Sierra Leone Hosts China-West Africa Dialogue on Investment and Industrialisation
Theresa Manneh Sierra Leone has hosted the China-West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Dialogue, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, investors and regional institutions to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between China and West Africa.
The high-level meeting was held in Freetown on November 13, 2026, with participants discussing ways to promote investment, accelerate industrial development and strengthen economic partnerships between the two sides.
Among the key representatives were Zhang Dianbin, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, and Wang Peng, Counsellor responsible for Commercial and Economic Cooperation at the Embassy.
Also in attendance was Dr Kandeh K. Yumkella, Special Envoy of Sierra Leone for the 2026 West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, alongside the country’s Ministers of Trade and Industry, Mines and Mineral Resources, and Fisheries, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and the Executive Director of the National Investment Commission.
The officials delivered remarks highlighting the importance of investment, industrial development and international partnerships in driving economic transformation.
Discussions focused on industrialisation, investment promotion and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. The dialogue also served as the first high-level event of the 2026 West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, providing a platform for stronger government-to-business engagement, consensus-building among stakeholders and the identification of potential investment projects ahead of the summit.
During the meeting, the Chinese delegation reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Sierra Leone and the wider West African region, guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as shared interests and mutual benefits.
The delegation also emphasised its intention to support industrial development through market-oriented and law-based approaches, with particular attention to industrial empowerment, value addition, industrial chain upgrading and Sierra Leone’s broader industrialisation agenda.
For their part, African representatives welcomed increased investment from Chinese enterprises, identifying mining, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, fisheries and other productive sectors as areas with significant potential for expanded cooperation.
They also highlighted the importance of establishing a fair, transparent and stable business environment capable of attracting responsible investment, encouraging private-sector participation and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth, particularly in Sierra Leone.
Business representatives from China and Sierra Leone shared practical experiences, exchanged perspectives on investment opportunities and expressed their willingness to contribute to the development of the real economy across West Africa.