Nominations Open for Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards

Members of the global Sierra Leonean community can submit nominations for the Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards, which recognize contributions to Sierra Leone across 12 categories.

The awards cover investment, enterprise, policy, community development, food security, environmental action, public service, technology, media, charity, trade and national visibility.

Recognizing enterprise and investment

According to the Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards, one category recognizes the highest verifiable capital deployed into local ventures in Sierra Leone that create jobs. Another honors returnees who have built and sustained successful local enterprises within five years of returning.

The awards also recognize individuals or groups advancing pro-diaspora, cross-border or pro-business reforms. Organized groups driving collective community development, philanthropy or investment are included among the areas of recognition.

Food security and environmental action

A separate category focuses on investments in farming, food processing and supply chains that contribute to national food security.

The Environmental & Green Economy Champion category highlights pioneers working in clean energy, waste management, environmentally friendly practices and climate action.

Public service, technology and media

The awards also recognize diaspora leaders and returnees in public service who demonstrate exceptional integrity and impact.

Technology founders and digital leaders deploying technology to address local challenges are eligible for recognition. The Make Sierra Leone Famous Creator of the Year category is aimed at creators, journalists and media figures who amplify positive narratives about Sierra Leone globally.

Charity, trade and national visibility

Other categories acknowledge significant charitable contributions and impactful social-development projects.

The Diaspora / Returnee Trade & Export Excellence category honors leaders involved in international trade, imports and exports, or the use of frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

The awards’ flagship honor recognizes a global leader whose work has brought extraordinary pride, prestige and visibility to Sierra Leone.

The awards information identifies members of the global Sierra Leonean community and returnees among those recognized. It does not provide a nomination deadline, submission procedure or details about an awards ceremony.