Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura has unveiled plans for a $124 million international conference centre to be constructed in Lungi, marking one of the largest single infrastructure announcements by the administration of Julius Maada Bio.

The proposed facility, to be located in Lungi along Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coastline, is designed to reposition the town from a transit point into what government officials describe as a strategic economic hub. Lungi is home to the country’s main international airport and serves as the primary gateway for visitors arriving in Sierra Leone.

Announcing the project, Bangura framed the development as a long-term economic investment rather than a stand-alone construction initiative. He said the conference centre forms part of a broader spatial development strategy aimed at decentralizing growth away from Freetown and unlocking underutilized areas.

According to details released during the announcement, the complex will include a presidential-level meeting hall capable of hosting 20 heads of state and their delegations, a 1,400-seat multipurpose auditorium for conferences and cultural events, a 500-seat banquet hall, and several breakout rooms intended for large professional gatherings.

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Government officials say the facility is expected to position Sierra Leone as a competitive destination for regional and international events, including ECOWAS and African Union meetings, investment summits, corporate conventions and exhibitions.

Bangura emphasized that infrastructure should be viewed as an economic catalyst, arguing that similar investments in other African countries have strengthened tourism, hospitality and commercial sectors when paired with airport access and urban planning.

The government also projects significant local impact in Lungi. Officials estimate that the construction phase will generate thousands of jobs, while long-term operations are expected to create employment in hospitality, security, logistics, administration and maintenance. Authorities further anticipate growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs in transportation, catering, retail and tourism services.

The announcement has prompted national debate, with some critics questioning the $124 million price tag amid competing development priorities. Government officials maintain that the project represents a strategic investment whose long-term returns – including expanded tourism revenue, increased international visibility and broader regional economic participation – will outweigh the initial cost.

Lungi has been identified in national planning discussions as a potential future city under possible re-redistricting considerations. Officials argue that a major conference facility could serve as a foundational asset for municipal revenue generation and urban development should city status be formalized.

The government says the project reflects a broader policy shift aimed at distributing economic growth beyond the capital. While Freetown remains Sierra Leone’s political and historic center, authorities envision Lungi developing into a conference and tourism hub that complements the capital and eases urban pressure.

Construction timelines and financing mechanisms have not yet been fully disclosed. Further technical and procurement details are expected in subsequent government briefings.

For now, the proposed conference centre stands as one of the administration’s most significant infrastructure commitments, signaling an intention to reshape Lungi’s role in Sierra Leone’s economic landscape.