By Marian Magdalene Bangura, MoICE
The Government of Sierra Leone has updated the nation on the forthcoming state visit of His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Republic of Gabon, describing it as a major step towards strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding economic cooperation and promoting investment between the two African nations.
The update was provided during a Special Press Conference convened by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown on Friday, 31st July 2026. Addressing reporters, editors and representatives of civil society organisations, the Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Bockarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh, outlined the significance of the three-day state visit scheduled for 2nd–4th August 2026.
Hon. Bawoh announced that President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema will visit Sierra Leone at the invitation of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, marking his first official visit to the country since his constitutional election as President of Gabon on 3rd May 2025.
According to the Deputy Minister, the visit reflects the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and Gabon and underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to peace, democratic governance, economic cooperation and sustainable development.
He noted that President Oligui Nguema campaigned on a platform of national unity, education reform and youth employment, priorities that resonate with Sierra Leone’s own development aspirations.
The Gabonese President is expected to participate in a series of high-level engagements designed to showcase Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities and tourism potential.
These engagements include visits to touristic sites, bilateral meetings with senior Government officials and members of the private sector to explore cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and governance.
The State Visit concludes with a state banquet before President Oligui Nguema’s departure on Tuesday, 4th August.
“This visit will create new opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries. It is expected to encourage direct foreign investment into Sierra Leone while strengthening confidence among Sierra Leoneans living and doing business in the Republic of Gabon,” the Deputy Minister stated.
He furthered that President Bio has consistently pursued stronger diplomatic and economic partnerships across Africa, positioning Sierra Leone as a credible and reliable partner in regional and continental affairs.
Deputy Minister Bawoh highlighted President Bio’s leadership roles within Africa, including his service as Chair of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on United Nations Security Council Reform, as well as Sierra Leone’s active participation within ECOWAS and the broader international community.
He appealed to the media and the public to use the occasion of the State Visit to showcase Sierra Leone positively to the international community.
“We must learn to tell our own story – not through negativity, but with confidence, pride and patriotism. Every Sierra Leonean has a role to play in projecting the true image of our country,” he urged.
Quoting President Julius Maada Bio, the Deputy Minister reminded citizens that “the greatest asset we possess as a nation is peace and national cohesion,” emphasizing that unity remains fundamental to national development and international cooperation.
He also reassured Sierra Leoneans that the Government remains committed to delivering key governance reforms, including the ongoing constitutional review process aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting inclusive governance.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education will provide comprehensive media coverage of President Oligui Nguema’s State Visit to ensure that citizens remain informed throughout.
