The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing digital transformation across West Africa as she received the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commissioner for Internal Services, Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah.

During a farewell courtesy visit following the hosts of the 20th Ministerial Session of Ministers of Telecommunications, ICT, and Digitalisation in Freetown.

During the meeting, commended the Government of Sierra Leone for the warm hospitality and effective coordination that ensured the success of the ministerial session, noting that the conference reflected Sierra Leone’s growing leadership within the ECOWAS Community at a time when digitalisation is becoming central to economic transformation and regional integration.

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Reflecting on ECOWAS institutional progress, the Commissioner explained that the performance indicators currently being assessed represent only part of the Community’s reporting cycle, as many member states often record improved performance toward the end of the year, when implementation activities intensify. The ECOWAS Commissioner emphasized that the submission of evaluation reports remains essential for monitoring progress across ECOWAS institutions. At the same time, ongoing administrative and operational reforms within the Commission are intended to strengthen efficiency and ensure that the right expertise is deployed in key institutional areas.

Furthermore, the discussions further reviewed the progress of the ECOWAS logistics depot project in Sierra Leone, which forms part of the Community’s broader security and operational architecture.

Additionally, Minister Barlay expressed appreciation for the successful hosting of the ICT ministerial session in Freetown and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations to ECOWAS, including the consistent remittance of the Community Levy. She noted that the Government is strengthening internal coordination mechanisms to ensure that payments are processed promptly, while also addressing legacy issues relating to earlier levy remittances.

The Minister Barlay further highlighted ongoing preparations for the upcoming ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government Summit to be hosted in Sierra Leone, noting that the Government is working across institutions to ensure that the country delivers a successful and transformative regional gathering.

Finally, she explained that preparations for major ECOWAS engagements are being coordinated through an inter-ministerial structure chaired by the Chief Minister to ensure effective planning and alignment with national priorities. According to the Minister, the ECOWAS summit presents an opportunity to strengthen regional integration as well as to enhance Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and international profile as a host of major regional events.