Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has renewed his call for Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to play a more active role in national development, urging them to return home with their skills and resources to help transform the country into what he described as a “land of endless opportunities.”
The President made the appeal during a high-level engagement with Sierra Leonean community leaders on Saturday 27th September 2025 in Washington DC, held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly. The meeting formed part of his administration’s wider strategy to strengthen ties with Sierra Leoneans abroad and to harness their contributions toward sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, President Bio outlined the significant strides his Government has made since assuming office. He pointed to investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, governance reforms and the empowerment and protection of women and girls as clear evidence of progress under his leadership.
According to the President, Sierra Leone is now on a more promising trajectory, not only in terms of national growth but also in shaping its role on the global stage. He noted that Sierra Leone’s growing voice in international forums is an indication of the country’s rising profile.
President Bio described his interaction with the diaspora leaders as both “exhilarating” and “inspiring,” emphasizing the need for Sierra Leoneans abroad to stay engaged with the nation’s journey.
“I had an exhilarating encounter with passionate Sierra Leoneans in Washington, D.C. and I am truly inspired by your unwavering love for our beautiful motherland,” he remarked. “Our Government is relentlessly committed to turning Sierra Leone into a vibrant, prosperous nation we can all be proud of. Come back home, bring your skills and be part of our incredible journey to transform Sierra Leone into a land of endless opportunity.”
He urged diaspora leaders to serve as ambassadors for Sierra Leone, projecting a positive image of the nation internationally while also fostering unity among their communities abroad. However, he stressed that their physical presence and expertise in Sierra Leone were equally important in consolidating the gains his administration has made.
The engagement drew strong responses from the community leaders, many of whom expressed admiration for the President’s leadership style and his administration’s reforms. They praised the Government’s visible progress, especially in social service delivery and governance and pledged to support efforts to build the country’s human capital and institutions.
Some participants noted that the diaspora has always played a key role in remittances, investments and advocacy for Sierra Leone but emphasized that President Bio’s call provides fresh momentum for greater involvement in the country’s development drive.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of the diaspora as an essential partner in nation-building. By leveraging their expertise, networks and resources, the administration hopes to accelerate economic growth, foster innovation and promote Sierra Leone’s image abroad.
President Bio’s Washington engagement reflects his wider policy of fostering inclusive development and global partnerships, while also tapping into the patriotic energy of Sierra Leoneans living outside the country.
The President’s continued efforts to strengthen those connections highlight the diaspora’s role as a vital bridge between Sierra Leone and the international community; one that holds the potential to shape the nation’s future for generations to come.
