WAIIS 2026 Shortlists Up to 35 Projects Valued at US$18 Billion for Investment
Osman Tolo Sesay The West African Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 has shortlisted up to 35 projects worth an estimated US$18 billion, targeting private-sector investment across the continent.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, lead of WAIIS 2026, disclosed that the selection followed the submission of nearly 170 project proposals from various countries.
Speaking on Wake Up Sierra Leone, Yumkella said the summit had identified between 30 and 35 priority projects with a combined estimated value of US$15 billion to US$18 billion.
He said the selected projects had attracted considerable interest, expressing confidence that the summit would generate substantial investment commitments from regional and international business communities.
Yumkella explained that the initiative is designed to mobilize private-sector investment, particularly from medium and large-scale businesses, African-owned enterprises and foreign investors interested in opportunities across the continent.
He said the summit would bring project developers and potential investors together, creating opportunities to finance viable initiatives while strengthening regional economic cooperation and integration.
“This year, we received nearly 170 project proposals from various countries and shortlisted 30 to 35 priority projects valued at approximately US$15 billion to US$18 billion.”
“The good news is that our projects have generated significant interest, and we are optimistic about securing meaningful investment commitments from the regional and international business community.”
Dr. Yumkella said the summit’s private-sector focus is intended to attract investment into Africa through partnerships involving local businesses and international investors.
“The summit is primarily focused on the private sector, targeting medium and large businesses, African-owned enterprises and foreign investors, with the aim of attracting investment into the continent.”