By Amin Kef (Ranger)
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, commemorated his birthday through a high-level youth-led convergence organized by the African Young Leaders Convergence (AYLC) at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Freetown. The event brought together young leaders, dignitaries, policymakers and youth representatives from across Africa under the theme: “From Potential to Power: Unlocking Youth Agency for Africa’s Transformation.”
The convergence formed part of the second edition of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium, an initiative aimed at institutionalizing leadership dialogue, strengthening collaboration among African nations and promoting innovative solutions to challenges facing the continent.
The gathering attracted young leaders from different African countries alongside youth representatives from across Sierra Leone to deliberate on leadership, governance, innovation and youth empowerment. Discussions centered on equipping young people with transformational leadership skills while fostering stronger regional cooperation and cross-border partnerships.
Providing an overview of the colloquium, AYLC Brand and Media Consultant, Kingsley Okeke, disclosed that President Bio deliberately chose to dedicate his birthday celebration to African youth, using the occasion to share his leadership journey and inspire the next generation of African leaders.
Welcoming participants to the event, Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, described President Bio as a strong advocate for youth transformation, peace and regional integration. He noted that the convergence reflected the growing recognition of young people as central drivers of Africa’s development and future prosperity.
President of the Ethiopian Youth Council, Fuad Gena, called for stronger partnerships, exchange programmes and youth-led collaboration across the African continent. He emphasized that Africa’s future must be shaped by Africans through unity, innovation and purposeful engagement.
Also speaking at the convergence, His Majesty Ogiameh Atuase III commended President Bio’s investment in youth empowerment, describing support for young people as one of the most significant and consequential decisions African leaders can make to secure sustainable development.
During a fireside conversation on leadership and governance, President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles, stating that he would peacefully hand over power to the next democratically elected president at the conclusion of his tenure. Reflecting on his role during the conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia, the President described leadership as a service rooted in sacrifice, peacebuilding and democratic responsibility.
President Bio stressed that Africa’s future depends largely on investments made in young people, especially in education, technology, innovation and skills development. He encouraged youth across the continent to embrace bold, informed and patriotic leadership in shaping Africa’s destiny.
The President further highlighted his administration’s efforts in promoting youth and women’s empowerment, reiterating his commitment to expanding opportunities and strengthening legal protections for women and girls. He also commended the work of First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio through the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign, which continues to champion girls’ education and combat sexual and gender-based violence.
First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio also engaged participants during the convergence, underscoring the importance of empowering and protecting women and girls across Africa. She highlighted the impact of the Hands Off Our Girls campaign while encouraging young people, particularly young women, to embrace leadership, innovation, education and civic responsibility.
Notable contributions to the colloquium were also made by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, alongside a panel of young African leaders. The event sessions were moderated by Benjamin Ubiri and Isha Sesay, further enriching discussions on Africa’s future and youth-driven transformation.
