Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The National Investment Board (NIB) of Sierra Leone has announced a landmark achievement as its Executive Director, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, has been elected President of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) Network for the 2025–2026 term.
Dr. Sandy’s election took place during the Network’s 5th Annual General Assembly held from June 25 to 27, 2025, at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria.
The event brought together key representatives from national trade and investment promotion agencies, the ECOWAS Commission, development partners, and regional stakeholders committed to advancing intra-regional trade and economic integration across West Africa.
Delivering a statement on behalf of Dr. Sandy, NIB Deputy Executive Director Fatima Mahawa Sandi expressed Sierra Leone’s firm commitment to the vision and goals of the ECOWAS TPO Network. She underscored the country’s readiness to provide inclusive, transparent, and result-oriented leadership, while extending appreciation to member states for their support. Special recognition was given to Togo for graciously withdrawing its candidacy in favor of Sierra Leone, reflecting the spirit of regional solidarity.
As President of the TPO Network, Dr. Sandy will lead efforts to strengthen regional trade and investment cooperation, promote the use of digital technologies to expand market access, and enhance collaboration between public and private sectors across ECOWAS member states. Ghana’s Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) was also elected as Vice President, while delegates thanked the outgoing leadership from Senegal and The Gambia for their contributions.
Dr. Sandy’s election is being hailed as a historic milestone for Sierra Leone, positioning the country as a key driver in shaping regional trade policy and unlocking new partnerships and capacity-building opportunities. His presidency is expected to catalyze initiatives aimed at boosting regional value chains, improving competitiveness, and transforming the private sector landscape across West Africa.
The Assembly also reviewed past strategic initiatives, including SME export-readiness programmes, digital trade promotion training, and coordinated trade facilitation efforts. Looking ahead, it adopted an ambitious 2025–2026 work plan focusing on sustainable trade, inclusive development, and regional economic competitiveness.
The gathering concluded with the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, reaffirming member states’ commitment to innovation, partnership, and economic growth across the ECOWAS region.
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