The Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards, scheduled for December 29, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, aims to recognize outstanding Sierra Leoneans living abroad and those returning to the country who are contributing to positive change and investment. The awards are part of the Sierra Leone Diaspora Week 2026, which will run from December 28, 2026, to January 5, 2027.
The awards, co-organized by the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) and Make Sierra Leone Famous, will honor individuals who are fostering lasting economic and cultural ties between Sierra Leone and the diaspora community. Vickie Remoe, Founder and Chairperson, emphasized that the Sierra Leone Diaspora Week is a promise to returning citizens, offering them open doors to real opportunities to help build the country.
The Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards feature 12 categories that celebrate impact across various sectors. These categories include Investor of the Year, Returnee Trailblazer, Policy Advocate of the Year, and Diaspora Organisation of the Year, among others. The awards seek to recognize individuals and groups making significant contributions to job creation, community development, and philanthropy.
To be eligible for the awards, nominees must be Sierra Leoneans currently living abroad or those who have returned from abroad within the past ten years. Nominations are open to the public, and individuals can submit entries across multiple categories. The nomination process is done through the official website, and the planning committee will review submissions to announce the final shortlist ahead of the event.
The awards gala on December 29, 2026, will reveal the winners of the Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards. The event is expected to bring together members of the diaspora community, policymakers, and other stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of outstanding Sierra Leoneans. The awards aim to encourage more diaspora engagement and investment in the country.
The Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards also seek to promote positive stories about Sierra Leone and recognize media figures who are contributing to this effort. The Make Sierra Leone Famous Creator of the Year award is one of the categories that will honor individuals who are promoting Sierra Leone through their work.
The Sierra Leone Diaspora Week 2026 and the Excellence Awards are significant initiatives that demonstrate the country's commitment to engaging with its diaspora community and encouraging investment and development. The events will provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and celebration of the achievements of Sierra Leoneans around the world.
Key points
- The Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards feature 12 categories to recognize impact across various sectors.
- Nominations for the awards are open to the public and can be submitted through the official website.
- The awards gala will take place on December 29, 2026, during the Sierra Leone Diaspora Week 2026.
