By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone has officially launched local media engagement ahead of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, with government officials highlighting plans to attract private sector investment, create jobs and strengthen economic integration across West Africa.
The summit, scheduled for 16 to 18 November 2026 in Lungi, Sierra Leone, is expected to bring together government officials, financial institutions, private sector leaders and investors to explore viable investment opportunities across the region.
Speaking at the media engagement held on Tuesday, 20 October, at El Greco Hall in Aberdeen, Freetown, Dr Alhaji Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Special Envoy for WAIIS 2026, said the summit was designed to move beyond financial pledges towards investments that generate measurable economic benefits.
He explained that the initiative reflects President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment, during his chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, to revive regional economic integration, improve trade and attract cross border investment.
Dr Yumkella identified four strategic pillars for the summit: energy trade, strategic minerals, agribusiness supply chains and digital transformation.
He said investment in these sectors would support value addition, strengthen local industries and create employment opportunities, particularly for the region’s growing youth population.
“ The summit is not about pledges; it is about investment,” Dr Yumkella stressed, noting that viable projects must attract domestic and international investors willing to commit substantial capital.
He disclosed that more than 60 projects had been reviewed in Sierra Leone, with between 10 and 15 being shortlisted for further consideration. The projects are estimated to be worth between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, although due diligence is ongoing.
The proposed investments include infrastructure, mining, agriculture, information technology and logistics. Among the infrastructure proposals are toll roads linking Masiaka to the Guinea border and Kabala, aimed at improving transport connections and supporting regional trade.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ECOWAS, Madam Kenyah Barlay, said WAIIS emerged from President Bio’s agenda to strengthen regional integration and restore ECOWAS to its founding purpose.
She disclosed that her ministry had developed about 10 bankable projects, mainly focused on the blue economy.
Barlay also highlighted the proposed US$35 million MRU ECOWAS Regional Carriage Project, which is expected to facilitate the movement of cargo, passengers and vehicles between Conakry, Freetown, Monrovia and Abidjan, with plans to expand to Ghana and Senegal.
She said memoranda of understanding involving financial institutions, investors and the African Continental Free Trade Area were expected to be signed at the summit.
Minister of Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah, also contributed to discussions on the summit’s significance, particularly its digital transformation agenda and the opportunities for technology driven investment to support economic development across the region.
Joseph Nganga, CEO of AfCEN and Chief Operating Officer for WAIIS 2026, said the summit would focus on securing practical investment deals across key sectors.
“WAIIS is about getting deals done: mobilising capital for major investments in energy, strategic minerals, agribusiness and digital infrastructure, while opening markets and commercial opportunities for businesses across West Africa,” Nganga said.
The organisers said WAIIS would provide a continuing platform for connecting project promoters with investors and tracking investment deals beyond the summit, with subsequent editions planned for 2028 and 2030.