Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Lungi, Port Loko District | 18–19 July 2026 — Sierra Leone’s President Dr Julius Maada Bio has ended his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government with the commissioning of two landmark regional facilities and a call for deeper investment in citizens as the foundation of West Africa’s future.
At the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Lungi, President Bio inaugurated the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot on 18 July. The following day, he presided over the Summit of the Future on Regional Integration and the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority, where he formally handed over leadership of the regional bloc to Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The Summit also confirmed the appointment of General Birame Diop, former Senegalese Defence Minister and UN Military Adviser, as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Bio’s Call for Action
Reflecting on his one-year stewardship, President Bio urged leaders to match vision with delivery, stressing resilience, food security, regional trade, peace, and accountable governance.
“A region that thinks together strengthens every Member State. A region that acts together secures a more peaceful, prosperous and resilient ECOWAS for all its people,” he said.
He emphasized climate-smart agriculture, disaster preparedness, and stronger food reserves, warning that ECOWAS’ success must be measured by implementation and tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Sierra Leone’s New Gateway
Commissioning the new conference centre and logistics depot, President Bio described them as symbols of Sierra Leone’s transformation from recovery to regional leadership.
“Nations are remembered not only for the challenges they overcome but also for the institutions they leave behind. Today, Sierra Leone and ECOWAS are leaving two institutions that will become part of that enduring legacy,” he declared.
He noted that the conference centre positions Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for diplomacy, investment forums, and international dialogue, while the logistics depot strengthens ECOWAS’ readiness for peace operations and humanitarian response.
Regional Praise
Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh hailed the projects as defining symbols of Bio’s legacy, while Gambian President Adama Barrow described the centre as “a fitting monument to Sierra Leone’s ambition and confidence.”
Outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray praised Bio’s leadership during a period of political transitions, terrorism, and climate shocks, noting his commitment to peace and regional solidarity.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commended Bio’s investment in infrastructure that advances integration, while ECOWAS Business Council Chairman Aliko Dangote underscored the role of private sector leadership in regional transformation.
Transition to Senegal
The Summit concluded with Bio’s peaceful transfer of the ECOWAS Chairmanship to President Faye, marking the end of a tenure widely characterized by decisive leadership, strengthened cooperation, and renewed momentum for integration.
With Sierra Leone hosting one of the bloc’s most consequential gatherings, the commissioning of two landmark institutions and the smooth transition of leadership underscored the country’s growing stature as a trusted hub for diplomacy, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in West Africa.