London, United Kingdom.
Saturday 20th June, 2026.
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, today delivered the keynote address on Day Two of the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference at the InterContinental Hotel in London, urging Sierra Leoneans abroad to take advantage of the growing investment opportunities emerging across the country’s economy.
Addressing a packed audience of investors, professionals, business leaders, development partners, and members of the diaspora, the Vice President described the Sierra Leonean diaspora as “the lifeblood” of a resilient nation and paid tribute to their unwavering support during some of the country’s most challenging periods.
He praised Sierra Leoneans abroad for their contributions during difficult times, noting that many have paid school fees, covered medical expenses, supported families, built homes and communities, rehabilitated health facilities, and returned to establish businesses that contribute to national development.
Dr. Jalloh highlighted the country’s growing population as both a challenge and an opportunity. With approximately 700 babies born daily, he said demand for public services continues to rise, while citizens increasingly and rightfully expect greater access to quality healthcare, education, energy, and other essential services.
He assured participants that the government of President Julius Maada Bio is delivering measurable progress across key sectors. Citing the energy sector, he noted that national electricity access has increased from approximately 18 percent in 2018 to about 34 percent today. He added that the government is expanding power generation while upgrading and rehabilitating transmission infrastructure nationwide so that by 2030 there would be a projected generation of 78 percent.
Describing Sierra Leoneans abroad as “one of the most educated, accomplished and globally connected diasporas,” the Vice President encouraged them to invest not only their capital but also their knowledge, skills, expertise, and international networks in the country’s development.
Day Two of the conference generated considerable enthusiasm among participants, many of whom expressed renewed confidence in Sierra Leone’s economic prospects.
Among them was Mr. Andrew Thorpe, a civil engineer, who described the event as “a great platform that would go a long way in igniting the enthusiasm of the diaspora and inspiring optimism about Sierra Leone’s future.”
Attendees cited several key takeaways, including the introduction of a 24-hour business registration process, incentives for diaspora investors, legal guarantees for investments, and the ongoing digitisation of land ownership records aimed at reducing fraud and improving transparency.
Throughout the two-day conference, ministers, deputy ministers, heads of agencies, and senior government officials participated in presentations, panel discussions, and interactive question-and-answer sessions. Discussions focused on a wide variety of subjects including economic growth, currency stability, energy expansion, healthcare improvements, digital governance, land reform, infrastructure development, business sector confidence and agricultural transformation.
The strong turnout and active engagement of participants underscored the growing interest among Sierra Leoneans abroad and friends of Sierra Leone in contributing to the country’s development through investment, entrepreneurship, skills transfer, and strategic partnerships.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché