By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Sierra Leone is set to host the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit for the first time since the bloc’s establishment in 1975, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the country.
President Julius Maada Bio announced that the summit will be held on 17 July 2026 at Lungi, Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, in the Port Loko District.
He made the announcement during the third Presidential Town Hall meeting held in Makeni, the regional capital of Northern Sierra Leone.
Although Sierra Leone has long participated in ECOWAS meetings held abroad, this will be the first time the country hosts the sub-regional gathering on home soil.
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government is composed of 12 member states, following the suspension of some countries from the original 15-member bloc. Its headquarters is located in Abuja, Nigeria.
President Bio currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. In that capacity, he is expected to travel to Abuja, Nigeria, where he will participate in the commissioning of the bloc’s new headquarters.
Diplomatic sources indicate that all 12 ECOWAS heads of state are expected to attend the summit in Lungi, making it one of the most significant regional gatherings hosted by Sierra Leone.
The upcoming summit is expected to bring together heads of state, ministers, diplomats, and international observers to deliberate on key regional issues, including peace and security, trade, and economic integration.
Officials say hosting the summit is a major diplomatic achievement for Sierra Leone and reflects the country’s growing role in regional leadership and cooperation.
Preparations are expected to focus on logistics, security, transportation, and protocol to ensure the successful hosting of such a high-level international event.
The commissioning of the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja comes ahead of the Lungi summit and is expected to strengthen the institution’s administrative and operational capacity.
The announcement, made at the Makeni Town Hall meeting, was also seen as an opportunity for President Bio to directly inform citizens in the Northern Region about Sierra Leone’s emerging role in regional affairs.