FREETOWN, 21 October 2026 – Sierra Leone is set for a major economic boost as Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, banking mogul Tony Elumelu and up to seven Heads of State are expected in Freetown next month for a landmark investment summit.
The West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS), slated for 17-18 November 2026, will turn Freetown into West Africa’s investment capital for two days.
Special Envoy Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella disclosed at the launch of the local media campaign in Aberdeen on Wednesday that WAIIS has assembled a high-level Private Sector Advisory Board that includes Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Group, and Tony Elumelu, CEO of Heirs Holdings, alongside other top business leaders from across the continent.
He said five to seven Heads of State are expected to attend the summit, which aims to connect bankable West African projects directly with financiers.
“This is not a pledging conference. It is an investment conference where projects are ready and bankers are ready to invest,” Dr. Yumkella stressed.
He said the summit aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s push for regional economic integration during his tenure as ECOWAS Chairman – built on the principle that West Africa grows faster when it trades and builds together.
Several Sierra Leonean projects have already been listed in the exclusive WAIIS Deal Rooms, including the Gento Group’s port project at Kent and Banana Island and the Nant Energy Project at Kissy, which officials say could significantly expand the country’s electricity generation.
Minister of Planning Kenyeh Barlay said the Deal Rooms will give Sierra Leonean projects direct access to investors, while Minister of Communication Salima Bah noted that some projects have already attracted serious investor interest.
Chamber of Commerce President Robin Coker said WAIIS will give a major lift to both Sierra Leone and the wider region.
WAIIS Chief Operating Officer Joseph Ngana assured that the summit will be executed without glitches, making investors want to return to Sierra Leone for more business.
