By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone has intensified preparations for a major regional investment drive aimed at resetting the economic agenda of the Economic Community of West African States, as part of efforts led by President Julius Maada Bio in his role as Chair of the Authority of Heads of State.
The planned ECOWAS Investment Summit is designed to refocus the bloc on its founding goal of economic integration, following decades in which security, political instability and governance challenges dominated the regional agenda.
Speaking during a high level briefing in Freetown, Special Envoy for the West Africa Economic Integration and Investment Summit, Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, said the initiative is a deliberate attempt to shift attention back to growth, jobs and prosperity.
“We are saying let us go back to basics and push economic integration in a practical way,” he noted, emphasizing that without development, peace and security cannot be sustained.
Dr Yumkella explained that extensive consultations have narrowed the scope of the summit to four priority pillars considered critical for regional transformation. These include energy trade, strategic minerals, agribusiness and digital transformation.
He added that technical working groups made up of experts from across ECOWAS have been engaging over the past three to four months to develop policy frameworks and investment proposals. These experts are expected to meet in Freetown next week for in depth deliberations aimed at refining strategies and identifying bankable projects.
According to him, one of the key challenges facing the region has been the lack of viable investment ready projects. “We have ideas but we have not always translated them into bankable opportunities. This summit is about bridging that gap,” he said.
Outcomes from the technical sessions will be presented to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers before being tabled at the Heads of State Summit scheduled for July at the new conference centre in Lungi. The main investment summit is expected to take place in November at the same venue, bringing together global business leaders and development finance institutions.
On the energy pillar, Deputy Minister of Energy Dr Jalloh stressed that reliable power remains central to unlocking industrial growth across West Africa. He noted that discussions are focused on expanding regional cooperation and mobilizing large scale investments to address energy deficits.
“Energy is at the heart of everything we are discussing. Without it, we cannot industrialize or add value to our resources,” he said, adding that the technical engagements will explore practical solutions to strengthen power generation and distribution across the region.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Musa Henry Kpaka highlighted agribusiness as a major opportunity for economic transformation. He pointed to ongoing efforts to promote a regional rice initiative aimed at reducing dependence on imports and boosting local production.
“We are working with our colleagues across West Africa to develop a coordinated approach that will make the region more self sufficient in food production,” he stated, noting that agriculture has the potential to create jobs and drive inclusive growth.
The summit forms part of broader priorities outlined under President Bio’s ECOWAS chairmanship, which include restoring democracy, strengthening security, unlocking economic integration and enhancing institutional capacity.
As preparations continue, stakeholders say the success of the initiative will depend on strong collaboration between governments, the private sector and development partners. Expectations are high that the summit will deliver concrete outcomes capable of driving sustainable growth and integration across West Africa.
