The India High Commission in Sierra Leone has hosted a high-level briefing in Freetown to outline opportunities for Sierra Leone and Africa ahead of the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit and the India-Africa Business Dialogue and Exhibition scheduled for May 29 to 31, 2026, in New Delhi.
The event took place at Lagoonda Hotel and brought together diplomats, government officials, investors and private sector players to discuss strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between India and Africa.
India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Baisnab Charan Pradhan, said the upcoming summit will focus on deepening cooperation across key sectors such as trade, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, healthcare and education. He described the forum as one of the most important platforms for advancing partnerships between India and African countries.
According to him, the summit will also promote innovation, investment and people-to-people engagement. He noted that trade between India and Africa has exceeded 100 billion US dollars, with investments on the continent estimated between 75 and 80 billion US dollars.
The High Commissioner said Sierra Leone stands to benefit from stronger collaboration in areas including agriculture, mining, renewable energy, digital technology, healthcare and education. He encouraged businesses and institutions in Sierra Leone to take part in the India-Africa Business Dialogue, describing it as a key platform to attract investment and build partnerships.
He added that the dialogue will allow Sierra Leonean companies to engage directly with Indian investors on opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and market expansion.
Also speaking at the event, Executive Director of the National Investment Board, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, said the dialogue presents an important opportunity for Sierra Leone to attract investment and support industrial growth.
He highlighted government reforms aimed at boosting production and investment, including the introduction of policies to support Special Economic Zones. He noted that Indian investors are already showing interest in sectors such as steel production, mining and agriculture.
Dr. Sandy said projects like onion farming and palm oil production by Pee Cee & Sons are helping to strengthen local production and reduce reliance on imports.
He added that the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the need for stronger local industries to support economic stability.
President of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Oluniyi Robin Coker, said Sierra Leone must take a strategic approach to benefit from the summit.
He called on businesses to prepare well, build partnerships and explore export opportunities. He also stressed the need for consistent government policies to support business growth and attract investment.
The India-Africa Forum Summit is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers and investors, making it a major platform for economic cooperation.
Observers say the growing partnership between India and Sierra Leone could create new opportunities in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, digital innovation and industrial development.
With preparations ongoing, stakeholders remain hopeful that the summit will open new doors for trade, investment and economic growth across Africa.
