Sierra Leone - Where Freedom Lives
Welcoming West Africa
ECOWAS Mid-Year
Statutory Meetings 2026
Sierra Leone is honoured to welcome the leaders and peoples of West Africa for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings 2026. As Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio hosts this important gathering as our region advances a shared vision of peace, integration and prosperity.
- 12 – 17 July 2026 - Bintumani New Hall, Freetown
- 18 – 19 July 2026 - Julius Maada Bio ICC, Lungi
One Region · One Vision · One Future —12-19 July 2026- Freetown & Lungi , Republic of Sierra Leone
A defining moment for
West African unity
The ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior officials and regional institutions to advance the Community’s shared priorities—peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure and sustainable development.
Hosted in Sierra Leone, the meetings culminate in the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, where leaders will take decisions that shape the future of West Africa.
Sierra Leone - Where Freedom Lives
Sierra Leone is a nation defined by its spirit. A spirit shaped by freedom.
Known for the warmth of its people, the resilience of its communities and the harmony of its many cultures and faiths.
As Chair of the ECOWAS Authority and host of the 2026 Mid-Year Statutory Meetings, Sierra Leone is honoured to welcome leaders, delegates and visitors from across our Community.
We invite you to experience not only our remarkable coastline, rich heritage and vibrant culture, but the enduring spirit that has made Sierra Leone a place of welcome, partnership and hope.
Capital
Freetown
Population
7.5 Million
From Freetown to Lungi—advancing the future of West Africa.
Freetown · Bintumani International Conference Centre
12–14 July
Freetown
Administration and Finance Committee
Technical deliberations on ECOWAS administrative, financial, and institutional matters.
15 July
Freetown
Mediation and Security Council
High-level discussions on regional peace, security, governance, and stability.
15 July
Freetown
Joint MSC/Council Meeting On The Compact Of The Future
Joint meeting of the Mediation and Security Council — a strategic dialogue on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the Compact for the Future agenda.
16–17 July
Freetown
Council of Ministers
Ministers from ECOWAS Member States review committee recommendations and prepare decisions for consideration by the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Lungi · Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre
18 July
Freetown
Official Commissioning Ceremony
Commissioning of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot , by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio — underscoring Sierra Leone's commitment to world-class infrastructure for regional integration.
19 July
Freetown
69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government
West African leaders consider key policy decisions, adopt strategic resolutions, and reaffirm their collective commitment to peace, democracy, economic growth, and regional integration.
Planning Your Visit
We look forward to welcoming you to Sierra Leone. Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare for your visit—from travel and visas to accommodation, health guidance and local information.
Travel & Visas
Entry requirements, visa-on-arrival for ECOWAS nationals and arrival procedures
Health Information
Yellow fever vaccination requirements, recommended immunisations for delegates.
Accommodation
Officially designated hotels in Lungi and Freetown with negotiated summit rates.
Discover Sierra Leone
Experience the history, culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sierra Leone—and discover why our nation is known for its warmth, resilience and hospitality.
Delegate Travel Pack
All travel, health, hotel, and host-country information in one beautifully designed PDF — print it or keep it on your phone.
Heads of State and Government
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government is the Community’s highest decision-making body. The 2026 Summit brings together leaders from across West Africa to strengthen regional cooperation and advance a shared agenda for peace, prosperity and integration.
News from the Chair
Welcome to Sierra Leone
Where Freedom Lives.
Accreditation is now open for delegates, media and observers attending the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings 2026.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sierra Leone.