By Mariama Benovia Davies
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone,
21 July 2026
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has underscored the far reaching benefits of Sierra Leone’s successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit, describing it as a landmark achievement that has strengthened the country’s regional standing, attracted investment opportunities, and reinforced the Government’s commitment to sustainable development. He made these remarks during the Weekly Press Conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Miatta Civic Centre under the theme, “A Historic and Successful ECOWAS Summit: How We Did It and What Sierra Leone Gains!” The press conference was moderated by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah.
Dr. Sengeh commended President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, noting that Sierra Leone’s successful hosting of the regional summit reflected years of deliberate investment in governance, education, infrastructure, and international partnerships. He said the country’s progress over the past eight years has created opportunities that were previously unavailable, particularly through the Free Quality School Education Programme, which has enabled millions of children to access education while equipping young Sierra Leoneans with the skills needed to compete globally.
Highlighting the outcomes of the ECOWAS Summit, the Chief Minister explained that while official communiqués capture key decisions, some of the summit’s greatest achievements emerged from bilateral engagements, informal consultations, and strategic conversations among Heads of State, ministers, development partners, and private sector leaders. According to him, these interactions have strengthened regional cooperation, opened new avenues for investment, and fostered partnerships that will continue to benefit Sierra Leone beyond the summit itself.
On climate change and sustainable development, Dr. Sengeh said regional leaders recognised the urgent need to move beyond pilot initiatives and implement practical, long term solutions to address the growing impacts of climate change. He noted that discussions focused on food security, humanitarian response, water infrastructure, agriculture, energy transition, and climate resilience, emphasising that environmental sustainability remains central to West Africa’s development agenda.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining sound economic management while creating an enabling environment for investment. He stressed that Sierra Leone remains committed to implementing its national development priorities without compromising social services. Addressing public concerns surrounding financing arrangements associated with the summit, he clarified that the repayment mechanism is structured around revenues generated through facility management and related services, ensuring that essential government spending on health, education, and other development programmes will not be affected.
Drawing comparisons with the 1980 Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit, Dr. Sengeh explained that Sierra Leone’s current approach is fundamentally different, with significant private sector participation reducing pressure on the national budget. He observed that infrastructure developed for previous continental events continues to serve the country today, expressing confidence that investments made for the ECOWAS Summit will similarly deliver lasting economic and social benefits for future generations.
On regional peace and security, Dr. Sengeh said the summit reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to democracy, constitutional order, and peaceful engagement across the sub-region. He noted that President Bio had called for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within ECOWAS to ensure that commitments made by member states are translated into measurable outcomes through regular assessments and sustained implementation.
The Chief Minister further encouraged citizens to rely on verified information, cautioning against misinformation circulating on social media. He assured Sierra Leoneans that throughout the summit, the Government implemented comprehensive security measures to safeguard national security and the safety of all delegates and citizens, adding that the country’s integrity was never compromised during the event.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Sengeh emphasised that national development is a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of every Sierra Leonean. He praised the contributions of public servants, security personnel, technical experts, and support staff whose efforts ensured the success of the summit. Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to inclusive development, he stated that Sierra Leone will continue to build on the momentum generated by the historic ECOWAS Summit through collaboration, accountability, and sustained service delivery.
“Our guiding principle remains clear: together, we will deliver,” Dr. Sengeh concluded, reaffirming the Government’s determination to build a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive Sierra Leone.
