By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its support for the country’s investment ambitions by providing financial assistance towards the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS 2026), with more than 50 Chinese business leaders confirming their attendance.
The announcement was made on Monday, 9 November 2026, as China pledged further support for the summit, which is expected to strengthen investment opportunities and promote economic cooperation between Sierra Leone, China and the wider West African region.
WAIIS 2026 is scheduled to take place from 13 to 18 November 2026 in Freetown. The summit is being spearheaded by the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), which provides strategic leadership and overall coordination on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone.
PI-CREF is mobilizing international partners, investors, development finance institutions and private-sector actors to position Sierra Leone as a gateway for investment into West Africa.
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 will bring together Chinese business leaders, investors, financial institutions, government representatives and Sierra Leonean private-sector stakeholders to explore investment opportunities, establish commercial partnerships and identify financing opportunities for strategic projects.
Discussions will focus on trade, infrastructure, industrialization, technology transfer and regional value chains, with particular emphasis on opportunities for Chinese companies in Sierra Leone and the wider West African market.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wang Peng, Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, highlighted China’s continued support for Sierra Leone, including plans for a major agricultural extension project in Bo District.
He also disclosed China’s commitment to supporting the restoration of the Dodo Hydro Dam in Kenema District.
“We have planned for a clear commitment on the restoration of the Dodo Hydro Dam in Kenema District,” he stated.
Chairman of PI-CREF and Special Envoy for WAIIS 2026, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, welcomed the Embassy’s contribution, describing it as an important step towards the successful delivery of the summit and the broader goal of mobilizing investment for sustainable economic transformation across West Africa.
“As the institution mandated by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to provide strategic coordination and leadership for WAIIS 2026, PI-CREF is committed to ensuring that this summit delivers tangible economic value for Sierra Leone and the wider West African region,” Dr. Yumkella stated.
China’s financial contribution is expected to further strengthen preparations for the summit while reflecting the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
The support also provides fresh impetus to efforts to translate Sierra Leone-China relations into increased trade, investment and stronger private-sector partnerships.