Author: gleanernewspaper

A senior delegation from the World Bank has successfully wrapped up a week-long mission in Sierra Leone, which took place from June 16 to June 20, 2025. The visit, organized through the World Bank Country Office in Freetown, aimed to evaluate the progress of ongoing projects and monitor key policy indicators essential for the country’s access to budgetary support under the Bank’s Development Policy Operations (DPO). During their stay, the World Bank team engaged in extensive discussions with various government departments and agencies, notably the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The NDMA has made commendable progress by successfully meeting its…

In a significant step towards enhancing its climate action efforts, Sierra Leone has officially launched the Association of Carbon Conservation and Reforestation (ACCR). This pioneering initiative was celebrated at the British High Commission in Freetown on June 19, 2025, with eminent guests including government officials, ambassadors, donors, development partners and private sector leaders. The event was hosted by British High Commissioner Madam Josephine Gauld LVO, who emphasised the significance of this initiative amidst global climate finance trends. As the demand for market-based climate solutions escalates globally, Sierra Leone is strategically positioning itself as an attractive destination for climate change mitigation…

On the sidelines of the U.S.–Africa Business Summit, the Government of Sierra Leone and CEC Africa (Sierra Leone) Limited (CECASL), represented by the sponsors of the Nant Power Project, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the first U.S.-sourced LNG terminal in West Africa. This transformative initiative marks a major leap toward energy security, industrial growth, and economic integration across the region. Under the MoU, CECASL will lead the development of a world-class LNG terminal in Sierra Leone, enabling the 108MW Nant Power Project to transition from LPG to LNG, in line with its Power Purchase Agreement. The infrastructure will position Sierra…

All of the participants in the recent referee development course held in Sierra Leone received heartfelt congratulations from FIFA Fitness Instructor Cherifi Nasreddine, who also praised their exceptional dedication and professionalism during the training. “This is a proud moment for the country as a whole, not just for the participants,” Nasreddine said. It illustrates the notable advancements in Sierra Leonean referee development. Kudos to all who participated! The rigorous program, which drew referees from all over the nation, was intended to raise fitness standards, advance technical expertise, and raise officiating standards generally in compliance with FIFA’s exacting standards. Under Nasreddine’s…

Joao Cravinho, the European Union Special Representative for the Sahel, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone. During the meeting, Mr. Cravinho congratulated President Bio on his election as Chairman, describing it as a testament to his exemplary leadership in the region. “We commend you for taking this great responsibility. The European Union eagerly anticipates collaborating with you to tackle the region’s pressing challenges,” he remarked. Mr. Cravinho also provided an update on his ongoing work in the Sahel, emphasising his…

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, privacy rights, and responsible journalism at a national digital policy engagement focused on Sierra Leone’s cybercrime, data protection, and anti-terrorism laws. Delivering the keynote address at the high-level dialogue in Freetown, Minister Bah emphasized that ongoing legal and policy reforms under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration are designed to strengthen democratic governance, expand civic space, and build a more resilient digital ecosystem. _“Our legal frameworks must protect press freedom, promote an open society, and respect the privacy and dignity of every Sierra Leonean,”_…

Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella(centre), the Energy Sector Lead, together with Deputy Ministers 1 and 2. Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, is currently experiencing a severe power outage, which many believe is the result of poorly managed government-Karpowership negotiations, which are being supervised by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the Energy Sector Lead. Dr. Yumkella led the Ministry of Energy’s months-long efforts to negotiate an extension of the Karpowership’s contract, which was about to expire. Sources with knowledge of the talks, however, have attacked Dr. Yumkella for how he handled the negotiations, claiming that his strategy was ineffectual and ultimately caused them to fail.…

President Siaka Stevens Sierra Leone has once again assumed the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, marking a significant step forward for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, whose term had come to an end, was officially replaced on June 22, 2025, by President Julius Maada Bio. For the second time in the 50-year history of the regional bloc, Sierra Leone is occupying this esteemed position. The change of leadership was formally announced at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, which was held in Abuja,…

In a move towards fostering international investment relations, Zeytini Gida Insaat Turizm Ithalat Ihracat Ltd, a prominent Turkish investment firm, made a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Ambassador Francess Virginia Anderson, PhD. This meeting was a follow-up to the recently held Investment and Trade Seminar in Istanbul, where the potential for collaboration between Turkey and Sierra Leone was first explored. Zeytini Gida, based in Ankara, specializes in a diverse range of sectors, including import and export, particularly focusing on olive and food products. Their portfolio extends to construction projects, real estate development, contracting services, hotel management, and tourism. The company’s…

In a significant move aimed at bolstering youth empowerment and self-reliance, the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA) and the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 10, 2025. The signing ceremony took place at the MMTU Great Hall located on the Goderich campus in Freetown and marked a pivotal step towards equipping young people with essential skills for income generation and job creation. The MoU outlines a comprehensive strategy to provide training in 24 diverse courses that focus on entrepreneurship, mindset transformation, and skill development. The courses are designed to…