Sierra Leone expands to 18 districts and establishes new local councils

Sierra Leone has officially expanded its administrative map from 16 to 18 districts following the publication of establishment orders in the Sierra Leone Gazette on September 16, 2026. The new districts are Bandajuma, carved from parts of Bo and Pujehun, and Kpanguima, formed from portions of Kenema and Kailahun.

The restructuring includes the creation of eight new city and rural councils. In the Western Area, the capital is being split into two administrations: the Freetown City Council and the Freetown West City Council. Additionally, Lungi has been elevated to city status with the establishment of the Lungi City Council. Other new entities include the Mountain, Waterloo, and York rural councils.

These reforms, part of a decentralization programme approved by the Cabinet in May 2025, aim to bring administration closer to communities, improve service delivery, and enhance local revenue mobilization. The gazetting also establishes several new chiefdoms and village chiefdoms, such as Barawa, Biriwa Limba, and Lunia.