The China-West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Dialogue was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 13 November 2026. The event brought together over 100 delegates, including senior government officials, business representatives from China and Sierra Leone, and regional bodies. Zhang Dianbin, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, and Wang Peng, Counsellor for commercial and economic cooperation at the Chinese Embassy, led the Chinese delegation.
Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, Sierra Leone’s Special Envoy for the 2026 West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, attended the dialogue along with ministers from Trade and Industry, Mines and Mineral Resources, and Fisheries. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and the Executive Director of the National Investment Commission were also in attendance. The high-level event aimed to facilitate government-business partnerships and promote regional industrialisation.
The Chinese delegation emphasised its commitment to sincerity, tangible outcomes, and shared interests with West Africa. They focused on market and legal frameworks to support Sierra Leone’s industrial development. The Chinese entrepreneurs exchanged practical experiences with their Sierra Leonean counterparts, demonstrating their intent to bolster the real economy in West Africa.
African representatives expressed their support for Chinese investments, looking forward to enhanced collaboration in sectors such as mining, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. They aimed for a fair and transparent business environment that would foster growth and development in the region. The dialogue served as a platform for both sides to discuss industrialisation and investment opportunities.
The event was attended by representatives from regional bodies like the ECOWAS Economic Commission and the Mano River Union, as well as the China-Africa Development Fund. The broad participation underscored the importance of the dialogue in promoting regional industrialisation and investment. The discussions were aimed at aligning objectives and promoting cooperation between China and West Africa.
The China-West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Dialogue is the inaugural high-level event of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit. The summit seeks to promote government-business partnerships and regional industrialisation. The dialogue has set the stage for enhanced cooperation between China and West Africa in the coming years.
The outcome of the dialogue is expected to contribute to the growth and development of West Africa. The commitment of the Chinese delegation to sincerity, tangible outcomes, and shared interests has been welcomed by African representatives. The event has demonstrated the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and West Africa.
Key points
- The China-West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Dialogue was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 13 November 2026.
- The event aimed to facilitate government-business partnerships and promote regional industrialisation.
- The dialogue served as a platform for discussing industrialisation and investment opportunities between China and West Africa.
