Sierra Leone recently hosted the China-West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Dialogue in Freetown, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, investors, and regional institutions. The high-level meeting, held on November 13, 2026, aimed to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between China and West Africa. Key representatives from China included Zhang Dianbin, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, and Wang Peng, Counsellor responsible for Commercial and Economic Cooperation at the Embassy.
The dialogue was attended by prominent Sierra Leonean officials, including Dr Kandeh K. Yumkella, Special Envoy of Sierra Leone for the 2026 West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, Ministers of Trade and Industry, Mines and Mineral Resources, and Fisheries, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and the Executive Director of the National Investment Commission. The officials highlighted the importance of investment, industrial development, and international partnerships in driving economic transformation. Discussions focused on industrialisation, investment promotion, and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The dialogue served as the first high-level event of the 2026 West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, providing a platform for stronger government-to-business engagement, consensus-building among stakeholders, and the identification of potential investment projects ahead of the summit. The Chinese delegation reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Sierra Leone and the wider West African region, guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, as well as shared interests and mutual benefits.
The Chinese delegation emphasised its intention to support industrial development through market-oriented and law-based approaches, with particular attention to industrial empowerment, value addition, industrial chain upgrading, and Sierra Leone’s broader industrialisation agenda. African representatives welcomed increased investment from Chinese enterprises, identifying mining, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, fisheries, and other productive sectors as areas with significant potential for expanded cooperation.
The representatives also highlighted the importance of establishing a fair, transparent, and stable business environment capable of attracting responsible investment, encouraging private-sector participation, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth, particularly in Sierra Leone. Business representatives from China and Sierra Leone shared practical experiences, exchanged perspectives on investment opportunities, and expressed their willingness to contribute to the development of the real economy across West Africa.
The China-West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Dialogue demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering economic cooperation and investment between China and West Africa. The event provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. The dialogue is expected to contribute to the growth and development of the region.
The successful hosting of the dialogue in Sierra Leone underscores the country’s importance as a key player in regional economic development. The event has set the stage for increased investment and cooperation between China and West Africa, with a focus on driving industrialisation and economic transformation in the region. Key outcomes of the dialogue are expected to be presented at the 2026 West Africa Integration and Investment Summit.
Key points
- China reaffirms commitment to strengthening economic relations with Sierra Leone and West Africa
- African representatives identify key sectors for expanded cooperation with Chinese enterprises
- Dialogue aims to drive industrialisation and economic transformation in West Africa
