Parliament of Sierra Leone

29/05/2026

Parliamentarians for Climate Finance–Sierra Leone Holds National Green Investment Dialogue

Parliamentarians for Climate Finance–Sierra Leone on Friday, 29 May 2026, organized a one-day National Green Investment Dialogue at the Freetown City Council Hall under the theme: “Unlocking Investment in Community Green Energy Zones (CGEZs) and Distribution Corridors to Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment, Low-Carbon Industrial Development, and Community-Led Energy Access.”

The high-level dialogue brought together Members of Parliament, government officials, development partners, climate experts, investors, civil society groups, and private sector stakeholders to discuss climate finance, renewable energy, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Yusuf Mackery, described the event as a critical step toward positioning Sierra Leone as a leader in green investment and climate resilience. He noted that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality already affecting farmers, fishers, coastal communities, and vulnerable families across the country.

Hon. Mackery emphasized that Sierra Leone must move beyond being seen only as a climate-vulnerable nation and instead become a country prepared to lead through innovation, partnerships, and decisive parliamentary action. He highlighted the importance of creating bankable green investment opportunities aligned with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0).

Representing the Executive Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Madam Loveta Junnah underscored the importance of climate finance in supporting mitigation and adaptation efforts. She explained that green investments are essential for promoting environmentally sustainable development and accelerating renewable energy access.

UNIDO Country Director, Mrs. Mariatu Abionor Swaray, stressed that achieving Sierra Leone’s climate ambitions would require stronger collaboration between policymakers, parliamentarians, investors, financial institutions, and development partners.

Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, West Africa Director of Climate Parliament, highlighted the crucial role parliamentarians play in addressing climate change through legislation, oversight, and accountability. He stated that parliamentarians serve as the bridge between global climate discussions and the realities faced by local communities.

Representing the Ministry of Finance, Sellu Mackie from the Environment Desk announced that the government is introducing Climate Expenditure Tagging within the national budget process. According to him, this initiative will help track government spending on climate-related activities, improve transparency, and prevent duplication of climate funding.

Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, called for stronger monitoring of climate funds and development projects, warning that some organizations misuse climate-related resources without delivering meaningful impact to communities. He urged parliamentarians to rise above political divisions and work collectively to protect the environment.

Representing the Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Leader of Government Business 2, Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, emphasized the importance of translating climate discussions into legislation and actionable policies. He noted that Parliament has a central role in ensuring environmental protection through effective laws and oversight.

Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mimi Yema Sobba-Stephens, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. She reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and low-carbon economy.

The Deputy Minister highlighted key national priorities including ecosystem restoration, renewable energy expansion, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable waste management, and increased climate financing. She also encouraged stronger partnerships between government, private investors, development partners, and local communities to drive Sierra Leone’s green transition.

Hon. Sobba-Stephens further stated that Sierra Leone remains open to green investments and sustainable partnerships, stressing that climate change should be viewed not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

The event was moderated by Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, Hon. Mariama Zombo, who highlighted the importance of the engagement and provided background information on the National Green Investment Dialogue.

The dialogue concluded with calls for concrete action, stronger collaboration, and the development of practical green investment projects capable of transforming Sierra Leone’s climate and economic future.

*Parliamentary and Public Relations Department*
*Parliament of Sierra Leone*
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29/05/2026

PARLIAMENT ENACTS THE CREDIT REFERENCE ACT 2026

The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 28/05/2026, extensively debated and enacted, with amendments, the Bill entitled _“The Credit Reference Act 2025”_ for the development of Sierra Leone.

The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Credit Reference Act 2011 and to provide a framework for the establishment of credit reference bureaus, set conditions for credit reporting, and provide for other related matters.

Presenting the Bill, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, said the legislation contains proposals that will improve the country’s economic impact. He described it as fundamental for modernizing our financial infrastructure and empowering Sierra Leone. The primary objective of the Bill, he said, is to establish a robust legal system for the licensing and operation of credit reference bureaus in Sierra Leone.

He added that the Bill also empowers bureaus to express a customer’s creditworthiness numerically.

Contributing to the debate, Deputy Leader 2 of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said Section 29 of the Bill imposes obligations on individual credit facilities and improves transparency and accountability. He informed MPs that the document strengthens individual confidence and provides access to finance — an opportunity that has long been a challenge for farmers, youths, and miners, among others.

