President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Thursday, 23 July 2026, hosted Chief Executive Officers and General Managers of leading mining companies operating in Sierra Leone at an official luncheon at State House, where he presented the upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 and called for strategic partnerships ahead of the landmark regional event scheduled for November.
The engagement brought together leaders of the country’s mining sector and senior Government officials, underscoring the Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector in positioning Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for investment and regional economic integration.
Welcoming the executives, President Bio described WAIIS 2026 as a pivotal milestone in Sierra Leone’s development agenda, built on a shared vision of trust, partnership and prosperity. He expressed appreciation to the mining companies for their continued confidence in the country and their contribution to national development.
“This Summit is about building the foundation for an integrated African market where more value remains on the continent. You are not merely operators of mineral resources; you are partners in development,” President Bio stated.
The President explained that the Summit will serve as a platform for Governments, investors, financiers and private sector stakeholders to establish strategic partnerships and unlock investment opportunities across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. He noted that dedicated sector-focused investment rooms will facilitate structured business engagements by bringing together project sponsors, mining companies, development finance institutions, commercial banks, private equity firms and other investors.
President Bio encouraged the mining companies to become funding sponsors and strategic partners of WAIIS 2026, emphasizing that the Summit is designed to generate investment commitments, business opportunities and transformative projects that will strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a leading investment destination while advancing regional economic integration.
He also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to maintaining policy consistency, regulatory transparency and responsible, environmentally sustainable mining practices. The President further assured investors of continued efforts to improve infrastructure, expand energy access, strengthen local partnerships and enhance workforce development to support long-term economic growth.
Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, commended President Bio for his visionary leadership in constructing the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, which will host the Summit. He highlighted WAIIS 2026’s four strategic pillars: Energy, Trade and Industrial Growth; Strategic Minerals and Natural Resource Development; Agribusiness and Food Systems Transformation; and Digital Transformation and Connectivity.
Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella said the Summit is expected to produce priority investment pipelines, analytical reports and key outcome documents while facilitating stronger partnerships between Governments and the private sector. He added that the event will accelerate regional economic integration through the development of bankable projects across the ECOWAS region.
Speaking on behalf of the participating mining companies, the Chief Executive Officers and General Managers pledged their full support for WAIIS 2026, describing it as a timely and commendable initiative that will benefit Sierra Leone, the ECOWAS region and the African continent by promoting meaningful partnerships, attracting investment and fostering sustainable economic growth.
The luncheon was attended by Chief Executive Officers and General Managers from Leone Rock Metal Group, Sierra Rutile Limited, Fison Resources SL Limited, FG Gold Mining Company, PG Mining SL Limited, Leone Afric Metals Sierra Leone Limited, Minenet Company Limited, CTC Mining and Gold Lion Mining Company, alongside senior Government officials.
