Details

14 April 2025

The Project Fiduciary Management Unit (PFMU) is a unit within the Ministry of Finance, which is charged with the responsibility of managing fiduciary—procurement and accounting activities of select donor projects funded by the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), BADEA and others. The institution is staffed with professionals including accountants, many of which are chartered, as well as trained and experienced procurement specialists.

The limited number of donor-funded procurement opportunities put out by PFMU attracts hundreds of contractors in the market place. And the scramble for these limited opportunities also attracts rogue players, many of whom will go to any lengths to undermine and discredit the procurement process, in their desperate quest for favours and unfair advantage. Many have history of poor past performance, including records of failure to deliver as per contracts.

Frankly, some of these contractors should have no business in the public procurement space given their past performance history. What is more troubling is that some even go further to display reckless entitlement attitudes emanating from their perceived relationships with beneficiary institutions.

As a group of professionals working within the confines of confidentiality, the PFMU is constrained to make public the mountain of evidence it has on the activities of some of these rogue players, including fraudulent submissions and attempts to unduly influence the outcome of procurement processes.

The PFMU is reluctant to dignify the unfounded allegations against it and its personnel that are making rounds in the media with a response. According to sources within PFMU, an independent contractor performance audit is being considered in order to determine the extent of shortcomings in delivery of some of these contracts.
We have managed to gather some facts regarding the IPRP matter. This piece is intended to throw light on those facts for the benefit of the public.

The Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) data center procurement process, which started in January 2025 is at the center of the IPRP saga.
Consistent with applicable procurement rules, a technical evaluation committee comprising of five representatives—two from BSL, one from the Directorate of Science and Technology (DSTI), and one from the ICT Department of the Ministry of Finance was put together by PFMU to evaluate bids submitted.

The only member of the evaluation committee from PFMU is a procurement specialist who serves as the secretary with no bidder evaluation or grading privilege. The chair of the evaluation committee is one of the two members from BSL. As a result, PFMU is in no position to influence the outcome of the procurement process.

The evaluation comprises of two phases— the first is the technical evaluation and the second is the financial evaluation. An update is provided to bidders on how they performed on the technical evaluation at the conclusion of the first phase. As required by the procurement rules, a notice of intent to award is sent out to all bidders at the conclusion of the second phase of the evaluation.

This notice is intended to allow bidders to seek redress for any grievance within 15 days before the contract is awarded to the winning bidder. In the case of the BSL data center procurement in question, two of the bidders— Smart Network Solution Limited and Computer Shop Limited filed a complaint to the Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP)— a public procurement grievance redress body at the end of the first phase. Both firms declined PFMU’s invitation to a debriefing— a standard procurement process where the evaluation committee can provide additional details about the shortcomings noted in the bidder’s technical proposals and answer any questions that the bidders may have.

The IPRP reportedly sent a letter to PFMU demanding the institution to be provided all documentation pertaining to the evaluation, including those submitted by the “winning bidder”. However, there was no winning bidder at the time as the evaluation was still in progress.

According to reports, PFMU responded to the IPRP request, stating that the evaluation was still in progress, and that the institution was constrained to release confidential documentation. Sources within the institution stated that PFMU also intends to provide the requested information at the end of the second phase of the evaluation and during the 15-day period provided for grievance redress. The IPRP reportedly refused to accept this offer and continued to send letters demanding that the documents be handed over and summoning PFMU personnel to a hearing.

According to our source, the matter was at that point escalated to the financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance, who supervises the PFMU.

According to reports, the financial secretary also expressed concerns about disclosing sensitive procurement documents at such an early stage due to the potential risk of compromising procurement process. Reportedly, the FS invited the IPRP to a meeting to discuss reasons why they should not interrupt the evaluation process and wait for the grievance redress stage. The IPRP reportedly declined to meet, citing independence limitations. After the refusal by the IPRP to meet, the financial secretary reportedly sent a letter to the Attorney General’s office to seek legal opinion as to whether the IPRP has the right to demand the sensitive procurement documents in the middle of the evaluation.

The request for legal opinion came against the backdrop that Section 1(2) of the Public Procurement Act makes provision that where there is a conflict between national procurement laws and donor procurement guidelines, the latter should prevail.

The Solicitor General (SG), who was expected to provide the legal opinion reportedly delayed to do so. Our investigation has disclosed the SG also doubles as an active panel member of the IPRP. In fact, he wrote the ruling which accuses PFMU and its leadership of abuse of power and corruption, because the institution cited constrains to release the sensitive documentation to IPRP at the time.
It has now a matter of whether the conflict of interest— serving on the panel of the IPRP and writing the ruling against PFMU will allow the SG to also issue an independent and objective opinion on behalf of the Attorney-General’s office regarding the right of the IPRP to request for the documentation. This conflict of interest has now put the SG at the center of a debate surrounding his office’s fair representation of government in litigations brought by contractors who have challenged public procurement outcomes in the past, leveraging the IPRP redress mechanism.

