The much-anticipated Sierra Leone Development Summit took place yesterday, bringing together business leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders to discuss opportunities for economic growth and innovation in the country. Organized by Empower Africa, the summit offered a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration.
Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from and engage with industry thought leaders as they discussed transformative ideas and solutions to drive development in Sierra Leone. The event, hosted at the Empower Africa Business Center in Freetown, attracted a mix of investors, entrepreneurs, and development professionals, all eager to explore ways to elevate the nation’s economic landscape.
Key speakers at the summit included Francis George, CEO of Innovation SL, who highlighted the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages innovation and creativity. George emphasized, “Innovation is the heartbeat of development. By investing in our young innovators, we can unlock the potential that will propel Sierra Leone forward.”
Mohamed Sesay, Executive Director of AIDE (Agency for Inclusive Development and Empowerment), took the stage to speak about inclusive development strategies, stressing the need for collaboration between private and public sectors to create a sustainable and prosperous future. “Development cannot happen in isolation. It requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, especially in ensuring inclusivity for all citizens,” said Sesay.
Another notable speaker was Chukwu Emeka, CEO of Invest Salone, who outlined investment opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and technology. “Sierra Leone is brimming with untapped potential. We must seize these opportunities to attract more foreign direct investments and support local businesses,” he noted.
The event provided access to the Empower Africa Business Center, a hub designed to support businesses and foster partnerships that will stimulate economic development in the region. Participants were given a tour of the center, with exclusive access to its resources and services aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs.
Networking was a key feature of the summit, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, business leaders, and potential investors. The networking sessions were a highlight, giving participants the chance to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and build meaningful relationships that could contribute to the country’s economic development.
To cap off the day’s events, attendees enjoyed cocktails and finger food, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere conducive to deepening connections and continuing discussions from the summit.
The Sierra Leone Development Summit was hailed as a resounding success by participants, who left the event with fresh insights, expanded networks, and renewed optimism for the future of Sierra Leone.