On Wednesday 15th October 2025, London’s famous Strand centre in Holborn came alive as the Sierra Leone High Commission hosted a *Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Networking Forum*—an inspiring, action-driven gathering of people generally united around one goal: building a prosperous Sierra Leone through investment and collaboration.
Far from being a mere talk-shop, the event brought together people who are acting for Sierra Leone—visionaries, entrepreneurs, designers, policymakers, and innovators—working to unlock the nation’s boundless potential across multiple sectors.
Among the distinguished guests present were His Excellency Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom, and Her Excellency Josephine Gauld, LVO, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone. Their presence underscored the deepening partnership and shared commitment between the two nations to strengthen economic cooperation and foster sustainable growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, one of Sierra Leone’s most brilliant and forward-thinking leaders, captured hearts and minds with his optimism and insight
Introducing him, Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh described Dr. Sengeh as “a man who represents the bold, youthful, and forward-thinking leadership redefining Sierra Leone’s place on the global stage.” Someone who is “passionate about building a future where young people thrive.”
A Harvard and MIT graduate, Dr. Sengeh is not only an inventor and innovator but also an inspirer—one whose ideas ignite possibilities.
In his address, he laid out a clear, confident case for investing in Sierra Leone. Avoiding pessimism, he focused on progress and potential: reforms in land and intellectual property laws, adherence to arbitration processes, and strong guarantees for investor security. He highlighted the government’s impressive fiscal discipline, noting the drop in inflation from over 50% to about 5%, a sign of renewed stability and productivity.
“The country is more than ready for investment—and it is open for partnership,” Dr. Sengeh declared. He urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora and global investors alike to seize opportunities in agriculture, digital finance, tourism, and infrastructure. Citing the success of Vult, Sierra Leone’s first digital financial super app—supported by Mastercard and regulated by the Bank of Sierra Leone—he praised its role in integrating banking, mobile money, and card services on a single platform.
Prior to the Chief Minister’s address, Dr. Foday Dumbuya, the British–Sierra Leonean fashion designer and founder of LABRUM London, shared his journey. His label, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design in 2023, bridges Sierra Leonean heritage with British craftsmanship. “For me, anything that puts Sierra Leone on the map interests me,” he said passionately before premiering a short film that captured his creative ethos.
Mr. Sidi Saccoh of Vult followed with an engaging presentation on how the fintech platform is advancing financial inclusion, empowering small businesses, and supporting Sierra Leone’s digital transformation. “Connectivity is no longer just about speed—it’s about inclusion,” he said. Emphasizing collaboration, he added: “Every nation you admire today was once powered by its diaspora. They didn’t wait for perfect systems—they built them.”
A highlight of the evening was the roundtable panel discussion, moderated by Chukwu-Emeka “Chux” Chikezie, a British-born development expert of Sierra Leonean heritage and co-founder of the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD). Honoured with an MBE for his service to diaspora development, Chikezie currently leads Invest Salone, a UK-funded private sector growth programme. His moderation steered a rich, solutions-focused exchange on innovation, investment, and inclusive development.
The panel featured a lineup of outstanding voices:
• Naomi Sesay, media executive and former Channel 4 Head of Creative Diversity, championing women’s empowerment and the Matamp Smart City Project in Sierra Leone.
• Dr. Foday Dumbuya, founder of LABRUM London, bridging design, identity, and culture.
• Anisa Johnny, fashion educator and sustainability strategist, advocating for ethical brands and creative entrepreneurship.
• Nelson Dos Santos, CEO of Kijani Carbon, promoting natural climate solutions for Africa’s ecological and economic resilience.
• Sidi Saccoh, tech entrepreneur and strategist with experience across 20+ countries, driving innovation and financial inclusion through Vult.
The event was seamlessly steered by Mr. Sahr Dugba and Ms. Sandra Rogers, Trade Attachés at the Sierra Leone High Commission, whose poised co-MCing kept the energy high from start to finish.
As the evening closed, one sentiment echoed through the hall: Sierra Leone’s future, under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, is bright—and its diaspora remains an essential force in shaping the country.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché