By Francess Wright
A historic and proud moment for Sierra Leone unfolded on July 10, 2025, when Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara Esq., President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, became the first sitting President of the Association to address the UK House of Commons. Her impactful presence at the 15th African Achievers Awards, held at the renowned Palace of Westminster in London, has been widely celebrated as a milestone for both Sierra Leone and African women in leadership.
President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara was a featured panelist in the opening session of the African Achievers Summit, themed: “Doing Business in Africa—Opportunities, Challenge and Strategies to Globalize African Business.” Speaking during Panel 1: Making Africa Business-Friendly, she joined a high-caliber group of thought leaders and Executives in a cross-sector conversation on strengthening Africa’s business environment through governance, infrastructure development, legal reform and innovation.
The session, moderated by Ezekiel Solesi, CEO of LIMBsimple, included fellow panelists Khalil Halilu (CEO, NASENI SHC), Alex Omiogbemi (Group Managing Director, Rainbow Group) and Mustapha Njie (CEO, TAF Africa Global). Despite the distinguished company, it was President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara’s address that captured the audience’s attention with its clarity, strategic insight and grounded vision for Africa’s future.
She delivered a compelling argument on the untapped potential of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), calling for African Governments to remove barriers that hinder intra-African investment. Her message was clear: “Make Africa business-friendly for African investors.” She highlighted the need for meaningful legal and institutional reforms, pointing to the importance of regulatory transparency, functional justice systems and trust in public institutions as the bedrock for unlocking African prosperity.
President Tuma’s remarks also underscored the urgency of fostering a Pan-African business environment; one in which African entrepreneurs can operate seamlessly across borders, driving regional growth from within. She called for an end to bureaucratic bottlenecks and advocated for policies that prioritize the private sector as a critical engine of development.
In a moment of national pride, President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara extended warm congratulations to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on his appointment as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, describing the appointment as a timely and fitting recognition of Sierra Leone’s growing leadership role in the region.
Her trailblazing journey continued the following evening, July 11, 2025 when she was invited to the House of Lords to serve as an Award Presenter during the celebratory dinner hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma. Sharing the stage with African achievers and prominent UK figures, including Diane Abbott MP, President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara presented awards recognizing excellence and innovation across the continent. Her grace, composure and leadership stood as a beacon of inspiration throughout the event.
President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara’s participation at the UK Parliament was more than ceremonial; it was a moment that symbolized Sierra Leone’s rising voice on the global stage and showcased the leadership potential of African women in law and governance. Her interventions resonated far beyond the halls of Westminster, sending a message of hope, transformation and unity across the continent.
Sierra Leone’s journey toward regional and international relevance is being shaped by President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara’s contributions, which stand as a defining chapter; highlighting how leadership grounded in integrity, insight and action can influence the destiny of a nation.
