The announcement was made on Monday by the Press Secretary to the President, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, during the weekly press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown. He described the summit as a significant diplomatic milestone that reflects Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a capable host of major international engagements.

Speaking at the briefing, Sandi said the forthcoming summit represents a moment of national pride, highlighting the country’s readiness to accommodate regional leaders and delegates while showcasing its institutional capacity and infrastructure.
“Today, I am pleased to officially announce that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio will host the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone,” Sandi told journalists.

He explained that the summit will be preceded by a series of high-level preparatory meetings involving technical experts, senior government officials, ministers and representatives from ECOWAS member states. These meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for discussions and decisions that will be taken by the Heads of State during the summit.

According to Sandi, preparations will begin with the 39th Meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee, scheduled for 12–14 July. The committee will review administrative and financial matters relating to the regional bloc ahead of the main summit. On 15 July, the 56th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level will convene to deliberate on regional peace and security challenges. The same day will also feature a Joint Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council, where ministers are expected to discuss the Compact for the Future alongside other strategic issues affecting the sub-region.

The preparatory activities will continue from 16–17 July with the 96th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which will be chaired by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba. The Council of Ministers is expected to review reports from various committees and make recommendations for consideration by the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Sandi confirmed that all preparatory meetings will be held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, which has hosted several regional and international events in recent years.

Ahead of the summit, President Bio is also expected to commission two major facilities on 18 July. These include the newly constructed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot, both of which are regarded as important investments aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to host international conferences and support regional cooperation.

The new conference centre is expected to serve as a modern venue for future national and international events, while the logistics depot will enhance ECOWAS’ operational capacity in responding to regional emergencies and peace support operations.

Sandi said the successful hosting of the summit should be viewed as a national achievement rather than a political event centred on the Presidency.

“This event is not simply about President Bio. It is about Sierra Leone. It demonstrates that our country possesses the capability, the capacity, the skilled professionals, the technical expertise and the leadership required to successfully organise a summit of this magnitude,” he said.

He added that hosting the summit offers Sierra Leone an opportunity to project a positive image internationally, strengthen diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries and showcase ongoing investments in infrastructure and governance.

The ECOWAS summit is expected to attract Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats, senior officials, development partners and members of the international community from across West Africa. Discussions are anticipated to focus on a wide range of regional issues, including political stability, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, security cooperation and responses to emerging challenges facing member states.

The meeting comes at a time when the West African sub-region continues to confront evolving political, economic and security concerns, making cooperation among member states increasingly important.

Security agencies and government institutions are expected to work closely to ensure the smooth organisation of the summit and the safety of visiting delegations. Hospitality providers, transport operators and other service sectors are also expected to benefit from the influx of regional delegates during the week-long programme.

For Sierra Leone, hosting the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government marks another significant step in strengthening its diplomatic profile and reinforcing its role within the regional bloc. As final preparations continue, the government says the country stands ready to welcome West African leaders for what is expected to be one of the region’s most important diplomatic gatherings this year.