Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2025
Keynote Speakers
Meet the SLDIC 2025 Change makers speaking at this year's conference.
We are excited to welcome another amazing cohort of dynamic Sierra Leonean and American leaders to the MainStage of this year's conference. These leaders don't just talk, they have tried and tested strategies that lead to success. From social entrepreneurs to farmers, tech innovators, media gurus and finance experts, they have insights to help you navigate the current flux in the US and in Sierra Leone.
Schedule
8:00 AM
Registration - Coffee and Conversation
9:00 AM Opening Ceremony: US and Sierra Leone National Anthems followed by Christian and Muslim Prayers
9:20 AM
Welcome Address - Vickie Remoe, Founder, Make Sierra Leone Famous & Director of Digital Media & Strategic Communications, VR&C Marketing
9:30 AM
Opening Statement: His Excellency Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Mohamed Amara Sowa, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States
9:40 AM
The Ella Koblo Panel: How African Diaspora Entrepreneurs can Secure Funding in a Changing Policy Landscape
10:35 AM
The Tunde Cole Panel: Beyond Profit: Social Impact Business Models That Work In Sierra Leone
11:25 AM
Networking Break (20 MINS)
11:45 AM
Morning Keynote: Dr. Henry Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture
12:00 PM
The Monty Jones Panel - Feed Salone: Transforming Raw Products into Profitable Agricultural Goods
12:50 PM
Lunch & Vendors Showcase
2:00 PM
The John Akar Panel - Leveraging Global Opportunities in the African Creative Economy
2:50 PM
Afternoon Keynote: Zakiatu Swarray-Rowe, CEO, Anzak Tours and Resorts
3:05 PM
Townhall Discussion: Improving Sierra Leone-US Relations in the Aftermath of Travel Restrictions
4:05 PM
Closing Statement
4:15 PM - 5:00 pm
Vendor Showcase & Closing Ceremony
NEtworking COCKTAiL - 6:00 pm - 10:00pm (LOCATION TBD)
AFTERPARTY- MIDNIGHT (LOCATION TBD)
Join over 300 policymakers, entrepreneurs, Sierra Leoneans, and Americans passionate about Sierra Leone's growth.
August 8, 2025 | Silver Spring Civic Center
Welcome to the third annual Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference.
The year's theme, which will guide our discussions and activities, is "Preparing Diaspora Investors for Success Amidst Political and Economic Flux."
The conference occurs on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Silver Spring Civic Center at Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland.
Our primary goal is to showcase diaspora businesses and foster trade and culture relations between Sierra Leone and the U.S.. We are the investors we've been waiting for! Join Sierra Leoneans in North America to network, connect, and embark on a journey of learning and growth!
The year's theme, which will guide our discussions and activities, is "Preparing Diaspora Investors for Success Amidst Political and Economic Flux."
The conference occurs on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Silver Spring Civic Center at Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland.
Our primary goal is to showcase diaspora businesses and foster trade and culture relations between Sierra Leone and the U.S.. We are the investors we've been waiting for! Join Sierra Leoneans in North America to network, connect, and embark on a journey of learning and growth!
2024 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference | October 19th 2024 | the Double Tree by Hilton, Gaithersburg, MD
2023 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference | October 7th, 2023 | Metro Points Hotel, New Carrollton, MD
Past keynote speakers include Minister of Trade Mr. Alpha Sesay, Managing Director of Leonco Mr. Ibrahim Cole, Alex Rivera, Managing Director of Dole Sunshine Company SL, Abdul Koroma, Senior Corporate Executive and Vice President, Marampa Mines, Victor Williams, Managing Partner, Lions Range Group, Martin Michael, Managing Director, Mercury International, Alexious Butler, Mission Director, USAID Sierra Leone and Guinea, Chidi Blyden, Deputy CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and many others.
Conference Location
Silver Spring Civic Center at Veterans Plaza, 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910