To break the impasse, the Chief Minister reportedly summoned all parties— the financial secretary, SG, PFMU, IPRP, and BSL to a meeting. After several deliberations, the conflict of interest faced by the SG due to his dual role became apparent according to our source. It was also observed that the delay by the SG to issue the legal opinion was self-evident. It became clear that pursuant to section 1(2) of the Public Procurement Act, the PFMU had a well-founded basis is law to have not handed over the documents in the middle of the evaluation. Furthermore, it became a matter of urgency given the “public interest” nature of the activity, the limited time left for the data center to be completed, and the risk of losing donor funds should the activity be canceled due to delay in procurement.

Credit: Ahmed T. Kanu
Freelance Investigative Journalist
April 13, 2025

Details

29 December 2024

Orange Sierra Leone has unveiled Max it, a groundbreaking super-app designed to simplify daily life by integrating telecom, financial services, and e-commerce in one platform. Accessible to all, regardless of their mobile operator, Max it uses Orange Money as a payment base making it an inclusive tool for diverse users.

Details

11 February 2025

Tender Numbers: SL4939 – Freetown
Timeline:
- RFQ published: 11th February 2025
- Deadline for written questions: 24th February 2025
- Deadline/ Submission date: 25th February 2025 at 2:00pm
- Contract award (estimated) on or before 5th March 2025
Interested bidders can request the tender/RFP document:
1. From CRS Office in Freetown through the following email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. referencing RFP #SL4939 from 11h February 2025 to 24th February 2025 between 9:00am and 4:00pm from Mondays to Thursdays and between 9:00am and 2:00pm on Fridays.
2. Bids/RFPs must be deposited in the Tender Box referencing SL4939 at the “Reception” of either CRS Freetown Office at #6 Jagiko Drive, Off Regent Road, Hill Station, Freetown, on or before 25th February 2025 at 2:00pm and/or through the secure Bid email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 25th February 2025 at 2:00pm.
3. Any bid/RFP received after the time and date stipulated will not be accepted.
If you have any question, please contact: +232 79 250 637 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Background
Since 1943, Catholic Relief Services has had the privilege of serving the poor and disadvantaged overseas.
Purpose of the RFQ
CRS Sierra Leone Programs is therefore looking for potential individual/company to provide the services of receiving and issuing boat tickets to CRS staff and visitors arriving and departing Lungi airport at a competitive price and expected delivery period.
General Requirements for bidders
1. Must be registered to conduct business and in compliance with governmental tax regulations in Sierra Leone.
2. CRS retains the right to reject, cancel, negotiate, amend, split, and accept any offer, without consideration of the lowest offer.
3. This is an invitation to potential vendors, and it is not a promise or obligation that CRS will contract the suppliers through the submitted offers.

Details

14 May 2024

The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has held a public bid opening to select a civil works contractor for the Emergency works along Up Gun through Kissy Bye-Pass Road to PWD Old Road, East End Freetown.

The bid opening was held on Wednesday 8th May, 2024 in the conference room at the SLRA Headquarters in Freetown, in the presence of the bidders and representatives from civil society and the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA).

The project is part of the World Bank's support to the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) to ease the movements of the Metro buses (Waka Fine) to and from East End Freetown.

The procurement method used is an international competitive bidding process. The bids were advertised in April, 2024 and two bidders responded.

The bid evaluation will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and it will follow the procurement procedures of World Bank to select the most responsive bid.

Details

11 February 2025

Tender Numbers: SL4798 – Freetown
Timeline:
- RFQ published:11th February 2025.
- Deadline for written questions: 24th February 2025.
- Deadline/Submission date: 25th February 2025 at 4:00pm
- Contract award (estimated) on or before 7th March 2025
Interested bidders can request for the tender/RFP document:
1. From CRS Office in Freetown through the following email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. from 11th February 2025 to 24th February 2025 between 9:00am and 4:00pm from Mondays to Thursdays and between 9:00am and 2:00pm on Fridays.
2. Bids/RFPs must be deposited in the Tender Box Referencing “SL4798-Boat Tickets” at the “Reception” of CRS Freetown Office at 6 Jagiko Drive, Off Regent Road, Hill Station, Freetown on or before 20th February 2025 at 4:00pm and/or through the secure Bid email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 20th February 2025 at 4:00pm with email subject “SL4798-Boat Ticket”.
3. Any bid/RFP received after the time and date stipulated will not be accepted.
If you have any question, please contact: +232 79 250 637 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Background
Since 1943, Catholic Relief Services has had the privilege of serving the poor and disadvantaged overseas.
Purpose of the RFQ
CRS Sierra Leone Programs is therefore looking for potential individual/company to provide the services of receiving and issuing boat tickets to CRS staff and visitors arriving and departing Lungi airport at a competitive price and expected delivery period.
General Requirements for bidders
1. Must be registered to conduct business and in compliance with governmental tax regulations in Sierra Leone.
2. CRS retains the right to reject, cancel, negotiate, amend, split, and accept any offer, without consideration of the lowest offer.
3. This is an invitation to potential vendors, and it is not a promise or obligation that CRS will contract the suppliers through the submitted offers.

