Sierra Leone Seeks Mining Sector Support for West Africa Investment Summit
Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has called on the country’s leading mining companies to become strategic partners in the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, saying the event will help unlock investment opportunities and strengthen regional economic integration.
Speaking during an official luncheon at State House in Freetown on Thursday, 23 July 2026, President Bio described the summit as a key milestone in Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
The summit is scheduled to take place in November 2026 and is expected to bring together governments, investors, financial institutions and private sector leaders from across the ECOWAS region.
“This Summit is about building the foundation for an integrated African market where more value remains on the continent.
You are not merely operators of mineral resources; you are partners in development,” President Bio said.
He urged mining companies to support the summit as funding sponsors and strategic partners, adding that the event aims to generate investment commitments, strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as an attractive investment destination and promote regional economic cooperation.
President Bio also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining policy consistency, regulatory transparency, environmentally responsible mining, improved infrastructure and energy access, as well as stronger local partnerships and workforce development.
Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, said WAIIS 2026 will focus on four strategic sectors: energy, trade and industrial growth, strategic minerals and natural resource development, agribusiness and food systems transformation, and digital transformation and connectivity.
He said the summit is expected to develop investment pipelines, produce analytical reports and strengthen partnerships between governments and the private sector to accelerate economic integration across West Africa.
Representatives of the mining companies welcomed the initiative and pledged their support for WAIIS 2026, describing it as an important platform for attracting investment, creating business opportunities and advancing sustainable economic development in Sierra Leone and across the ECOWAS region.
The luncheon was attended by executives from several mining companies, including Leone Rock Metal Group, Sierra Rutile Limited, Fison Resources SL Limited, FG Gold Mining Company, PG Mining SL Limited, Leone Afric Metals Sierra Leone Limited, Minenet Company Limited, CTC Mining and Gold Lion Mining Company, together with senior government officials.
