The Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) has recorded its first international expansion, taking place in London on June 19-20, 2026, attracting over 400 delegates from the diaspora. This year’s conference at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane was the organisation’s most ambitious to date, marking its move beyond the US to engage the Sierra Leonean community in Europe in structured investment discussions.
Under the theme “From Capital to Catalyst,” prominent figures including Sierra Leone’s Vice President, cabinet ministers, and various entrepreneurs participated in discussions focused on investment opportunities and partnerships.
In her opening address, SLDIC founder Vickie Remoe candidly addressed the diaspora’s mixed feelings about investing in Sierra Leone. She highlighted the essential conditions needed for thriving investments, urging the audience to accept imperfection and actively contribute to building a better environment for investment.
Remoe’s aspirations for the conference included the creation of a Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Fund and a Diaspora Bond, drawing comparisons to similar successful initiatives in other African nations.
The first day of the conference featured an impressive government delegation, including ministers from several key ministries, signalling heightened government engagement with the diaspora.
A key presentation came from Mustapha Njie, CEO of TAF Africa Global, who introduced a significant housing development project in Sierra Leone. Njie showcased the TAF Salone Micro City, which includes 5,000 homes and offers diaspora buyers flexible payment plans.
On the second day, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh delivered a keynote address, acknowledging the diaspora’s contributions and encouraging further investment. He pointed to successful bond initiatives in Burkina Faso as a model for Sierra Leone to emulate.
Remoe also shared findings from the SL Diaspora Fund Survey 2026, revealing that while the diaspora is keen to invest, issues of trust and structural support remain significant barriers.
The highlight of the conference was the King Jimmy Landing Pitch Fest, where entrepreneur Alysious Konteh won a $5,000 prize for his clean water access initiative, Eastern Spring Water.
Founded in 2023, the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference aims to transform the diaspora’s role from mere remittance senders to active investors and partners in development. The 2026 edition was in partnership with TAF Africa Global, the Sierra Leone government, and other local sponsors.
