By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, is set to deliver the keynote address at the 4th Annual Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference, scheduled to take place in London on 19th and 20th June 2026. The conference is expected to bring together investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora to explore new opportunities for investment, economic growth and national development.

The event forms part of a broader effort to strengthen engagement between Sierra Leone and its citizens living abroad while creating avenues for sustainable partnerships that can contribute to the country's long-term economic transformation. Organizers have described the conference as a strategic platform designed to connect global investors with emerging opportunities across various sectors of the Sierra Leonean economy.

The conference is sponsored by TAF Africa Global, Pee Cee and Sons (Pee Cee Holding Ltd) and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), with support from key partners including the National Investment Board (NIB), VPC and the United Kingdom Government. The collaboration reflects growing international interest in Sierra Leone's investment landscape and the important role of the diaspora in supporting national development.

As keynote speaker, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh is expected to share insights into Sierra Leone’s development agenda, investment climate and institutional reforms aimed at creating a more competitive and business-friendly environment. His participation is seen as particularly significant given his extensive experience in governance, international diplomacy and state-building.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has earned recognition as one of Sierra Leone’s leading advocates for institutional reform and economic modernization. Holding a doctorate from the University of Bordeaux in France, where he specialized in the collapse and reconstruction of West African states, he combines academic expertise with years of practical experience in international governance and post-conflict recovery.

Before entering national politics, he spent nearly two decades serving in various international capacities. His career included work as a Political Affairs Officer in Kosovo and later as an Adviser at the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). During that period, he worked closely with regional and international institutions, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on governance reforms, peacebuilding initiatives and institutional development.

Since becoming Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has consistently promoted the idea that strong institutions are essential to sustainable development. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that Sierra Leone’s progress depends on building accountable systems capable of delivering services effectively while creating opportunities for economic expansion.

A major component of his current responsibilities involves driving investment and economic growth. As Co-Chair of the National Investment Board, he has played a central role in attracting investors, developing investment-ready projects and positioning Sierra Leone as an increasingly attractive destination for international business.

One of the notable achievements associated with his leadership has been Sierra Leone’s successful progress under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact process. Through a series of domestic reforms and institutional improvements, the country secured a US$480 million MCC Compact focused primarily on strengthening the energy sector. The initiative is expected to improve electricity access, support industrial growth and enhance the overall investment environment.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has also championed transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources. Under his oversight of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Sierra Leone achieved an 80 percent performance score, a milestone that has been widely viewed as strengthening investor confidence and improving governance within the extractive sector.

Economic observers note that those reforms have contributed to reducing barriers to investment while creating a more transparent and predictable environment for businesses. Such improvements are regarded as critical for attracting long-term investment and supporting private-sector growth.

Beyond Sierra Leone, the Vice President continues to contribute to global discussions on development and governance. During the World Bank Fragility Forum held in Washington, D.C. in June 2026, he participated in discussions on the challenges facing developing nations, particularly the difficult policy choices required to balance infrastructure development, education, climate resilience and economic growth.

Human capital development remains another major focus of his work. As head of Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development agenda, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has consistently advocated for increased investment in education, healthcare, technology and skills training. He believes that preparing young people for the demands of a modern global economy is essential to achieving sustainable national progress.

His leadership has also encouraged the adoption of technology-driven solutions within Government institutions. Programmes focused on disaster management, healthcare delivery and public administration increasingly rely on data and modern systems designed to improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

Through the Accountability Group, which brings together the Auditor General, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Financial Secretary, efforts have been strengthened to improve public financial management and ensure responsible use of state resources.

A key message expected from the Vice President during the London conference is the need for stronger diaspora engagement. He has repeatedly emphasized that Sierra Leoneans living abroad possess valuable expertise, professional networks and investment capital that can contribute significantly to national development.

According to Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the diaspora should move beyond traditional remittance support and actively participate in structured investment opportunities, technology transfer initiatives and skills development programmes. He believes such engagement can help bridge critical capacity gaps while accelerating economic growth.

The Vice President has often described human capital as one of the country's most valuable assets, arguing that sustainable development requires not only financial resources but also skilled individuals capable of implementing transformative projects and reforms.

As preparations continue for the conference, organizers say the event will provide a unique opportunity for investors, business leaders and professionals to explore emerging opportunities in Sierra Leone while contributing to the country's development aspirations.

With strong support from sponsors, development partners and the diaspora community, the 2026 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference is expected to strengthen international partnerships, promote investment and reinforce the collective commitment to building a prosperous and self-sustaining Sierra Leone.

For participation and further information, interested individuals may contact the organizers on +232 76 403 103 or visit www.makesierraleonefamous.com. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-to-engage-global-investors-at-high-level-diaspora-investment-conference-in-london/