By Mariama Benovia Davies
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone 7 July 2026: The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, has highlighted the extensive national, regional, and international collaboration underpinning Sierra Leone’s preparations for the upcoming ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, describing the event as a strategic opportunity to strengthen regional integration while creating tangible economic benefits for Sierra Leoneans.
The Minister made these remarks during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference, held at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown and hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah.
Addressing journalists and members of the public, Minister Barlay said preparations for the summit have involved broad participation from international development partners, government institutions, local stakeholders, and communities across the country. She noted that the collaborative approach reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the summit delivers meaningful outcomes at every level.
According to the Minister, development partners have aligned their support with the four strategic priorities announced by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio following his assumption of the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. These priorities, she explained, represent the organisation’s core mandate and provide a roadmap for addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.
The first priority, she said, is the restoration of constitutional order and the strengthening of democratic governance across West Africa. Minister Barlay noted that the President has actively engaged leaders of countries affected by unconstitutional changes of government, promoting dialogue and supporting peaceful transitions back to constitutional rule through credible and transparent electoral processes.
She added that Sierra Leone has also worked closely with development partners committed to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and democratic governance, reinforcing ECOWAS’ longstanding role in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
The Minister identified regional security as the second priority area, with particular emphasis on the revitalisation of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot and the operational readiness of the ECOWAS Standby Force. She explained that several development partners have expressed interest in supporting the modernisation of the depot, including improvements to logistics infrastructure, equipment maintenance, medical facilities, training infrastructure, and accommodation for personnel.
Turning to economic development, Minister Barlay reaffirmed that economic integration remains central to the ECOWAS agenda and is the very foundation upon which the regional bloc was established. She said President Bio has consistently advocated for renewed focus on expanding regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation as drivers of sustainable growth and prosperity across West Africa.
As part of this broader vision, she announced that Sierra Leone will host the West African Integration Summit later this year. She noted that Ambassador Osman Keh Kamara KaiKai, who has been appointed Special Envoy for the initiative, will help sustain momentum for regional integration beyond the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.
The fourth strategic priority, according to the Minister, is institutional reform within ECOWAS. She acknowledged that, like many large regional organisations, ECOWAS has become increasingly bureaucratic over time and requires reforms that will improve efficiency, responsiveness, and effectiveness in serving its member states.
Minister Barlay highlighted the Compact for the Future as one of the key initiatives supporting institutional renewal. She explained that the framework was endorsed at the ministerial level before being presented to the Authority of Heads of State and Government, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the organisation for the future.
Beyond policy discussions, the Minister emphasised that hosting the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit will generate direct economic benefits for Sierra Leone. She noted that major international gatherings typically stimulate economic activity across several sectors, including hospitality, transportation, tourism, catering, retail, and other service industries.
She explained that many official summit meetings will take place across Freetown, particularly in the Aberdeen and Lumley Beach areas, while businesses throughout the city are expected to benefit from the increased movement of delegates, officials, and visitors.
In a move aimed at maximising local economic impact, Minister Barlay disclosed that ECOWAS has encouraged the use of locally owned hotels wherever possible instead of relying exclusively on foreign-owned establishments. She said the decision is intended to ensure that Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs and businesses benefit directly from the opportunities created by the summit.
Concluding her remarks, the Minister stressed that the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit represents more than a diplomatic engagement. It is an opportunity to deepen regional cooperation, advance democratic governance and security, strengthen economic integration, and create lasting economic opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
She expressed confidence that the summit will reinforce Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a trusted regional partner and a capable host of major international events, while delivering meaningful benefits to communities, businesses, and the nation as a whole.
