What are the main goals of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS)?

The WAIIS aims to consolidate a regional market of over 400 million people, mobilize businesses for increased trade and investment, and foster economic cooperation.

Sierra Leone President and Tony Elumelu Urge West African Private Sector to Drive Regional Investment

Leaders call for capital mobilization, industry building, and job creation to unlock the region's economic potential at the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit.

2026-10-08 · Updated 2026-10-08

Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and prominent investor Tony Elumelu have urged the West African private sector to actively translate regional integration promises into tangible economic outcomes. Their call emphasizes the need to mobilize capital, develop competitive industries, and generate employment to harness the region's significant economic potential.

During a meeting in Lagos hosted by Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, leaders convened for the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) Private Sector Advisory Board. The discussions focused on four key areas: energy trade and industrialization, strategic minerals, agribusiness, and digital transformation.

President Bio outlined a vision for WAIIS to foster a consolidated regional market of over 400 million people, encouraging both domestic and international businesses to increase trade, investment, and economic cooperation. He stressed the importance of converting regional advantages into productive enterprises and job creation.

Elumelu, advocating for his philosophy of Africapitalism, committed to mobilizing African and international investment through institutions like AFC, Afreximbank, and UBA. He highlighted the necessity for African businesses to collaborate across borders to build scalable industries and create opportunities, while also emphasizing the role of governments in providing policy certainty and regulatory efficiency.

The WAIIS is scheduled for November 17-18, 2026, in Lungi, Sierra Leone, aiming to bring together heads of state, investors, and business leaders to advance investments in critical sectors. The summit's private sector advisory board includes notable figures such as Aliko Dangote, Folorunso Alakija, and Abdul Samad Rabiu.

FAQ

What are the main goals of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS)?: The WAIIS aims to consolidate a regional market of over 400 million people, mobilize businesses for increased trade and investment, and foster economic cooperation.
What strategic areas will the WAIIS focus on?: The summit will concentrate on energy trade and industrialization, strategic minerals, agribusiness, and digital transformation.