Sierra Leone has intensified preparations to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, with Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh inspecting key infrastructure projects in Lungi as the country prepares to welcome international investors, business executives and regional leaders.
The Vice President conducted the inspection on Saturday, 24 October 2026, visiting the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, the Hilton Garden Hotel and 15 Presidential VIP villas currently under construction. The projects are expected to play a significant role in accommodating delegates and facilitating the smooth organisation of the high-level regional summit.
Scheduled for 17–18 November 2026 in Lungi, WAIIS is expected to attract prominent African business leaders, international investors, financial institutions, development partners and several heads of state. The gathering aims to promote cross-border investment, expand commercial partnerships and strengthen economic integration across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The inspection underscores the importance the government attaches to infrastructure readiness as Sierra Leone prepares to position itself as a destination for major international conferences and investment engagements. Beyond the summit itself, the developments are expected to strengthen Lungi’s hospitality capacity and improve its ability to accommodate future international gatherings.
During the tour, Vice President Jalloh commended the conference centre project and the ongoing construction works, describing them as evidence of the government’s commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leone is adequately prepared to host WAIIS 2026.
He emphasised the significance of the summit as an opportunity for the country to showcase its investment potential, engage directly with international business leaders and establish partnerships capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.
The Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre is expected to serve as a principal venue for summit activities, while the Hilton Garden Hotel and the 15 Presidential VIP villas are intended to provide accommodation for visiting dignitaries and other high-level participants.
The development of these facilities also reflects broader efforts to strengthen the infrastructure required to support international engagements in Lungi, a strategic location for receiving visitors arriving through the country’s main international airport. Their readiness will be an important consideration as the summit date approaches.
WAIIS 2026 is expected to provide a platform for identifying commercially viable projects, mobilising investment capital and encouraging partnerships in sectors with the potential to drive economic transformation across West Africa. Discussions are also expected to focus on cross-border trade, regional cooperation and opportunities for businesses to expand into neighbouring markets.
For Sierra Leone, the summit represents an opportunity to present its economic prospects to a wider international audience, strengthen relationships with development partners and investors, and translate regional cooperation into tangible investment opportunities.
As preparations continue, the government’s focus will remain on completing the necessary infrastructure and ensuring that the facilities and logistical arrangements meet the expectations of delegates attending the November gathering.