Five Business Leaders From Sierra Leone You Won’t Want To Miss at 2025 SLDIC

The Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) is back bigger, bolder, and even more impactful. On Friday, August 8th, 2025, over 300 influential leaders across various fields will converge at the Silver Spring Civic Centre in Maryland. 

Now in its third year, SLDIC is the premier platform for Sierra Leonean and American professionals, investors, and changemakers to align on one goal: driving inclusive and sustainable growth in Sierra Leone. 

This year’s theme, “Preparing Diaspora Investors for Success Amidst Political and Economic Flux,” will focus on equipping participants with practical tools, investment-ready insights, and clear pathways to navigate complex markets and turn opportunities into impact. 

Expect a power-packed day of strategic conversations, real-world success stories, and meaningful connections with a speaker lineup that spans international expertise and local leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned diaspora investor, a first-time entrepreneur, or development partner, this is where you belong. 

Registration is Now Open for the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 

Registration is officially open for the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC). Whether you are attending in person or tuning in virtually, there is a ticket option tailored for you. 

VIP Executive Business Leaders- $225

Join the exclusive circle of industry experts, sponsors, and panelists. This ticket includes premium seating and access to the VIP networking cocktail and more. 

Early Bird General Admission- $85

Save $40 when you register early before July 18th, 2025. After the sale ends, its price will revert back to the original $125. This ticket includes full day access, coffee break, and lunch. 

Livestream Pass- $35

Can’t make it in person? Join the 2025 SLDIC virtually and experience the full conference live from anywhere in the world.

Small Business and Medium-Sized Enterprises Ticket- $1,200

This allows you to attend as a vendor and a small-and-medium-sized business showcase to sell or market your goods and services. Position your business as a key player in Sierra Leone’s development. This premium package includes:

• One dedicated vendor space.
• Two VIP Business Leaders Conference tickets
• Two invitations to the VIP Networking cocktail
• A VIP conference tag for elevated access
• A half-page feature in the official conference programme
• One promotional article published on SwitSalone
• One social media spotlight post
• One-minute video ad spot to be aired during the conference (Must be submitted in advance)
• And more

Vendor- $350

This ticket is ideal for solo vendors or small brands ready to make an impression. This includes: 

• A vendor table at the conference showcase
• One VIP Networking Cocktail
• One bonus general admission ticket
• A feature in our “Sierra Leone Business Leaders Directory” within the conference programme
• And more

All these tickets are available now at www.MakeSierraLeoneFamous.com. Spaces are limited! Secure your spot at the 2025 SLDIC today. 

Here’s a first look some of the distinguished speakers headlining this year’s conference: 

1.Aminata Dumbuya, CEO, Freetown Waste Transformers SL

Aminata Dumbuya is a Sierra Leonean-American social entrepreneur and CEO of Freetown Waste Transformers SL Ltd (FWT), a company advancing clean energy and sanitation through innovative waste-to-energy solutions. Since repatriating to Sierra Leone in 2004, she has led impactful initiatives in energy access, waste management, and private sector development. 

Under her leadership, FWT launched DortiBox, a digital platform automating waste collection, which earned recognition from The World Bank’s “Go Circular” initiative. FWT also holds a waste concession for Freetown’s Central Business District. 

Aminata previously served in senior roles with African MiniGrid Developers Association (AMDA), the Africa Clean Energy Program, and Power for All, helping strengthen off-grid energy access across Sierra Leone. 

A mother of two, Aminata remains committed to sustainable development and community transformation through clean energy and innovation. 

2. Alhaji Siraj Bah, CEO, Rugsal Group of Companies

Alhaji Siraj Bah is a dynamic entrepreneur transforming sustainability into opportunity. As CEO of Rugsal Group of Companies, he is leading Sierra Leone’s green economy through the production of eco-friendly bio-briquettes, an innovation that is not only combating deforestation but also creating jobs and improving livelihoods across the country. 

A recognised voice in global sustainability, Bah is a fellow of the Harvard Business School, Mastercard Foundation, UN Environment Programme, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His insights continue to shape international conversations on climate resilience, circular economics, and youth empowerment.

Beyond his works in Sierra Leone, Bah travels the world mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, proving that purpose-driven innovation can thrive anywhere and inspire everywhere. 

3.Kippy Debs, Founder, Sanctuary Farms and Resorts

Kippy Debs is a passionate environmental sustainability advocate. In 2020, she founded Sanctuary Farms and Resorts, turning it into a successful organic farming business in rural Sierra Leone. Her business not only thrives on its own but also supports local farming communities through farmer education, provision of cold storage, and mobile irrigation facilities. This marked a pioneering and bold venture in Sierra Leone.

She is also a distinguished Customer Relations Director at Africell Sierra Leone Ltd, bringing over a decade of expertise in client relationship management and strategic planning to drive customer satisfaction. Her proficiency in developing and implementing customer-centric processes has notably enhanced cross-functional operations and overall customer experience.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Kippy has dedicated over 15 years to philanthropic work. She currently leads the Africell Impact Foundation work in Sierra Leone, and she was also honoured with the 84th Points of Light award by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019, in recognition of her exceptional voluntary service in supporting and educating vulnerable children in Sierra Leone. Her involvement in the Diaspora Emergency Action and Coordination (DEMAC) consultation, a project by the Danish Refugee Council, the Berghof Foundation, and AFFORD-UK, underscores her commitment to improving humanitarian aid coordination.

Her multifaceted contributions in customer relations, philanthropy, and sustainable agriculture underscore her as a pivotal and influential leader in her community.

4.Jacqueline Tschinkel, Founder/CEO, Hello Sierra Leone

Jacqueline Tschinkel is the founder and CEO of Hello Sierra Leone, a Destination Management Company based in Freetown. With a rich background in the travel industry and a passion for exploration, Jacqueline is dedicated to showcasing Sierra Leone’s vibrant culture and beauty to the world. 

Her deep connection to her roots and her commitment  have enabled her to build meaningful bridges between Sierra Leone and the global community, inspiring travel experiences and lasting cultural connections. Her vision is a future where more women voices shape travel experiences and Sierra Leone emerges as a renowned destination for travelers. 

5.Abubakar KaiKai, Founder/CEO, Bu-Baka Farms SL

Abubakar KaiKai is a visionary Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, agro-industrialist, poet, musician, political activist , philanthropist, youth and sport pioneer, and digital transformation enthusiast. He served as an Ambassador for Trade and Investment for Sierra Leone from 2019 to 2023. 

With over two decades of multidisciplinary leadership, he has been instrumental in advancing Sierra Leone’s economic prospects through entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable value chain development. As the Founder & CEO of BU-BAKA FARMS SL, he established Sierra Leone’s ground breaking organic cold-pressed oil brand.

His company has researched and developed over 20 high-value oils and researched over 12 high end herbal plants, and superfoods, transforming indigenous crops into premium health, beauty, and culinary products for both local and global markets. BU-BAKA FARMS now engages over 1,000 farmers, supporting rural livelihoods and fostering a national organic revolution.

As Ambassador for Trade and Investment (2019–2023), he represented Sierra Leone at prestigious platforms such as the Harvard Business Summit and Power Africa Summit. He also facilitated ties with global partners including Gazprom Bank, Jeanne Boulle Group (JBG) and Empower Africa. His advocacy for local content, organic trade, and youth enterprise continues to position Sierra Leone as a rising player in sustainable investment.