He linked the Bill to the Government’s flagship project, especially agriculture, and stressed how youths involved in agriculture would benefit from its implementation to promote the Feed Salone_ project. He told the House that access to credit through this Bill would help youths cultivate inland valley swamps, engage in crop production, and practice animal husbandry.

He also spoke about penalties in the Bill, which include jail terms and fines, and described it as an “eye-opener” for many youths investing in agriculture.

Rounding up the debate, the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo described the Bill’s enforcement capacity as weak and said it requires stringent attention from the government. He argued that the focus should be on low earners to protect businesses.

He highlighted several advantages in the Bill, saying it will improve access to credit and allow banks to assess risk more effectively. “Borrowers with a credit history can access loans more easily,” he said. He noted that the Bill provides for regulatory oversight by the Central Bank. “As an opposition, we are not averse to this Bill,” he concluded.

Concluding the debate, the Acting Majority Leader of Government Business, Hon. Silikie described the Bill as necessary for boosting economic growth. He said it will address long-standing issues banks face when issuing loans. He expressed optimism that contentious issues would be resolved at the committee stage.

Responding to the concerns raised earlier by Members of Parliament, the Minister assured the House that issues raised by MPs would be addressed. He ended by appealing to the House for the passage of the Bill.

In another development, the House ratified a 15-year Build-Operate-Transfer Public Private Partnership (PPP) concession agreement for the Online Business Registration System (OBRS) between the Government of Sierra Leone, via the National Investment Board, and Multi GIS E-Services SL Ltd, shareholder Multi Tech African SL Ltd. The agreement was tabled on Parliament 28 May 2026 following Cabinet approval.

Also, in another development, the House debated and enacted, with amendments, the Bill entitled _“The Deposit Protection Fund Act 2024”_.

The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Deposit Protection Fund Act 2023 with a more comprehensive law that provides for the continuation, control, and regulation of the Deposit Protection Fund and for other related matters.

Parliamentary Public Relations Department
Parliament of Sierra Leone_
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29/05/2026

Parliamentarians for Climate Finance -SL( National Green Investment Dialogue)
29/5/2026.

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

Parliament Celebrates Hon. Rosemarie Bangura and Hon. Bashiru Silikie for Securing International Positions

On Thursday, 28th May 2026, the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas joined Members of Parliament to celebrate the election of Hon. Rosemarie Bangura as Vice Chairperson of the West African Regional Caucus, and Hon. Bashiru Silikie as Rapporteur of the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolutions at the Pan-African Parliament.

In his congratulatory message, the Rt. Hon. Speaker urged all Members of Parliament to take pride in the achievements of Hon. Bangura and Hon. Silikie, describing their elections to regional positions as milestones worth celebrating.

The Speaker Thomas noted that Hon. Bashiru Silikie serves as Leader of Sierra Leone’s Delegation to the Pan-African Parliament, and that his recent election as Rapporteur is a testament to his hard work and commendable representation.

“These are very serious positions, and as a Parliament we should be proud of our colleagues for being elected to those positions. Thank you for ably representing this Parliament and, by extension, the Republic of Sierra Leone,” Speaker Thomas stated.

The Rt. Hon. Speaker further commended the diligence of Hon. Rosemarie Bangura and Hon. Bashiru Silikie, and called on other Members of Parliament to emulate their commitments. He referenced a recent fact-finding mission he led to South Africa to assess the performance of Members of Parliament at international parliaments, and urged the House to take pride in the outstanding contributions of its members on the international stage.

He emphasized that the Pan-African Parliament regularly consults the leadership of the Sierra Leone delegation on key matters. “For that reason, the Sixth Parliament under my leadership is very proud of Hon. Rosemarie Bangura and Hon. Bashiru Silikie for achieving such feats at the international level,” he said.

The announcement was met with resounding applause as the entire House celebrated the election of the two Members of Parliament to prominent regional positions in a continental parliament.

Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone.

Contacts: +23278495023/+23276625960/+23278426851/+23278697786/+23277473804/×23275710747.

28/05/2026

Parliament Celebrates the Election of Hon. Rosemarie Bangura as the Vice Chairperson of the West African Regional Caucus, and Hon. Bashiru Silikie as the Rapporteur on the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations of the Pan-African Parliament.