Tuesday 7th July 2026
Venue: Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Minister Chernor Bah Highlights Positive Economic Outlook and Improved Human Development Indicators
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said Sierra Leone continues to record encouraging progress across key economic and human development indicators, reflecting the Government’s commitment to building a resilient economy and improving the quality of life for citizens. He noted that the country’s development trajectory remains positive despite global economic headwinds, with recent data demonstrating improvements in several critical sectors.
The Minister disclosed that inflation stands at 12.9% as of May 2026, while Sierra Leone’s economy is projected to grow by 5.5% this year, outperforming the continental average. He further revealed that the country’s public debt-to-GDP ratio has reduced significantly from 79 percent to 65 percent, underscoring Government’s prudent fiscal management and commitment to macroeconomic stability.
Highlighting gains in the social sector, Minister Bah said Government has recorded steady improvements in reducing food insecurity from 28% to 13%, lowering maternal mortality, increasing literacy and school enrolment, and raising life expectancy by ten years. He said these achievements reflect sustained investments under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development Agenda.
While acknowledging that global fuel price increases continue to exert pressure on domestic inflation, the Minister emphasized that Government has maintained uninterrupted fuel supplies and ensured relative price stability. He also commended the stability of the Leone, noting that the exchange rate has remained relatively stable over the past three years.
Foreign Affairs Minister Highlights President Bio’s Regional Leadership Ahead of ECOWAS Summit
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, emphasized Sierra Leone’s growing influence within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), attributing the country’s elevated regional profile to the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The Minister emphasized that peace and security remain fundamental to regional integration and economic development, noting that ECOWAS has evolved beyond its original economic mandate to respond to emerging security threats, including terrorism, political instability and unconstitutional changes of government. He commended President Bio’s efforts in promoting constitutional order and democratic governance across the sub-region, describing Sierra Leone’s leadership as instrumental in strengthening regional cooperation and stability.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming ECOWAS statutory meetings, Minister Kabba expressed confidence that deliberations among ambassadors, ministers and Heads of State would further advance the organisation’s objectives of peace, security and economic integration.
Planning Minister Says ECOWAS Summit Will Deliver Economic Benefits for Sierra Leone
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, said preparations for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit have brought together Government institutions, development partners, local stakeholders and communities in a coordinated effort to ensure the successful hosting of the regional gathering.
She explained that development partners have aligned their support with President Bio’s four strategic priorities for ECOWAS: restoring constitutional order, strengthening regional security, deepening economic integration and advancing institutional reforms. According to the Minister, these priorities are intended to reinforce ECOWAS’ role in promoting peace, democratic governance and sustainable development across West Africa.
Minister Barlay further announced that Sierra Leone will host the West African Integration Summit later this year as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional cooperation. She noted that institutional reforms under the Compact for the Future would improve the efficiency and responsiveness of ECOWAS while positioning the organisation to address emerging regional challenges.
Beyond diplomacy, she said the summit presents significant economic opportunities for Sierra Leone. Increased demand for accommodation, transportation, catering, tourism and other services is expected to benefit local businesses, adding that ECOWAS has encouraged delegates to utilise locally owned hotels in order to maximise economic gains for Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs.
Press Secretary Announces President Bio to Host 69th ECOWAS Summit
Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq., announced that President Julius Maada Bio will host the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown on the 19th of July 2026, describing the event as a major milestone that reflects Sierra Leone’s growing international stature.
He outlined a series of preparatory meetings scheduled ahead of the summit, including sessions of the Administration and Finance Committee, the Mediation and Security Council, and the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, all of which will take place at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, Freetown.
Mr. Sandi also disclosed that President Bio will commission the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi on 18 July, alongside the ECOWAS Logistics Depot. He emphasized that the summit represents a national achievement, demonstrating Sierra Leone’s capacity, technical expertise and institutional readiness to successfully host high-level international engagements.
Foreign Affairs Minister Says ECOWAS Summit Marks Historic Milestone for Sierra Leone
Minister Kabba described Sierra Leone’s hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit as a defining moment in the country’s diplomatic history and a testament to its growing influence within the sub-region. He recalled that Sierra Leone has remained a committed member of ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, contributing to regional peace, democratic governance and economic integration.
He noted that the decision to host the summit reflects the confidence that member states have in Sierra Leone’s stability, leadership and ability to organise major international events. Commending President Bio’s leadership, the Minister said Sierra Leone has emerged from its post-war recovery to become a respected voice on regional affairs and an increasingly trusted partner within Africa.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Kabba said the summit will not only strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states but also showcase Sierra Leone’s progress, resilience and commitment to advancing peace, security and economic prosperity across West Africa.
© Ministry of Information and Civic Education
