By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone and Spain are exploring plans to organize an investment summit in 2027 to attract investors, connect businesses and promote locally produced goods as both countries seek to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, announced the proposal during celebrations marking Spain’s National Day in Freetown on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Minister Sesay said the proposed summit could be hosted in either Sierra Leone or Spain, providing a platform to showcase Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities and promote commercial partnerships between businesses in both countries.
He noted that the proposal would require further consultations between the two governments, emphasizing the need for practical economic initiatives to translate existing diplomatic relations into tangible development benefits.
The proposal comes as Sierra Leone and Spain reaffirm their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, food security, digital transformation, education, tourism and climate resilience.
Speaking at the celebration, Spain’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Angel Antonio Carrascal Gutiérrez, described relations between the two countries as excellent, noting that diplomatic engagement and bilateral cooperation had reached unprecedented levels since his appointment in April 2024.
The Ambassador highlighted cooperation in migration management, human rights protection, particularly for women and girls, trade promotion and political engagement as key areas of progress.
He also commended Sierra Leone’s international diplomatic engagement, including its tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Ambassador Carrascal Gutiérrez outlined three priority areas for Spain’s cooperation with Sierra Leone: community development and food security, digital transformation, and the promotion of the Spanish language and culture.
On community development, he highlighted an initiative in Bureh Town being implemented in collaboration with Caritas, the MAGA Foundation and local authorities in Catalonia, Spain. The project aims to improve food security and support local development.
Regarding digital transformation, the Ambassador cited Startups Week, organised in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as part of efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s startup ecosystem. The initiative focuses on artificial intelligence, innovation and entrepreneurship, while creating opportunities for young people and women to participate in the digital economy.
He also identified Spanish-language education and cultural exchanges, including opportunities for musicians and other cultural practitioners, as important avenues for strengthening people-to-people relations.
For his part, Minister Sesay praised Spain’s contributions to international peace and development, as well as its support for Sierra Leone in post-conflict reconstruction, justice and efforts to strengthen the rule of law.
He described relations between the two countries as being founded on friendship and mutual respect, reiterating the government’s commitment to expanding cooperation beyond diplomatic engagement into areas that directly support economic growth.
Minister Sesay also congratulated King Felipe VI, the Spanish government and the Spanish people on the occasion of Spain’s National Day, commending the country’s cultural heritage and democratic traditions.
Both officials expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and practical cooperation would further strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for citizens of both countries.
The celebration concluded with a toast to King Felipe VI and wishes for continued peace, unity and prosperity for Spain and Sierra Leone.