AV News, January 19, 2026
Sierra Leone has recorded a significant milestone on the continental stage as First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, and several other distinguished Sierra Leonean women have been named among the 50 Most Influential African Women Award honourees, a Pan-African recognition celebrating women whose leadership and impact continue to shape Africa and the world.
The announcement was made by the Organising Committee of the African Women Leadership Conference (AWLC) and the 50 Most Influential African Women Awards, ahead of the Conference scheduled for 24 April 2026 at the Freetown International Conference Centre, followed by the Grand Awards Ceremony on 25 April 2026 at Country Lodge Hotel, Sierra Leone.
H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, who also serves as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OFLAD), was recognised for her bold and transformative leadership in advancing women’s rights, girls’ education, and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. Her advocacy has positioned Sierra Leone prominently in continental and global conversations on women’s empowerment and social justice.
Sierra Leone’s presence on the continental list extends beyond politics into education, governance, peacebuilding, finance, agriculture, tourism and advocacy.
Among the honourees is Mrs. Olive Baimba, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Olive B Academy, recognised for her outstanding contribution to education, skills development and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone. Through Olive B Academy, she has played a critical role in nurturing future leaders and promoting quality education.
Other Sierra Leonean awardees include Hon. MabintyFunnah, Member of Parliament from Tonkolili district; Dr. Sylvia Blyden, former Minister of Social welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs and governance advocate; and Haja IsatuBah Kamara, Southern Region Chairperson of the APC, recognised for their leadership in public service and political mobilisation.
Also honoured are Mrs. Jeneba Kpaka Bangura, Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority, for leadership in public financial management; Hon. NabeelaTunis, Minister of Tourism; and Mrs. Fatmata Mida Carew, General Manager of the National Tourist Board, for their roles in repositioning Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
In public sector leadership, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, received recognition for her work in aviation governance, while Hawa Sally Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, was honoured for advancing peace and national cohesion.
Sierra Leone’s contribution to international justice and security was further highlighted through the recognition of Judge Miatta Maria Samba, Judge of the International Criminal Court, and Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara, security and peace advocate.
In finance and innovation, Madam Naasu Fofanah, CEO of the Women Green Bank Initiative, was recognised for expanding women’s access to finance, while the agriculture sector was represented by Madam Marie Momoh, honoured for her contribution to farming and food security.
Advocacy and women’s empowerment were also spotlighted through the recognition of Sally Adams, National President of the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone.
The 50 Most Influential African Women Awards celebrate excellence across politics, governance, education, health, finance, agriculture, peace and security, media, culture and advocacy. Sierra Leone’s strong representation reflects the growing influence of its women leaders at national, regional and global levels.
The awards will be formally presented during a high-profile Pan-African ceremony following the African Women Leadership Conference, which will convene women leaders, policymakers, development partners and private-sector actors to engage on leadership, governance, health, financing and investment, peace and inclusive growth.
