Latest Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference Report Released

Investment Insights from Sierra Leoneans at Home and in the Diaspora

The 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) brought together government leaders, investors, and Sierra Leoneans from across the globe to explore new pathways for investment and development.

From building trust and transparency to highlighting opportunities for diaspora engagement, the conference sparked vital conversations and connections about Sierra Leone’s future. 

One of the highlights came from Dr. Henry Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who shared his ministry’s progress in transforming Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector and making it ready for investment. 

“Over the past two years, we have adopted a new approach that emphasizes private sector participation rather than patronage. This strategy has begun to yield results, with agricultural production growing between 8% and 10% annually, food imports decreasing by up to 13%, and prices of local rice dropping. The country has also made progress in producing onions locally, established the first commercial feed mills and hatcheries for poultry, launched the construction of over 400 kilometres of feeder roads, and embarked on Sierra Leone’s largest irrigation project for rice cultivation.”

The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, also underscored the country’s macroeconomic progress.

“In recent years, we have made significant strides in stabilising the economy, curbing inflation, and strengthening financial systems to attract investment. A key milestone was the successful redonomination of the Leone in December 2023, which was implemented smoothly with clear public communication, thereby bolstering public trust in the financial system. Inflation, which peaked at 54% in October 2023, has since dropped to about 21% in mid-2025, reflecting tighter monetary policy, improved food supply, and a more stable exchange rate.”

Our official conference report is now available online, capturing key discussions, insights, and the voices of the Sierra Leonean diaspora to aid national development. 

Table of Contents from the Report

• Welcome Address by Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the U.S.A. 
• The Ella Koblo Panel Discussion: How African Diaspora Entrepreneurs can Secure Funding in Changing Policy Landscape
• The Tunde Cole Panel Discussion: Beyond Profit- Social Impact Business Models in Sierra Leone
• Morning Keynote Speech by Dr. Henry Kpaka, MInister of Agriculture and Food Security
• The Monty Jones Panel Discussion:Feed Salone – Transforming Raw Materials Into Profitable Agricultural Goods
• Policy Statement by Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone
• The John Akar Panel: Leveraging Global Opportunities in the African Creative Economy
• Keynote Address by Zakiatu Swaray-Rowe, CEO of Anzak Tours and Resorts
• Business Case Studies: Freetown Waste Transformers, Sanctuary Farms and Resorts SL, Kolat Brick
• Fireside Chat with Retired U.S. Ambassador Michael Owen and Vickie Remoe
• Voices of the Sierra Leone Diaspora 

The full report provides detailed insights, policy discussions, and actionable recommendations for diaspora and global investors as well as policymakers alike.