Frequently Asked Questions
About WAIIS 2026
WAIIS 2026 (West Africa Integration & Investment Summit) is the region's Apex Investment Summit. It is a political, investment and deal-making platform convened by H.E. Brigadier (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The Summit brings together Heads of State, Ministers, investors and business leaders to advance regional integration and investment.
17–18 November 2026, at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Lungi, Sierra Leone.
H.E. Rtd. Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Powering Regional Integration through Energy Trade & Industrialization, Strategic Minerals, Agribusiness and Digital Transformation.
Attendance & Registration
WAIIS 2026 expects 1,000+ high-level participants, including Heads of State and Government, Ministers, DFIs, sovereign wealth and pension funds, investors, MDBs, and business leaders across energy, minerals, agribusiness and digital sectors.
Attendance at the Apex Summit is by invitation and subject to approval by the WAIIS Secretariat. Registering your interest does not confirm a place. Confirmed participants receive a formal invitation with joining instructions.
Programme
From 10 November, the Pre-Summit Programme covers policy preparation, sector dialogues, project development, investment engagement and Youth in Action programming in Freetown.
The full agenda will be published closer to the event via a dedicated agenda page / the event app.
Partnership & Exhibiting
Visit the Partnership page for the full prospectus or contact the WAIIS Sponsorship Team directly (anthony.kamara@waiis.org).
Three levels: Premier Partner, Strategic Partner and Supporting Partner - see the Partnership page for full benefits.
Exhibition space at WAIIS 2026 is included as part of our sponsorship packages - Premier, Strategic and Supporting Partners all receive dedicated exhibition space as a partnership benefit. Visit the Partnership page for full package details or contact the WAIIS Sponsorship Team directly.
Venue & Travel
The Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Lungi Sierra Leone. [Embed map + full address text here.]
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. All ECOWAS citizens do not require a visa prior to arrival. However, most visitors will need to apply for an eVisa in advance via the official Sierra Leone eVisa portal or check current requirements with the Sierra Leone Immigration Department.
We also recommend checking your own government's travel advisory for Sierra Leone before booking travel.
Sierra Leone eVisa Portal →
Sierra Leone Immigration Department →
Travellers to Sierra Leone are generally required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival. Please confirm current requirements with the Sierra Leone Immigration Department and your own health authority before travelling.
A range of hotels and accommodation options are available close to the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, from international business hotels to boutique stays, suited to delegates, ministers and investors attending the Summit.