By Kadiatu Sankoh
Sierra Leone is ready to claim its place on the global trade stage. With a projected 4.8% economic growth in 2026, the nation is set to leverage its agricultural, creative, healthcare, and maritime sectors at the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS’26) in Abuja from March 23–28. Organized by Abuja-based strategic advisory firm Aquarian Consult, the summit will connect Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs and policymakers with a $40 trillion market spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas, opening doors for investment, partnerships, and cultural exchange.
As Sierra Leone’s “Big Five” game-changer agenda aligns with AACIS’26’s thematic pillars. With growing focus on food security, human capital development, and the creative economy, the country is primed for high-impact partnerships in the Afri-Caribbean corridor.
The strategic for Sierra Leoneans at this AACIS’26 includes:
1. Agriculture & Food Security (March 23–24)
Agriculture contributes over 50% of Sierra Leone’s GDP, making it a sleeping giant in agro-processing.
• Export Markets: Caribbean nations import over 80% of their food. Sierra Leonean producers of cocoa, palm oil, and organic tubers can secure direct off-take agreements.
• Technology Transfer: Partnerships on climate-smart agriculture and aquaculture can boost yields and resilience.
2. The Creative Economy & Cultural Exchange
Sierra Leone’s Krio culture—an enduring blend of African and Caribbean influences—is a unique soft-power asset.
• Fashion & Textiles: Showcase “Country Cloth” and Gara designs to Caribbean markets seeking authentic African fashion.
• Music & Audiovisual: Musicians and filmmakers can tap into new distribution networks and joint production opportunities.
3. Health & Pharmaceuticals (March 26)
The Afri-Caribbean Health Summit provides a platform to:
• Attract investment into pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure.
• Collaborate on medical research and cross-border health policy frameworks.
4. Blue Economy & Logistics
Sierra Leone, with deep-water port potential, can learn from Caribbean partners in:
• Sustainable Fisheries: Expanding cold storage and seafood processing.
• Maritime Trade: Leveraging lessons from previous deep-water port investments facilitated by AACIS.
What to Expect at AACIS’26
• The Investor Deal Room: A space for “shovel-ready” Sierra Leonean projects to meet private equity and pension fund managers.
• B2B & B2G Matchmaking: Fast-tracks joint ventures between SMEs and Caribbean investors.
• The Future of the Transatlantic Bridge Fellowship: Mentorship and policy immersion for young leaders in the Afri-Caribbean space.
“Sierra Leone is no longer just a destination for aid; we are a destination for trade. AACIS’26 is the bridge we’ve been waiting for to connect our local talent with global capital.”
Join the Delegation
Stakeholders across business, government, and the creative industries are invited to participate in AACIS’26 and position Sierra Leone at the heart of one of the world’s most promising South-South trade corridors.
Date: March 23–28, 2026
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Registration: www.aquarianconsult.com/AACIS
Contact: +2348099666613 (Calls & WhatsApp)