Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has expressed optimism that the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS 2026) will attract investment, strengthen regional cooperation and unlock economic opportunities across West Africa.
The summit, scheduled for 17–18 November 2026 in Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, is expected to bring together regional leaders, development finance institutions, investors and business executives to explore investment opportunities in key economic sectors.
Speaking at the Sixth Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA 2026) in Freetown on 19 October, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh said the summit would help translate regional integration into tangible economic benefits for citizens.
“Our ambition is to make regional integration an economic reality, supported by investment that people can see in functioning businesses, productive infrastructure and employment,” the Vice President stated.
He identified energy trade and industrial development, strategic minerals, agribusiness and food systems, and digital transformation as key priorities for the summit. According to him, these sectors are interconnected and require coordinated investment to expand production, create jobs and strengthen regional markets.
Dr. Juldeh Jalloh also highlighted ongoing preparations, including ministerial consultations and the proposed Freetown Communiqué, as important steps towards identifying practical investment opportunities and strengthening policy cooperation among countries in the region.
He emphasised that the summit’s success would depend on translating commitments into viable projects capable of attracting financing and delivering measurable economic benefits. He therefore called for stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners.
The Vice President further stressed the importance of investment in agriculture, noting that technology and improved financing could boost productivity and strengthen food security. He encouraged stakeholders to prioritize practical outcomes, including stronger agribusinesses, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for young people and women.
He said the broader objective was to ensure that regional integration delivers visible benefits to citizens through enterprise development, job creation, investment and stronger economic connections across West Africa.