President Dr. Julius Maada Bio met with Chief Executive Officers and General Managers from nine leading mining companies on Thursday, 23 July 2026, to promote Sierra Leone as an investment destination. The engagement took place at an official luncheon hosted at State House. During the luncheon, President Bio presented the upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, which is scheduled for November. The engagement sought to foster collaboration with the private sector, specifically aiming to strengthen partnership in positioning Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for investment and regional economic integration. President Bio stated, "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."
Summit's Vision and Goals
The West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 is built on a shared vision of trust, partnership, and prosperity, according to organizers. The event aims to accelerate regional economic integration by developing bankable projects across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. WAIIS 2026 is structured around four strategic pillars: Energy, Trade and Industrial Growth; Strategic Minerals and Natural Resource Development; Agribusiness and Food Systems Transformation; and Digital Transformation and Connectivity. To facilitate structured business engagements and foster concrete outcomes, the summit will feature dedicated sector-focused investment rooms. These specialized rooms are designed to allow focused discussions and negotiations among relevant stakeholders.
Government's Commitment to Investors
The Government of Sierra Leone is committed to maintaining policy consistency, regulatory transparency, and responsible, environmentally sustainable mining practices. Officials stated that efforts would continue to improve infrastructure, expand energy access, strengthen local partnerships, and enhance workforce development. These ongoing initiatives are part of a broader strategy to create a stable and attractive investment climate. President Dr. Julius Maada Bio encouraged mining companies to become funding sponsors and strategic partners of the upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, noting the mutual benefits of such collaboration. President Bio emphasized, "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."
Industry Support and Future Outlook
The engagement with mining industry leaders occurred at an official luncheon held at State House. The luncheon was attended by CEOs and General Managers from nine mining companies, signifying the sector's interest in the President's vision. Participating mining companies subsequently pledged their full support for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026. This summit, designed to foster regional economic growth and integration, will be hosted at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre. Organizers anticipate the Summit will generate priority investment pipelines for the region, identifying and advancing key projects. It is also expected to produce full analytical reports detailing economic opportunities and key outcome documents to guide future development strategies. These documents will outline actionable steps for integrating West African markets and enhancing value retention within the continent, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Broader Regional Integration
The upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 will serve as a platform for governments, investors, financiers, and private sector stakeholders. The summit aims to establish strategic partnerships and unlock investment opportunities across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, according to organizers. This collaborative approach is central to the summit's objective of driving regional economic development and integration.