Sous prefectures serve as the third and most local tier of Guinea's administrative structure, with 343 such divisions spread across the country. These subdivisions of prefectures function as the primary point of contact between the national government and local communities, responsible for implementing policies, maintaining civil records, and delivering basic public services at the grassroots level. Each sous prefecture is typically administered by a sous prefect appointed by the central government, who oversees matters including civil registration, local security coordination, tax collection, and the resolution of minor administrative issues. This administrative level plays a vital role in extending state presence into rural areas and small towns, where most Guineans reside, and serves as the jurisdictional framework for organizing elections, conducting censuses, and coordinating development projects within their territories.