ECOWAS Summit Logistics: Sierra Leone will host the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State summit on 19 July 2026 at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, with Freetown hosting key statutory meetings from 12–17 July and President Bio commissioning the conference centre and an ECOWAS Logistics Depot on 18 July. China–Sierra Leone Support: Ahead of the summit, China has donated 15 presidential vehicles to boost logistical readiness. Diaspora Investment Push: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio urged Sierra Leoneans in Canada to invest and partner in areas like technology, agriculture and commerce. Labour Reform Workshop: Sierra Leone’s Employment Ministry launched a three-day workshop to prepare for ratifying six ILO conventions and the UN migrant workers rights convention. Energy Access Recognition: Easy Solar won a 2026 Ashden Award for its Energy as a Service model in rural Sierra Leone. Airport Fee Review: Sierra Leone suspended the US$25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport pending a contract review and audit, raising concerns about potential liabilities. Digital Payments: Visa Pay expands across Africa, including Sierra Leone, via a software kit for banks and fintechs. Skills & Inclusion: 30 people with disabilities graduated from a Pujehun vocational training programme in tailoring, soap and bead making. Aviation Growth: Sierra Leone ranked among the fastest-growing aviation markets in West and Central Africa, with 23% passenger arrival growth in Q1 2026.