Details

24 October 2023

Orange Sierra Leone, the undisputed leader in the telecoms industry of Sierra Leone, on Thursday 28th September, 2023 officially commissioned the newly Beamay Nursery and Preparatory School at the Wilberforce Military Barracks in Freetown.

This was part of the US$1.5million pledge Orange made to complement Government’s Free Quality School Education (FQSE) in different forms of educational support.

Speaking at the commissioning, Orange (SL) Chief Executive Officer, Sekou Amadu Bah, said they were happy that the refurbished school with seven classrooms would host about 280 pupils with better facilities for an effective learning environment that would nurture the leaders of the future.

“As a company we understand the essence of giving back to the communities in which we operate, giving back to the communities in which we operate. That is why we did not hesitate to provide the philanthropic support required to this local community school to create a positive impact on children’s lives and to foster educational sustainability,” he averred.

The CEO added that Orange will continue to play a key role in the ‘Five Big Game Changers’ of the Government through their Corporate Social Responsibility and Foundation Project to drive Human Capital Development and youth empowerment to contribute effectively to His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision for the country.

“When we received the request from the Armed Forces Wives Association to support with renovation of the school, we were compelled to take action to refurbish the school due to the deplorable state of its building that made it unfit for learning because we recognize that good facilities and infrastructures are important for producing good school outcomes,” CEO noted.

The CEO of Sonatel, Sekou Drame, said the project was a reflection of Sonatel and Orange Group’s commitment towards fostering sustainable development in education to build seeds for the future.

According to him, the objective of their group’s corporate social responsibility policy is to deploy sustainable development goals at the heart of all their affiliates across Africa and the Middle East that will be imbedded in four explicit areas: well-being of communities in which they operate; good governance; growth and economic development through investment; and preservation of the environment.

He said Orange is the first telecoms company to launch a partnership with government and that through their Foundation they have built five ultra-modern early learning development schools within three years in Port Loko, Kambia, Pujehun, Moyamba and Bonthe districts respectively.

Giving the keynote address, the First Lady, Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, averred that education is the first pillar in President Bio’s agenda and he prioritized education because he wanted Sierra Leone to be part of the new Millennium.

She further expressed her profound thanks and appreciation to Orange and Sonatel for their support in helping the Armed Forces Wives Association to refurbish the school.

The First Lady underscored the importance of teachers and described them as precious people in moving society forward.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General P.K. Lavahun, said Beamay Nursery and Preparatory school is one of the oldest nursery and preparatory facilities across the Armed Forces.

He recalled that the Armed Forces Wives Association four decades ago conceived the idea of establishing the school that provide basic conducive learning environment for kids of serving personnel in Wilberforce barracks.
The Army Boss expressed gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for its time CSR intervention to support the refurbishment of the school.

