By Mariama Bundu
The Presidential Initiative on Climate Change Secretariat has announced plans to host a major investment summit aimed at boosting regional integration and economic growth across West Africa.
The announcement was made on Thursday, 23 April 2026, during a press conference held at the Freetown City Council Hall.
The summit, themed “Powering Regional Integration through Energy, Trade, Strategic Minerals, Agribusiness and Digital Transformation,” is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the region.
Chairman of the Initiative, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, said the summit will focus on four key pillars: energy trade, strategic minerals, industrial agribusiness, and digital transformation.
He explained that the goal is to move beyond discussions and deliver practical solutions that will drive economic integration.
Dr. Yumkella highlighted the importance of developing a regional power pool to provide reliable and affordable electricity, noting that improved energy systems could reduce costs and attract industries.
He also stressed the need for value addition in the minerals sector, proposing systems that allow African countries to process and trade resources more effectively.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Abul Rahim Jalloh, described energy as central to economic development, adding that efforts are underway to strengthen regional cooperation and improve energy production and distribution.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, emphasized the role of agriculture in economic growth, noting that the summit will help create opportunities to boost food production and reduce reliance on imports.
Officials also linked the summit to broader regional goals under ECOWAS, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
They noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen democracy, security, and economic cooperation within the region.
The investment summit is expected to serve as a platform to develop concrete projects and partnerships, with a ministerial meeting scheduled for July and the main event planned for November.
