Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Saturday, 24 October 2026, inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, the Hilton Garden Hotel and 15 Presidential VIP villas under construction in Lungi as Sierra Leone intensifies preparations to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026.
Scheduled for 17–18 November 2026 in Lungi, the summit is expected to bring together prominent African business leaders, international investors, financial institutions, development partners and several heads of state to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic partnerships across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The inspection forms part of the government’s preparations to ensure that the facilities are ready to accommodate delegates and other participants attending the high-level regional gathering. The ongoing construction projects are also expected to enhance Lungi’s capacity to host major international events and support the area’s broader development.
During the tour, Vice President Jalloh commended the conference centre project and the ongoing construction works, describing them as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to hosting WAIIS 2026.
He noted that the summit presents Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase its investment potential, engage international business leaders and strengthen partnerships aimed at promoting trade, investment and regional economic integration.
The Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre is expected to serve as a key venue for the summit, while the Hilton Garden Hotel and the 15 Presidential VIP villas are intended to support accommodation and hospitality arrangements for visiting dignitaries and other participants.
The projects form part of preparations to improve Lungi’s capacity to receive high-level visitors and host international engagements. Their completion and readiness will be important as the summit approaches.
WAIIS 2026 is expected to provide a platform for discussions on commercially viable projects, cross-border trade and investment partnerships across West Africa. For Sierra Leone, hosting the summit offers an opportunity to attract international capital, promote its economic potential and deepen cooperation with regional and global stakeholders.
The Vice President’s inspection marks another step in the government’s preparations for the November summit, with construction progress and logistical readiness remaining important considerations ahead of the event.
