Senior government officials on Friday held a series of high-level engagements focused on regional diplomacy, education infrastructure development, agricultural trade reforms, and partnerships with development agencies, reflecting ongoing efforts to advance national priorities under the government’s development agenda.

One of the key engagements centred on preparations for Sierra Leone’s hosting of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit later in 2026. A coordination meeting brought together officials responsible for planning and logistics for the event, which will mark the first time Sierra Leone hosts the regional summit.

Discussions focused on organisational structures, inter-ministerial coordination, and readiness to meet the international standards required for such a high-level gathering. The summit is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s diplomatic profile within the West African sub-region and reinforce its role in regional cooperation.

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In the education sector, the Education Sector Support Project Steering Committee met with representatives from the Ministries of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Finance, and other stakeholders to review progress on the construction and rehabilitation of educational facilities. Updates were provided on projects in Magburaka, Bunumbu, Kenema, Bo, and Freetown, with officials reporting steady progress and the handover of completed buildings to beneficiary institutions.

The initiative aims to expand access to quality learning environments across multiple regions of the country.

Another major policy discussion followed a recent cabinet directive on the possible establishment of a national Commodity Board. A technical meeting involving the Ministries of Trade, Finance, and Agriculture, alongside institutions including the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the Produce Marketing Board, and the Produce Marketing Company, examined frameworks for the proposed body. The objective is to improve regulation, quality assurance, and coordination of agricultural exports.

Participants also considered the feasibility of establishing a single export entity for agricultural produce, aimed at ensuring the full repatriation of foreign exchange earnings. Government figures indicate that agricultural exports generated approximately US$115 million in 2025.

In the area of development cooperation, government representatives engaged the leadership of UN Women to discuss alignment between the organisation’s programmes and Sierra Leone’s national development plan. Discussions highlighted ongoing initiatives focused on empowering women and expanding opportunities for young people within institutional and professional settings.

Collectively, the day’s engagements underscored the government’s focus on strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and expanding economic opportunities. Officials said these coordinated efforts form part of a broader strategy to support inclusive development and reinforce Sierra Leone’s position both regionally and internationally.