FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – The Government of Sierra Leone has intensified preparations for the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, with officials describing the gathering as a landmark event that will reinforce the country’s regional influence and create economic opportunities for local businesses.
Speaking during the Government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba said Sierra Leone’s hosting of the summit reflects the confidence ECOWAS member states have in the country’s leadership and stability.
He said President Julius Maada Bio’s role as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority has elevated Sierra Leone’s diplomatic standing, noting that the President has been at the forefront of efforts to promote constitutional governance, regional peace and security across West Africa.
Kabba stressed that peace and security remain central to ECOWAS’ agenda, explaining that the regional bloc has expanded beyond economic integration to tackle terrorism, political instability and unconstitutional changes of government.
He expressed optimism that the upcoming meetings of ambassadors, ministers and Heads of State would produce decisions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, security and economic integration.
Planning and Economic Development Minister Kenyeh Barlay said preparations for the summit have involved close collaboration between government institutions, development partners and local stakeholders to ensure the successful hosting of the regional event.
She noted that President Bio’s priorities for ECOWAS include restoring constitutional order, improving regional security, deepening economic integration and advancing institutional reforms to make the bloc more responsive to emerging challenges.
Barlay added that Sierra Leone is also expected to host the West African Integration Summit later this year, further positioning the country as a key player in regional affairs.
Beyond its diplomatic significance, she said the ECOWAS summit is expected to provide a boost to the local economy through increased demand for hotels, transport services, catering, tourism and other hospitality businesses.
She disclosed that ECOWAS has encouraged delegates to patronise locally owned hotels to maximise economic benefits for Sierra Leonean businesses.
Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi announced that President Bio will officially host the 69th ECOWAS Summit in Freetown on 19 July 2026.
He said a series of preparatory meetings, including sessions of the Administration and Finance Committee, the Mediation and Security Council, and the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, will be held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre ahead of the summit.
According to Sandi, President Bio will also commission the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot on 18 July, describing the projects as important additions to Sierra Leone’s capacity to host major international events.
Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah said the summit comes at a time when Sierra Leone is recording encouraging economic and social progress.
He disclosed that inflation declined to 12.9 percent in May 2026, while the economy is projected to grow by 5.5 percent this year. He also said the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has fallen from 79 percent to 65 percent, reflecting improved fiscal management.
Bah further highlighted reductions in food insecurity and maternal mortality, alongside improvements in literacy, school enrolment and life expectancy, attributing the gains to the government’s human capital development agenda.
He acknowledged that rising global fuel prices continue to exert pressure on inflation but said the government has maintained uninterrupted fuel supplies and relative price stability, while the Leone has remained broadly stable over the past three years.
The ECOWAS summit is expected to bring together Heads of State and Government from across West Africa to deliberate on regional peace, security, governance and economic integration.
