The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Mr Yankuba Askia Bio, has described the successful hosting of the 2026 ECOWAS Summit as a major opportunity for Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, emphasising that peace and stability remain key drivers of trade and economic growth.

Mr Bio made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Salone Media Marketing Global News, where he discussed the economic impact of the summit, President Julius Maada Bio’s tenure as ECOWAS Chairman, and the future direction of Sierra Leone’s ports and maritime industry.

The SLPHA Director General said the successful conclusion of the regional summit demonstrated Sierra Leone’s ability to host major international events while showcasing the country’s operational capacity, security strength, and readiness for increased economic engagement. He explained that for the maritime sector, stability is essential because international shipping and trade depend on secure and reliable environments.

“Stability brings commerce,” Mr Bio said, noting that stronger regional peace and cooperation create better conditions for vessels, investors, and businesses to operate effectively.

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According to the SLPHA Director General, President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership as ECOWAS Chairman helped strengthen regional cooperation by focusing on peace, security, and economic integration, which he described as important foundations for expanding maritime trade. He added that ECOWAS efforts to reduce trade barriers, improve infrastructure, and encourage regional economic integration directly support the objectives of Sierra Leone’s ports.

Mr Bio stated that SLPHA is working to position Sierra Leone’s ports not only as national gateways but also as competitive transit hubs for the wider West African region. He further explained that the Authority is aligning its operations with President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers, particularly in areas of infrastructure development, technology advancement, and economic growth.

The SLPHA boss said ongoing efforts include modernising port systems, improving regulatory processes, and strengthening both physical and digital infrastructure to make port operations more efficient. He noted that improved port efficiency would help reduce the cost of doing business, support affordable goods for citizens, and increase the competitiveness of Sierra Leonean exports in international markets.

Reflecting on the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit, Mr Bio commended government institutions, security forces, technical teams, and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the smooth organisation of the event. He described the summit as a demonstration of national teamwork and said the achievement has enhanced Sierra Leone’s image among international partners and investors.

Looking ahead, Mr Yankuba Askia Bio encouraged international shipping companies, investors, and businesses to view Sierra Leone as a secure and open destination for trade. He reaffirmed SLPHA’s commitment to improving safety, efficiency, and excellence across the country’s maritime facilities to ensure that diplomatic achievements translate into economic opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.