AYV News, July 14, 2026
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the newly completed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi as Sierra Leone intensifies preparations to host the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government on 19 July 2026.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the readiness of the state-of-the-art facility, which was constructed under the supervision of the Office of Presidential Infrastructure and Initiatives (OPII). The conference centre is scheduled to be officially commissioned on 18 July, a day before the regional summit.
Leading a high-level delegation, Vice President Jallohwas accompanied by Minister of Finance Hon. Fantamadi Bangura, Secretary to the President Mr. Baba Fortune, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, OPII Chairman Dr. Eldred Taylor, as well as officials from the Ministries of Works and Foreign Affairs, State House Protocol, the Sierra Leone Airports Authority and the country’s security sector.
The delegation was received by the Project Manager and the technical team, who conducted an extensive tour of the facility. They inspected the main plenary hall, breakout and bilateral meeting rooms, media and press centre, VVIP lounges, exhibition and catering facilities, ICT hub, and key external infrastructure, including access roads, parking areas, landscaping, and backup power and water systems.
According to the Project Manager, the conference centre was designed and constructed to meet international standards for hosting major global events. The main plenary hall accommodates more than 1,200 delegates and features simultaneous interpretation booths, advanced audio-visual technology and designated seating for Heads of State. The media centre is equipped to host more than 100 journalists and supports live international broadcasting of summit proceedings.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Vice President Jalloh expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facility and the level of preparedness ahead of the summit.
“The Conference Centre is a landmark achievement and reflects the Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that promotes diplomacy, trade and regional integration. It is Sierra Leone’s aspiration to be at the centre of regional affairs and to provide a befitting venue for high-level international engagements,” he said.
He commended OPII, contractors, consultants, engineers and the workforce for completing the project on schedule and to international standards.
Dr. Jalloh described the conference centre as a long-term national asset that will continue to serve Sierra Leone beyond the ECOWAS Summit by hosting African Union meetings, United Nations conferences, regional forums and private sector events. He noted that the facility is expected to strengthen conference tourism, stimulate the hospitality industry and reinforce Sierra Leone’s position as an emerging destination for international diplomacy.
The Vice President also directed all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to maintain close coordination on security, protocol, transportation and hospitality to ensure the successful hosting of the summit. He stressed the importance of presenting Sierra Leone positively to visiting Heads of State, government officials and international delegates.
Government officials say the conference centre’s strategic location in Lungi, adjacent to the Freetown International Airport, provides a significant logistical advantage by facilitating easy access for international visitors while enhancing Sierra Leone’s appeal as a regional conference and diplomatic hub.
Final preparations are continuing ahead of the official commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre on 18 July, with the ECOWAS Summit scheduled for 19 July 2026, when leaders from across West Africa will gather in Sierra Leone for one of the region’s most significant diplomatic engagements.
