Two-Day Council Retreat

Two-Day Council Retreat

Two-Day Council Retreat Sets the Foundation for Governance Reform

The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA) commenced its program of activities for 2026 with a Two-Day Council Retreat held on 26–27 February 2026. The retreat brought together Council Members and the Secretariat to reflect on the Chamber’s priorities, strengthen institutional governance, and establish a clear strategic direction for the year ahead.

The retreat served as an important platform for reviewing the Chamber’s governance framework and aligning the Council and Secretariat on key institutional priorities. Discussions focused on strengthening internal systems, enhancing collaboration, improving operational effectiveness, and ensuring that the Chamber remained well positioned to deliver on its mandate as the voice of Sierra Leone’s private sector.

A central focus of the retreat was the continued review of the Chamber’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A). Building on a governance reform process that commenced in 2025, Council Members undertook detailed deliberations on the proposed amendments to the Chamber’s governing document. The review sought to modernise the M&A, strengthen governance arrangements, improve institutional accountability, and ensure that the Chamber’s constitutional framework remained responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the wider business community.

The retreat provided an opportunity for Council Members to carefully consider the proposed amendments, discuss areas requiring refinement, and build consensus on the way forward before presenting the reforms to the wider membership. These discussions laid the groundwork for the extensive member consultations that followed during the Quarterly General Membership Meeting and the subsequent Extraordinary General Meeting process.

Beyond governance reform, the retreat also considered the Chamber’s strategic priorities for 2026. Discussions focused on rebuilding member confidence, strengthening advocacy and public–private dialogue, expanding strategic partnerships, improving communication with members, and enhancing the effectiveness of the Secretariat. Particular emphasis was placed on positioning the Chamber as a stronger, more responsive institution capable of delivering greater value to its members while contributing meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s economic development.

The Two-Day Council Retreat therefore marked an important milestone in the Chamber’s institutional renewal, setting the tone for a year centred on stronger governance, increased member engagement, and a renewed commitment to representing and advancing the interests of the private sector.