Sierra Leone Steals the Spotlight at African Development Conference in Addis Ababa
The Republic of Sierra Leone dominated the African Development Conference held on Friday, 15th August 2025, at the prestigious Capital Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, outshining all other participating nations. Sierra Leone was the only country to feature the largest number of participants in high-level panel discussions and the most award recipients at the continental ceremony.
Four Sierra Leonean nationals received top honors across diverse fields of excellence. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Dr. Kadie Grace-Kamara; CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin; and CEO of Sengbe Piah Academy, Mr. Joseph Ben-Kaifala Esq., all participated in high-level panel discussions, earning standing ovations for their insights.
Dr. Grace-Kamara excelled in the panel on “Building the Africa We Want: The Governance Perspective.” Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin showcased Sierra Leone’s banking and fintech innovations in “Building the Africa We Want: Banking & Fintech Perspective,” while Mr. Ben-Kaifala contributed to “Partnering for Progress: Building the Africa We Want Through Private Sector Leadership.”
At the awards ceremony, Sierra Leoneans continued their dominance. Dr. Grace-Kamara was named the Most Outstanding Personality in Tourism and Culture across Africa, Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin received the award for Exceptional Services, Innovative Logistics, and Excellence in Banking, with Rokel Commercial Bank honored as Commercial Bank of the Year. Mr. Ben-Kaifala was recognized as the Most Outstanding Personality in Girl Child Empowerment, and Mr. Salim Sillah, Technical Officer at Leone Rock Metal Group, received the Most Outstanding Personality in Mineral Research and Exploration in absentia.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Ethiopia, His Excellency Harold Bundu Saffa, on behalf of President Brig. (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, congratulated the awardees, joined by the diplomatic staff at the Sierra Leone Mission.
The conference, themed “Empowering Africa and Driving Inter-Trade Partnership Opportunities,” highlighted individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to Africa’s socio-economic development and promoted ethical trade, investment, and partnership opportunities across the continent.
By Demba Kanji Daramy, Information Attaché, Embassy of Sierra Leone, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.