Sierra Leone Intensifies Preparations for 2026 ECOWAS Summit with Lungi Transformation

Sierra Leone has stepped up preparations to host the 2026 summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with major infrastructure upgrades underway, including the transformation of the Lungi Congress Centre.
President Julius Maada Bio is spearheading efforts to position the country as a key hub for diplomacy, trade, and investment in West Africa, aligning with his administration’s broader goals of regional integration and economic transformation.
As part of the pre-summit agenda, the government has initiated strategic projects and policy reforms aimed at boosting Sierra Leone’s profile as a destination for international conferences and business engagements. Central to this is the development of Lungi, located near Freetown International Airport, into a modern economic gateway designed to ease pressure on the capital and open new growth corridors.
A major highlight of the initiative is the $124 million Lungi Congress Centre, a state-of-the-art facility expected to host high-level regional and global events. The complex will feature a 1,400-seat hall, presidential meeting chambers, banquet halls, breakout rooms, and advanced media and security infrastructure.
Officials say the project will not only serve as a conference venue but also drive tourism, trade exhibitions, and international partnerships. Supporting infrastructure includes a 110-room Hilton Garden Inn and 15 presidential villas for visiting dignitaries.
The projects are being implemented in collaboration with FB Group, reflecting the government’s strategy of leveraging international partnerships to accelerate development ahead of the summit.
Beyond infrastructure, the government is prioritizing regional cooperation through ECOWAS, with expectations that hosting the summit will strengthen diplomatic ties, boost economic collaboration, and promote cross-border trade.
To ensure smooth logistics, transport and hospitality services are also being upgraded. Plans include expanding ferry operations between Lungi and Freetown, while major hotels such as the Bintumani Hotel are undergoing renovations to meet global standards.
Analysts say the investments are likely to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and attract foreign investment, while improving living conditions for citizens.
The government maintains that the preparations are part of a broader vision to enhance private sector growth, strengthen security, and improve governance, as Sierra Leone seeks to project itself as a stable and forward-looking nation ahead of the summit.