026.  The visit was centred on the signing of…

On the fringes of the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security for Sierra Leone, had high-level talks with His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization for the United Arab Emirates. The meeting resulted in a specific follow-up commitment on job creation and skill development for Sierra Leoneans, as well as a reaffirmation of the two nations’ bilateral cooperation on labour issues.In addition to thanking the United Arab Emirates for its years of support in a variety of sectors, Minister…

February 2026 — Her Excellency Rasha Soliman, Egyptian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, paid a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Sannoh, during a meeting that reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening youth development cooperation. The session, held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA), served as a progress review of action points agreed upon during their previous engagement, with a focus on translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible, youth-centred outcomes.Ambassador Soliman provided updates on implementation efforts and ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering young people in Sierra Leone and strengthening bilateral youth-focused collaboration. The discussions centred on…