Details

08 February 2025

Request for Expression of Interest - EOI
Subject: Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) – Supplier & Service Provider Registration for Fiscal Year 2025
Date of this EOI: 10th January 2025
Closing Date for Receipt of EOI’s 21st February 2025
Reference No.: SL4943
1. Purpose: This EOI aims to provide equal opportunity for prospective suppliers and service providers to register for potential procurement of goods and services
2. Objectives and Scope: Catholic Relief Services – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, a non-governmental organization that supports community-based development programs in partnership with local organizations and the Catholic Dioceses. Inspired by its mandate to collaborate with both religious and non-sectarian NGOs as well as local government, CRS is committed to organization development and strengthening to promote sustainability and high impact programs that target the most vulnerable of the society. CRS is looking for reputable, reliable, and registered Business Enterprises/individuals to send in an Expression of Interest (EOI) to do business with CRS on a need basis. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Sierra Leone is hereby inviting interested suppliers and service providers to register with the Organization as approved suppliers and service providers for inclusion into its supplier data base.
3. Expected Procurement Details: CRS seeks to expand its supplier database for the following goods and services:
- Groceries and toiletries
- Catering services in all districts
- Hall/conference room rental in all districts
- Hotel accommodation in all districts
- Decoration and event management
- Printing and publishing
- Maintenance of vehicles and motorbikes
- Maintenance of generator
- Stationaries and office supplies
- Computer/electronic supplies
- Vehicle/bus rental and transportation services
- Construction and safety materials
- Medical supplies
- Seedlings/tree planting/agricultural inputs
- Jingle creation and airing
- Radio and television stations in all districts
- General office maintenance/construction services providers
4.0. CRS Payment Terms Offered:
- Payment will be made within 30 working days of delivery upon receipt and verification of a correct, itemized invoice.
- Payment shall be via bank transfer or check.
- Payment shall be made upon verification and acceptance of goods per purchase order and upon presentation of correct, itemized invoice.
5.0 Special Procurement Conditions and Additional Information: CRS invites suppliers capable of providing the goods and services listed under section 3 above to express their interest in providing the goods and services. To be considered as a potential supplier, interested enterprises/individuals should submit their Expression of Interest including the following information:
Please note that responses received without the information and documents below will not be considered.
- Valid Business Registration Certificate
- Valid NASSIT Clearance Certificate
- Valid NRA Tax Certificate
- 15% GST Registration Certificate
- Valid Municipal City/District Council Certificate.
- Business Profile and contact information including number of staff, turnover, years in business, full business name and address, country, telephone, e-mail address, website, and details of contact person etc.
- List of references on similar services carried out/goods supplied in the past years
- Copies of PO/Contract/Service Completion Certificate in similar service/goods supplied
For Individual Contractors/Service Providers, Evaluation Criteria Will Be:
- Letter of expression of interest
- A Valid Passport/National ID
- List of references on similar services carried out/goods supplied in the past years
- Copies of PO/Contract/Service Completion Certificate in similar service/goods supplied
- Business Profile and contact information including turnover, years in business, full business name and address, country, telephone, e-mail address, website, and details of contact person etc.
This call for Expression of Interest does not constitute a solicitation. We do not require proposals and prices at this stage; we merely seek your expression of interest in participating in the tender.
Due to the high volume of communications, we will not issue confirmation as to receipt of EOI’s. A response to this Request for Expression of Interest does not automatically ensure that you will be added to the database.
The EOI will be reviewed, evaluated and due diligence will be conducted, and successful applicants will be notified and added to the CRS supplier database for potential procurement opportunities.
All submissions will be reviewed based on the eligibility criteria outlined in section 5. The evaluation process will follow the below steps:
• Preliminary/Administrative screening – (30 Marks) (each requirement carries 5 marks)
- Submission within the deadline
- Sealed bid envelopes
- Letter of expression of interest
- Business Profile and contact information including full business name and address, country, telephone, e-mail address, website, and details of contact person etc.
- All valid business registration documents stated in section 5.0 above are mandatory for operating businesses.
- Valid Passport/National ID for individuals contractors/service providers is required and mandatory.
• Technical Evaluation (60 marks)
- List of references with contact numbers and emails on similar services carried out/goods supplied in the past two years
- Copies of PO/Contract/Service Completion Certificate in similar service/goods supplied
- Capability to supply/provide the service.
- Audited financial statements.
• Due Diligence (10 marks)
- Reference/background check with references provided above
- Site visits.
6.0 CRS Contact Information:
All applications must be addressed and submitted with reference (SL4943-EOI) in a sealed envelope at 6 Jagiko Drive, Off Regent Road, Hill Station, Freetown, Sierra Leone or through the secured bid email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject SL4943-EOI no later than 21st February 2024 on or before 4:00pm
Submit all questions and clarification to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +232 79 250 637

Details

18 October 2023

By Yusufu Sesay
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) in the ongoing bilateral budget discussions at Ministry of Finance Technical Committee one last Friday 13th October,2023 has estimated revenue generation of the Authority for the Financial Year 2024 amounting to Le306,555,170 ( Three Hundred and Six Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand One Hundred and Seventy Leones ).
The aforesaid revenue projection is expected from the Authority’s revenue streams including Birth & Death Certificates, Adoption of Marriage and Divorce Certificates, Identity Services and verification System.
The disclosure was made by NCRA Director General, Mohamed M. Massaquoi in the budget hearings held at the ministry conference room at Treasury Building on George Street in Freetown.
Speaking at the ongoing budget hearings, the Director General of NCRA underscored the importance of his Authority in revenue generation as they generate huge revenue from various sources for services provided to the public.
According to him, NCRA revenue generation gives a big boost not only in financing its budget proposals but support national budget expenditures.
The DG further upbeat that NCRA saved government on annual bases a huge sum of money by tracking and reporting ghost workers, the deceased and enhancing payroll integrity by verifying the details of new employees.
NCRA Boss added that the authority has helped government savings of over Le28B through the payroll verification exercise which unearthed 1,450 ghost workers found on payroll in 2019.
Mr. Massaquoi made appealing case to the committee on the need to increase its FY2024 budget ceiling of Le5B TO Le56B so that they could be execute their mandate effectively and generate more revenue for government in FY2024 budget.
The DG said the services of NCRA have gone nationwide covering all 16 administrative districts necessitating increase in resources to enable them facilitate registering of vital events as they occur throughout the country.