Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Special Envoy and Chairman of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS 2026), has outlined an ambitious investment strategy aimed at transforming Sierra Leone into a regional economic hub, creating employment opportunities and strengthening economic integration across West Africa.
Speaking during the official media launch of WAIIS 2026 at El Greco in Aberdeen, Freetown, on Tuesday, 20 October, Dr. Yumkella disclosed that more than 60 private sector projects have been identified in Sierra Leone for potential investment.
The summit, scheduled for 16 to 18 November 2026 in Lungi, Sierra Leone, will focus on four strategic pillars: energy, trade, strategic minerals and agribusiness.
Dr. Yumkella, who oversees the summit’s coordination and special envoy leadership, explained that the initiative seeks to move beyond traditional investment conferences by facilitating commercially viable projects capable of attracting private capital, generating wealth and addressing youth unemployment.
Over 60 Projects Identified for Potential Investment
According to Dr. Yumkella, Sierra Leone has identified more than 60 private sector projects that could attract investment through the summit’s platform.
He explained that WAIIS 2026 is designed to operate differently from traditional pledging conferences, where financial commitments are often announced without immediate implementation.
Instead, the summit will prioritise bankable projects, direct investor engagement and structured negotiations that could lead to financing agreements and long-term partnerships.
A governance structure involving a steering committee and private sector advisory board is expected to guide the initiative, while a sustainable investment platform will help track projects and facilitate deal-making beyond the summit.
Sierra Leone Positioned as Regional Logistics Hub
Dr. Yumkella also outlined plans to position Sierra Leone as a regional transport and logistics hub by leveraging its geographical location and access to international shipping routes.
The strategy includes exploring the development of privately financed toll roads linking mining corridors, industrial centres and neighbouring countries.
Such investments could improve regional connectivity, facilitate cross-border trade and strengthen Sierra Leone’s role in transporting minerals and other commodities to international markets.
The proposed infrastructure projects would rely significantly on private sector participation to support essential transportation improvements and reduce pressure on public financing.
Up to $1 Billion Targeted for Regional Rice Production
Agriculture featured prominently in Dr. Yumkella’s presentation, particularly a proposed regional initiative known as the Rice Offensive.
The initiative aims to mobilise between $500 million and $1 billion in investment to strengthen rice production and reduce West Africa’s dependence on imported rice.
The programme would focus on the entire rice value chain, including cultivation, processing, storage, transportation and market access.
By promoting regional agricultural investment, the initiative seeks to improve food security, support farmers, create employment and strengthen agribusiness opportunities across West African countries.
Strategic Minerals and Industrialisation
Dr. Yumkella further highlighted opportunities to attract international investment into West Africa’s strategic mineral resources.
He outlined proposals for an exploratory fund that would support more accurate assessments of mineral deposits, helping investors better understand the region’s resource potential.
Another major proposal involves developing a mining and industrialisation corridor inspired by the Lobito Corridor model.
The proposed corridor would integrate mineral extraction, transportation infrastructure, logistics and industrial development to create greater economic value from the region’s natural resources.
Youth and Women Central to Investment Agenda
Addressing the importance of inclusive economic growth, Dr. Yumkella emphasised the need to ensure that young people and women entrepreneurs benefit from investment opportunities.
Youth unemployment remains a major concern across West Africa, and the summit intends to promote practical solutions through private sector investment, entrepreneurship and job creation.
The initiative will also encourage women’s participation in business leadership, particularly in sectors such as banking, finance and energy.
Private sector stakeholders, entrepreneurs and investors will have opportunities to participate in structured discussions aimed at developing commercially viable partnerships.
Confidential Deal Rooms to Facilitate Investment
As part of the summit’s operational arrangements, WAIIS 2026 will introduce confidential deal rooms where investors and project developers can hold direct discussions on potential financing and partnerships.
These sessions will be coordinated through the summit’s operational leadership, including the Chief Operating Officer, to support structured negotiations and investment facilitation.
The arrangement is intended to move discussions beyond general policy commitments towards specific projects and potential commercial agreements.
Summit Aims to Deliver Long-Term Economic Benefits
Under Dr. Yumkella’s leadership, WAIIS 2026 is being positioned as more than a three-day investment gathering.
The initiative seeks to establish a sustainable regional platform that can identify investment opportunities, connect businesses with financiers and track progress on potential agreements.
The summit presents an opportunity to attract investment into agriculture, energy, mining, transportation and logistics while strengthening economic partnerships with other West African countries.
The West Africa Integration and Investment Summit 2026 will take place from 16 to 18 November in Lungi, Sierra Leone, bringing together government officials, international investors, business leaders and development stakeholders to explore opportunities for regional economic growth.
Credit: Salone Messenger
