President Bio Engages Mining CEOs Ahead of West Africa Investment Summit 2026

President Julius Maada Bio has hosted Chief Executive Officers and General Managers of major mining companies operating in Sierra Leone at State House to mobilise strategic partnerships and support for the upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026.

The engagement, held at State House in Freetown on Thursday, 23 July 2026, brought together mining sector leaders and senior government officials as the government seeks private sector collaboration ahead of the landmark regional summit scheduled for November.

President Bio described WAIIS 2026 as a key part of Sierra Leone’s transformation agenda, aimed at promoting trust, prosperity, investment and regional economic integration. He thanked mining companies for their continued investment and confidence in Sierra Leone, noting that they are not only operators of mineral resources but important partners in national development.

The President said the summit will provide a platform for governments, investors, financiers and private sector actors across the ECOWAS region to establish partnerships and unlock investment opportunities. He highlighted the planned sector-focused investment sessions that will connect project developers, mining companies, development finance institutions, commercial banks, private equity firms and investors.

President Bio invited mining companies to support WAIIS 2026 as sponsors and strategic partners, stressing that the summit is designed to generate business opportunities, investment commitments and transformative projects that will strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as an investment destination.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating a favourable investment environment through policy consistency, regulatory transparency, responsible and environmentally sustainable mining practices, improved infrastructure and energy access, as well as stronger local partnerships and workforce development.