By Emma Black

The National Investment Board (NIB) of Sierra Leone proudly heralds the election of its Executive Director, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, as President of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) Network for the 2025–2026 term. The election took place during the Network’s 5th Annual General Assembly, held from June 25 to 27, 2025, at the esteemed Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, uniting trade and investment agency representatives, ECOWAS Commission officials, development partners, and regional stakeholders.

NIB Deputy Executive Director Fatima Mahawa Sandi, speaking for Dr. Sandy, reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to the Network’s vision, recalling its earlier leadership bid and readiness for transparent, inclusive governance. She expressed deep gratitude to member states, particularly Togo, whose gracious withdrawal fostered regional unity and support.

Under Dr. Sandy’s leadership, the Network will prioritize robust trade and investment collaboration, harness digital technologies for market growth, and strengthen public-private partnerships. The Assembly appointed Ghana’s GEPA as Vice President and recognized the outgoing Senegal and Gambia leadership’s dedication.

Dr. Sandy’s presidency marks a historic milestone for Sierra Leone, elevating the NIB’s regional influence and unlocking visibility, partnerships, and capacity-building opportunities. As a unifying leader, he will drive initiatives to enhance value chains and transform the private sector.

The Assembly reviewed 2024 successes digital trade training, SME export support, and advocacy while adopting a 2025–2026 plan for sustainable trade, competitiveness, and inclusivity, solidified by the Abuja Declaration.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 30th June, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)