President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is set to host the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, marking another significant milestone in the country’s growing leadership role within the West African regional bloc.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Press Secretary at State House, the high-level summit will take place on 19 July 2026 at the newly constructed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi. President Bio, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will preside over the regional gathering.
Ahead of the summit, Sierra Leone will host a series of statutory ECOWAS meetings in Freetown, bringing together Ministers, senior ECOWAS officials, delegates and development partners from across the region to deliberate on key issues affecting West Africa.
The meetings will begin with the 39th Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee, scheduled for 12 to 14 July 2026 at the Bintumani New Hall. This will be followed by the 56th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level on 15 July, alongside the Joint Mediation and Security Council/Council Meeting on the Compact of the Future.
The programme will continue with the 96th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which is scheduled for 16 and 17 July 2026, also at the Bintumani New Hall.
On 18 July 2026, President Bio is expected to officially commission the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi ahead of the summit. The Government said the new conference facility will strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity to host major international events, while the Logistics Depot will enhance ECOWAS’ operational and institutional effectiveness in the region.
State House noted that the hosting of the summit and accompanying meetings reflects Sierra Leone’s increasing prominence in regional affairs and President Bio’s leadership within ECOWAS.
The Government further stated that the events demonstrate President Bio’s commitment to promoting regional integration, strengthening peace and security, and advancing sustainable development across West Africa.
The 69th ECOWAS Summit is expected to attract Heads of State and Government, Ministers, diplomats and senior officials from ECOWAS member states, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s position as a key player in regional diplomacy and cooperation.
