Abuja, Nigeria – June 27, 2025 — The National Investment Board (NIB) of Sierra Leone is proud to announce the election of its Executive Director, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, as the new President of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) Network for the 2025–2026 term. This significant milestone was achieved during the Network’s 5th Annual General Assembly, held from June 25th to 27th at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria. The event brought together representatives from national trade and investment promotion agencies, ECOWAS Commission officials, development partners, and regional stakeholders committed to advancing regional trade and economic integration.
During the Assembly, NIB Deputy Executive Director, Fatima Mahawa Sandi, delivered a statement on behalf of Dr. Sandy, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to the vision and mission of the ECOWAS TPO Network. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s active interest in leading within the Network, emphasizing the country’s readiness to deliver transparent, inclusive, and results-oriented leadership. Gratitude was extended to member states for their overwhelming support, with special acknowledgment of Togo’s gracious decision to withdraw its candidacy in favor of Sierra Leone, exemplifying regional unity.
As President, Dr. Sandy will steer the Network’s strategic priorities, including strengthening trade and investment cooperation, harnessing digital technologies for market expansion, and fostering greater public-private sector collaboration across the ECOWAS region. The Assembly also elected Ghana’s Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) as Vice President and expressed appreciation to the outgoing leadership from Senegal and The Gambia for their dedicated service during the previous term.
Dr. Sandy’s election marks a historic achievement for Sierra Leone, positioning the NIB as a key player in regional trade leadership. This leadership role enhances Sierra Leone’s voice in shaping regional policy, opening doors to increased partnerships, visibility, and capacity-building opportunities that will benefit the country’s trade and investment ecosystem. As President, Dr. Sandy is expected to serve as a unifying figure, championing initiatives that unlock regional value chains and drive private sector transformation.
The General Assembly reviewed a broad spectrum of strategic activities from 2024, including digital trade promotion training, SME export-readiness initiatives, and joint trade facilitation advocacy. It also adopted a forward-looking 2025–2026 plan focused on sustainable trade, regional competitiveness, and inclusive development. The adoption of the Abuja Declaration reaffirmed the commitment of member states to fostering collaboration, innovation, and regional economic growth.
@NIB Comms