Miss Sierra Leone 2026, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, continues to attract admiration as she represents the country at the Miss World 2026 pageant in Vietnam, displaying confidence, intelligence, cultural pride and determination on the international stage.
Despite having only 14 days to prepare for one of the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions, Mariyam Lorba Konneh has made steady progress through the pageant’s activities. Feedback surrounding her participation has remained encouraging, with Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad closely following her journey.
Throughout the competition, Mariyam Lorba Konneh has participated in rehearsals, official engagements and interactions with contestants from different countries. Those activities have allowed Mariyam Lorba Konneh to demonstrate her communication skills, personality and understanding of Sierra Leone’s cultural identity beyond her physical appearance.
Mariyam Lorba Konneh has also used the global platform to promote the creativity of Sierra Leonean fashion designers. Her appearances in locally produced outfits have drawn attention to the skills of tailors and designers working in Sierra Leone’s growing fashion industry.
Reflecting on one of her appearances, Mariyam Lorba Konneh expressed gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone and praised the designers responsible for producing her outfit.
“I stepped out in this flawless piece, beautifully and skillfully put together by Sierra Leonean designers. It only keeps getting better. Day Five at Miss World and I am so full of gratitude and appreciation. Thank you, Sierra Leone, for trusting me with this amazing opportunity,” Mariyam Lorba Konneh said.
Mariyam Lorba Konneh explained that promoting Sierra Leone’s fashion industry was among her main objectives at the international competition.
“One of the key things I wanted to achieve was to showcase the amazing tailors and designers from Sierra Leone. In the coming days and weeks, you will all see how incredibly talented Sierra Leonean designers are. We are the best,” Mariyam Lorba Konneh stated.
Beyond the pageant stage, Mariyam Lorba Konneh has participated in a sponsors’ dinner organized as part of Miss World 2026 and joined other contestants in community service activities at the Vietnam Mangrove Forest. The engagements provided Mariyam Lorba Konneh with further opportunities to present Sierra Leone’s culture, values and commitment to the Miss World principle of “Beauty with a Purpose.”
Mariyam Lorba Konneh has developed a growing profile as an entrepreneur and advocate for social development. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mariyam’s Ways Company and Foundation, Mariyam Lorba Konneh uses her platform to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and economic empowerment, particularly among young people.
Through Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, Mariyam Lorba Konneh supports community initiatives intended to improve the lives and opportunities of vulnerable people. The humanitarian work reflects Mariyam Lorba Konneh’s belief that beauty must be accompanied by service, compassion and a commitment to positive social change.
Mariyam Lorba Konneh is also a final-year Banking and Finance student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Sierra Leone. In addition to her academic studies and pageantry, Mariyam Lorba Konneh is a media personality, entrepreneur and humanitarian.
Before becoming Miss Sierra Leone 2026, Mariyam Lorba Konneh won the AYV Miss University Sierra Leone title in 2022. Mariyam Lorba Konneh has also been recognized among the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone, reflecting her growing contribution to entrepreneurship, media and humanitarian service.
Mariyam Lorba Konneh has expressed appreciation to her team for supporting her through the demanding preparation period and the ongoing international competition. The assistance has enabled Mariyam Lorba Konneh to present herself confidently while carrying the expectations of Sierra Leone on the world stage.
Support for Mariyam Lorba Konneh continues to grow among Sierra Leoneans at home and in the diaspora, with many expressing confidence in her ability to leave a lasting impression at Miss World 2026.
Through her confidence, entrepreneurial ambition and commitment to humanitarian service, Mariyam Lorba Konneh is presenting a broader image of Sierra Leonean womanhood to an international audience. Her participation is also providing an important opportunity to promote Sierra Leone’s culture, fashion industry and creative talent as her Miss World journey in Vietnam continues.
