The Chinese Embassy in Freetown has pledged financial support for the 2026 West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, scheduled to take place from 13 to 18 November 2026. The summit, coordinated by the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, aims to attract international investors and private-sector partners to explore opportunities across West Africa. This move reinforces China's interest in strengthening trade and investment partnerships with Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
A major highlight of the summit will be the China–West Africa Investment Forum, scheduled for 13 November at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown. The forum is expected to bring together Chinese business leaders, investors, financial institutions, government representatives and Sierra Leonean businesses to explore commercial partnerships and investment opportunities. Discussions will focus on trade, infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer and regional value chains.
Wang Peng, Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, stated that more than 50 Chinese business leaders were expected to participate in the summit and its pre-summit activities. He also highlighted China's planned agricultural extension programme in Bo District and its commitment to the restoration of the Dodo Hydroelectric Dam in Kenema District.
Chairman of PI-CREF and Special Envoy for WAIIS2026, Dr Kandeh K. Yumkella, welcomed the Chinese Embassy's contribution, describing it as an important step towards delivering the summit and mobilising investment for economic transformation across West Africa. Yumkella said PI-CREF, acting under the mandate of President Julius Maada Bio, was committed to ensuring that the summit generated tangible economic benefits for Sierra Leone and the wider region.
The Chinese contribution is expected to strengthen preparations for the summit and provide further momentum for efforts to translate the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Sierra Leone and China into increased trade, investment and private-sector partnerships. This development comes as Sierra Leone continues to seek partnerships to drive economic growth and development.
The summit's focus on regional value chains and infrastructure development aligns with Sierra Leone's efforts to boost economic growth and industrialisation. The country's government has been working to create a favourable business environment and attract foreign investment to drive development.
The West Africa Integration and Investment Summit is set to provide a platform for Sierra Leone and other West African countries to showcase their investment opportunities and attract international investors. With China's support, the summit is expected to yield tangible results and contribute to the region's economic transformation.
Key points
- 50 Chinese business leaders are expected to attend the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit.
