President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is providing hands-on leadership in preparations for the first-ever West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, which Sierra Leone is expected to host as a major platform for regional cooperation, trade and investment. The summit is schedule to take place from the 17–18 November 2026 at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
This landmark summit will bring together private-sector companies, global business leaders, investors, policymakers and heads of international financial and development institutions. It is designed to strengthen economic integration across West Africa while creating opportunities for strategic partnerships and sustainable investment.
President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s direct involvement reflects the importance his Government attaches to the successful organisation of the summit. His leadership approach follows the same high-level commitment demonstrated during preparations for the Economic Community of West African States Summit hosted by Sierra Leone.
Preparations for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit took another important step during a meeting of the Ministerial Steering Committee chaired by President Dr Julius Maada Bio. The meeting provided an opportunity for senior Government officials and international partners to review the proposed programme, organizational arrangements and broader objectives of the summit.
Special Envoy for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the summit’s strategic direction and potential contribution to regional economic transformation. Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella highlighted the need for the gathering to generate practical outcomes, attract credible investors and promote partnerships capable of supporting development across West Africa.
Leading international event producer Richard Attias also made a presentation on the planning and delivery of the summit. Richard Attias shared his professional experience in organizing major international conferences and emphasized the importance of strong coordination, global visibility and effective engagement with business and development leaders.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasised the importance of effective Government coordination, strong engagement with regional and international partners, and careful planning to ensure the successful hosting of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the summit’s potential to attract credible investors, deepen regional economic cooperation and create sustainable development opportunities for Sierra Leone and West Africa.
The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh offered constructive perspectives during the meeting, contributing to discussions on Government coordination, regional participation and the successful implementation of the event.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for discussions on regional trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, industrial development and private-sector growth. It will also allow Sierra Leone to showcase its investment opportunities and strengthen its position as a destination for responsible international business.
President Dr Julius Maada Bio urged the steering committee to maintain close coordination and ensure that the summit delivers concrete benefits for Sierra Leone and the wider West African region. The Government believes the gathering could become an important mechanism for transforming regional commitments into commercially viable projects, stronger partnerships and meaningful economic opportunities.
