jobs

Over 2,000 Sierra Leoneans Employed During ECOWAS Summit Preparations, Says Sengeh

Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh says Sierra Leone’s hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings created employment opportunities for more than 2,000 Sierra Leoneans during the six-month preparation period. Speaking at a government press conference at the Miatta Conference Centre on July 21, 2026, Dr Sengeh, who served as National Coordinator for the meetings, said citizens were engaged across construction, event management, logistics, transportation, hospitality, translation and other support services.

His comments come amid public debate over the cost of hosting the regional gathering and the long-term value of infrastructure developed, particularly around Lungi. But Dr Sengeh defended the investment, saying the work was largely carried out by Sierra Leoneans and that recruitment was not based on political affiliation, background or social identity. According to him, the preparations provided thousands of citizens with opportunities to contribute to a major international event hosted in the country.