Freetown, July 7, 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation today officially took delivery of 15 protocol vehicles donated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, a gift aimed at enhancing Sierra Leone’s logistical preparedness for the upcoming Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit.
The handover ceremony was held in the Ministry Conference Room on July 7, where officials stressed what they described as the enduring friendship and strategic cooperation between Sierra Leone and China. The donation comes at a crucial time when Sierra Leone prepares to host regional leaders, heads of State and a broad spectrum of delegations for the important West African meeting.
At the ceremony, officials said the vehicles would significantly improve the country’s ability to manage transport arrangements for visiting dignitaries, helping to ensure smooth, dignified and well-coordinated receptions during the Summit. During such events security, protocol and scheduling requirements are generally heightened and the extra fleet is likely to be used to help transport state delegations and to assist with logistics.
Delivering a speech to the gathering, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone His Excellency Zhao Yong said the donation was a manifestation of the long-standing friendship between the peoples of China and Sierra Leone. “The gesture is a demonstration of China’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s development and growing leadership in regional affairs,” he said. The handover, Ambassador Zhao said, was a tangible example of the fruitful cooperation that had characterised relations between the two countries over the years.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, who received the vehicles on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, said he was very grateful to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for their timely and generous contribution. The Minister said the donation was a clear manifestation of strong bilateral ties based on mutual respect, cooperation and common development priorities.
Minister Kabba said the vehicles would go a long way in strengthening Sierra Leone’s ability to host the ECOWAS Summit successfully and in a manner befitting the nation’s dignity and spirit of regional unity, officials present said. He also commended the Chinese Embassy for their quick coordination and dedication in ensuring the vehicles arrived on time before the Summit.
Aside from the immediate logistical gains, the Minister reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthen ties with China in key sectors. Trade, infrastructure, education and health are major areas of cooperation between both nations, he said, stressing that the bilateral partnership continues to bring tangible benefits and remains a lynchpin of Sierra Leone’s international cooperation efforts.
The formal ceremony was followed by the signing and handover of documents and inspection of vehicles by Ambassador Zhao and Minister Kabba. Both sides discussed the condition and suitability of the vehicles for protocol duties during the Summit and other official engagements during the inspection.
Commentators said the gift was in line with previous Chinese aid to Sierra Leone, which has ranged from capacity building to infrastructural support. Though the current contribution is geared towards meeting the logistical needs of the ECOWAS Summit, officials said the additional transport capacity will be of lasting utility for future high-level visits and national events.
The additional vehicles will be part of the wider arrangements put in place by Sierra Leone to ensure the success of the Summit with the country hosting leaders and delegates from across West Africa. The successful hosting of the gathering is expected to highlight Sierra Leone’s role in regional diplomacy and coordination, with the donated vehicles helping to underpin the practical aspects of that mission.
The latest donation represents another significant step in the long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and China and highlights the shared commitment of both countries to cooperation, development and regional progress, officials say.
