The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone has provided financial support towards the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS 2026), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation with Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
The financial contribution was announced during a signing ceremony in Freetown, ahead of the summit scheduled to take place from 13 to 18 November 2026.
The summit is being organised under the leadership of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), which is coordinating efforts to attract international investors, development partners and private-sector businesses to Sierra Leone.
One of the major events leading up to the summit is the China–West Africa Investment Forum, scheduled for 13 November at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.
The forum is expected to bring together Chinese investors, business leaders, financial institutions, government officials and Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs to discuss investment opportunities and possible business partnerships.
Key areas of discussion will include infrastructure development, trade, industrialisation, technology transfer and regional economic cooperation.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, Mr. Wang Peng, highlighted China’s continued involvement in Sierra Leone’s development.
He disclosed plans for a major agricultural extension initiative in Bo District and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the restoration of the Dodo Hydroelectric Dam in Kenema District.
“We have planned for a clear commitment on the restoration of the Dodo Hydro Dam in Kenema District,” Mr. Wang said.
He further disclosed that more than 50 Chinese business leaders are expected to participate in WAIIS 2026 and its pre-summit activities, creating opportunities for direct engagement between Chinese investors and businesses in Sierra Leone.
The Chairman of PI-CREF and Special Envoy for WAIIS 2026, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, welcomed the Chinese Embassy’s financial contribution, describing it as important support towards the successful organisation of the summit.
“As the institution mandated by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to provide strategic coordination and leadership for WAIIS2026, PI-CREF is committed to ensuring that this Summit delivers tangible economic value for Sierra Leone and the wider West African region,” Dr. Yumkella said.
He emphasised the importance of attracting investments that can support sustainable economic growth, create business opportunities and strengthen cooperation among countries in the region.
WAIIS 2026 is expected to provide a platform for governments, investors and development institutions to explore opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and other sectors considered important for regional economic development.
China’s financial support comes as Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen its position as an investment destination and expand economic partnerships with international businesses.
The Embassy’s contribution also reflects the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Sierra Leone and China, with both countries continuing to explore opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, energy and private-sector development.
The upcoming summit will provide an opportunity to assess how these partnerships can translate into new investments and development projects that benefit Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
