By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transformative infrastructure development following a high-level inspection visit to the construction site of the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi.
The visit, which brought together senior government officials, development partners, engineers, and project managers, underscored the administration’s determination to ensure the timely completion of one of Sierra Leone’s flagship infrastructure projects.
Accompanied by the Chief Minister, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, and representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), President Bio toured the construction site and received comprehensive updates on the project’s progress, implementation timelines, and anticipated impact on national development.
The ECOWAS International Conference Centre is expected to become a landmark facility capable of hosting major regional and international events, including high-level ECOWAS meetings and Heads of State summits. Upon completion, the centre is projected to significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a preferred destination for diplomatic engagements, international conferences, and business forums within the West African sub-region.
Speaking during the inspection, President Bio emphasized the strategic significance of the project, describing it as a vital investment in Sierra Leone’s future and international standing.
“This is about shaping Sierra Leone’s future and asserting our place within the region and beyond,” President Bio stated. “We are investing in infrastructure that reflects our vision to attract investment, promote dialogue, and elevate our national profile.”
The President highlighted the broader economic and developmental benefits associated with the project, noting that the conference centre would contribute to job creation, tourism growth, and increased business opportunities. He further stressed that the facility would complement ongoing investments in Lungi, particularly the upgraded international airport infrastructure, thereby enhancing the area’s role as a gateway for international visitors and investors.
President Bio also commended the collaborative efforts of contractors, government institutions, and development partners involved in the project, describing the steady pace of construction as evidence of a shared commitment to national progress and regional integration.
The conference centre forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda and aligns with the objectives of President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers, which prioritize economic transformation, regional connectivity, and sustainable development.
Observers view the project as a significant step toward positioning Sierra Leone as a hub for international conferences and diplomatic engagements, potentially generating substantial economic returns through hospitality, transport, and related service industries.
As construction advances, authorities have indicated that additional information regarding the project’s operational capacity and completion schedule will be made available to the public.
The President’s visit serves as a clear demonstration of the government’s continued focus on delivering strategic infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Sierra Leone’s competitiveness, deepening regional integration, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
