I am proud to announce that the second annual Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference will be held on October 19 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Maryland. 

This one-day summit is the largest gathering of Sierra Leonean-American entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors in North America.

This year’s conference theme is “Navigating the Local and Global Marketplace: Opportunities for Diaspora Entrepreneurs and Investors.” The summit engages investors and entrepreneurs who share an interest in Sierra Leone’s economic growth and sustainable development.

Sierra Leone Diaspora Is An Economic Powerhouse

The 2023 summit brought together leaders from Sierra Leone, including Minister of Trade Mr. Alpha Sesay, Managing Director of Leonco Mr. Ibrahim Cole, and investors like Alex Rivera, Managing Director of Dole Sunshine Company SL, and Simon Levell, Director of Truestone Impact Investment Management. 

Participants will learn about the business environment in Sierra Leone and resources for U.S.-based small businesses. Remoe emphasizes the connection between diaspora entrepreneurial success and their capacity to invest back home. 

“Between 2020 and 2023, Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora sent almost $1 billion in remittances, three times more than the $372 million sent between 2016 and 2019. The diaspora is an economic powerhouse. This conference will engage the diaspora beyond remittances to investment,” said Vickie Remoe, convener and founder of the SLDIC.

Panel discussions and presentations will cover inspiring success stories of diaspora entrepreneurs, strategies for promoting Sierra Leonean brands globally, the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and its implications for Sierra Leone, and more. 

Keynote speakers and panelists will be announced in the coming weeks. Attendees can expect to hear from U.S. and Sierra Leonean policymakers, successful entrepreneurs, and African investment experts. 

Why I champion Sierra Leone locally and globally

“We can uplift our communities at home and in the diaspora when we work together. Sierra Leone has immense opportunities, but the diaspora can only fully access them when we share knowledge and lessons learned. Let’s help each other mitigate the risks as we reap the rewards and impact at home and abroad.”

I am known for leadership and my expertise in diaspora engagement, I was awarded a lifetime achievement award for service to the diaspora by the Sierra Leone High Commission in Washington D.C. at the 2024 Diaspora Youth Summit in Takoma Park, Maryland, in June. 

I am a multifaceted talent on a mission to reshape perceptions of her homeland. As the host of the “Make Sierra Leone Famous” podcast, I take my audience on an enlightening journey into the heart of Sierra Leone’s history, culture, and identity. Remoe’s dedication to revealing the true essence of her nation shines through in my work as I strive to #MakeSierraLeoneFamous for the beautiful, culturally rich gem it truly is.

It was this dedication to to Make Sierra Leone Famous that led me to curate, convene, and co-chair the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference to strengthen trade and cultural relations between Sierra Leone and the US.

I am committed to Sierra Leone’s cultural preservation, empowerment, and global recognition, and that’s why I’m a prominent figure in the movement to reshape Sierra Leone’s narrative.

SL Investment Conference 2024 Registration Open

The Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2024 registration is now open at www.makesierraleonefamous.com. Secure your spots early to take advantage of the early bird sale.

Five ticket categories include early bird regular admission for $85 and a $35 livestream virtual pass. Business leaders, Vendors, and SMEs can also register.