Dakar, Dakar — April 21, 2026 — Sierra Leone and Senegal have taken a major step toward deepening bilateral cooperation after signing a landmark treaty focused on mining and energy on the margins of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.
The agreement was formalized by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, alongside his Senegalese counterpart, under the broader leadership of Presidents Julius Maada Bio and Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Officials from both countries say the treaty marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties, with a strong emphasis on resource development, energy security, and sustainable mining practices. The deal is also expected to promote investment, facilitate the exchange of technical expertise, and support policy harmonisation between the two West African nations.
The signing builds on a series of high-level engagements between the two countries, including President Faye’s earlier state visit to Freetown and a follow-up visit by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. These engagements laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and trade.
Analysts note that the agreement reflects a broader shift toward leveraging Africa’s natural resources for domestic development through regional partnerships. Both governments have underscored the importance of ensuring that mining and energy governance contribute to long-term economic transformation and shared prosperity.
The treaty also aligns with continental integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost intra-African trade and economic cooperation. By coordinating strategies in key sectors, Sierra Leone and Senegal are positioning themselves to attract greater investment and enhance their roles within the regional economy.
Observers further highlight the growing role of the Dakar Forum as more than just a security platform, noting its emergence as a venue for forging strategic economic partnerships across Africa.
