The Government of Sierra Leone is stepping up efforts to attract Chinese investment ahead of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026, as the country seeks to position the summit as a platform for stronger private sector partnerships.
The investment drive was highlighted during a meeting between Sierra Leone’s Special Envoy, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong on Wednesday at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown.
Yumkella used the engagement to brief Ambassador Zhao on the investment agenda of WAIIS 2026 and explore opportunities for greater participation by Chinese companies in Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
Discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and identifying areas where Chinese private sector investment could contribute to regional integration, industrialisation, and sustainable development.
The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss China’s support for the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF).
Patrick Kormawa, Chief Technical Adviser to PI-CREF, expressed appreciation for China’s support towards professional training and capacity development for PI-CREF staff. He said the partnership was contributing to efforts to strengthen local expertise in renewable energy and food security.
Ambassador Zhao reaffirmed China’s longstanding relations with Sierra Leone and pledged the embassy’s support for WAIIS 2026. He said the embassy was ready to explore opportunities for Chinese companies to participate in the summit.
The Chinese Ambassador also reaffirmed continued cooperation with PI-CREF, particularly in staff training and professional development.
WAIIS 2026 is scheduled for 17–18 November and is expected to bring together governments, investors, development partners, and private sector leaders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation across West Africa.
The government’s engagement with China comes as preparations intensify for the summit, with efforts focused on connecting Sierra Leone and the wider region with international investors and expanding opportunities for private sector-led development.
