Freetown, Sierra Leone — Nominations are now open for the first Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards, set to be held on 29 December 2026 at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown.
The awards will take place during Sierra Leone Diaspora Week 2026 (28 December 2026 – 5 January 2027) and will recognise outstanding Sierra Leoneans living abroad and those returning to the country who are contributing to positive change and investment.
Co-organised by the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) and Make Sierra Leone Famous, the awards aim to honour those going beyond traditional tourism to foster lasting economic and cultural ties.
“Sierra Leone Diaspora Week is our promise to returning citizens: come home, and you will find open doors to real opportunities… We want every returning Sierra Leonean to leave with a clear path forward and a country they can help build,” said Vickie Remoe, Founder and Chairperson.
Award Categories
The awards feature 12 categories that celebrate impact across various sectors:
- Investor of the Year: For the highest verifiable capital invested in job-creating ventures in Sierra Leone.
- Returnee Trailblazer: For returnees who have established successful local businesses within five years.
- Policy Advocate of the Year: For individuals or groups supporting pro-diaspora and business reforms.
- Diaspora Organisation of the Year: For groups promoting community development and philanthropy.
- Agribusiness Champion: For investments enhancing food security through farming and supply chains.
- Environmental & Green Economy Champion: For leaders in clean energy and climate action.
- Public Servant of the Year: For diaspora leaders exhibiting exceptional integrity in public service.
- Innovator of the Year: For tech leaders addressing local challenges with innovation.
- Make Sierra Leone Famous Creator of the Year: For media figures promoting positive stories about Sierra Leone.
- Philanthropist Award: For significant charitable contributions and community projects.
- Diaspora/Returnee Trade & Export Excellence: For leaders enhancing international trade initiatives.
- Person of the Year: For a leader who has significantly elevated Sierra Leone’s global presence.
Eligibility and How to Submit Nominations
Nominations are open to the public, allowing individuals to submit across multiple categories.
Eligibility Guidelines:
- Diaspora: Sierra Leoneans currently living abroad.
- Returnee: Sierra Leoneans who have returned from abroad within the past ten years.
Submission Details:
Nominations must be made through the official website. The planning committee will review submissions and announce the final shortlist ahead of the event, with winners revealed during the awards gala on 29 December 2026.
