Post a comment 
The Government of Sierra Leone will spend an estimated US$86 million to host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit on 19 July 2026, while ECOWAS member states will contribute an additional US$15 million, Information Minister Chernor Bah has announced.
The disclosure was made during a government press briefing at the Miatta Conference Centre, attended by Planning Minister Kenyeh Barlay, Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, State House Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, journalists and civil society representatives.
The summit will be held for the first time at the new ECOWAS complex in Lungi, marking a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s regional leadership.
The development includes a state-of-the-art conference hall, presidential villas, banquet facilities and a media centre. The entire complex was built at a cost of US$124 million, representing one of the largest public infrastructure investments undertaken by the Government.
On 18 July, President Julius Maada Bio will officially commission the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, alongside the ECOWAS Logistics Depot.
Planning Minister Kenyeh Barlay explained that Sierra Leone will host a regional logistics depot to support rapid deployment during emergencies because of its strategic location on the West African coast. The decision to establish the facility dates back to ECOWAS deliberations in Accra, Ghana, in 2005.
President Bio will chair the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which will bring together regional leaders to discuss key political, economic and security issues affecting West Africa.
A series of preparatory meetings will precede the summit:
- 39th Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee: 12th to 14th July
- 56th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council: 15th July
- 96th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers: 16th to 17th July
All preparatory meetings are scheduled to take place at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown.
Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Musa Kabba said Sierra Leone’s hosting of the summit reflects the country’s appreciation for ECOWAS’ role in restoring peace during the country’s 11-year civil war.
Planning Minister Barlay said the summit presents significant economic opportunities for Sierra Leone. Increased demand for accommodation, transportation, catering and tourism is expected to benefit local businesses. ECOWAS has encouraged delegates to utilise locally owned hotels to maximise economic gains for Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs.
Barlay also disclosed that ECOWAS is proposing a US$20 million Stabilisation Fund to support job creation, economic recovery, the rehabilitation of the Waterloo dumpsite and the construction of modern market infrastructure.
China has donated 15 VIP vehicles to facilitate the movement of visiting Heads of State and delegates.
State House Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi described the event as a major milestone for Sierra Leone and a demonstration of the country’s growing capacity to host high-level international engagements.
“This event is not simply about President Bio. It is about Sierra Leone. It demonstrates that our country possesses the capability, the capacity, the skilled professionals, the technical expertise, and the leadership required to successfully organise a summit of this magnitude,” he said.
