By Alimatu Kargbo
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has declared that Sierra Leone is now fully prepared to host major international events, describing the country’s transformation as a “system upgrade” driven by significant investments in infrastructure, security and national capacity.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s Weekly Press Conference at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, Dr. Sengeh said Sierra Leone’s successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit marked a defining moment in the country’s international image.
He likened the country’s progress to upgrading from one generation of a smartphone to another.
“Sierra Leone is ready for the world. We have upgraded our systems, and the world now knows we have the infrastructure, security, capacity and expertise to host any international conference,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that for the first time in decades, Sierra Leone hosted an unprecedented gathering of regional and international leaders, including Heads of State, Vice Presidents, the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the United Nations Secretary-General.
According to him, the summit has repositioned Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for international conferences and high-level diplomatic engagements.
Dr. Sengeh explained that the country’s improved airport access, modern conference facilities and strengthened security architecture now place Sierra Leone among Africa’s most attractive venues for global meetings.
He stressed that the successful organisation of the ECOWAS Summit was not only a national achievement, but also evidence that Sierra Leone has earned the confidence of the international community.
The Chief Minister further highlighted several outcomes of the summit, including stronger regional cooperation, increased engagement among ECOWAS member states and renewed commitments on security, governance and regional integration.
He also praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership of ECOWAS, describing it as an opportunity to elevate Sierra Leone’s profile on the continental and global stage.
Dr. Sengeh concluded by saying the summit has opened the door to new investment, tourism and diplomatic opportunities, adding that Sierra Leone is now firmly positioned as a country capable of hosting world-class international events.
