AYV News, June 20, 2025
Sierra Leone’s emerging business women leader, MariyamLorba Konneh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mariyam’sWays Ltd and Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, a member of the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN) has delivered an impassioned speech at the Commonwealth Business Women, as part of the Commonwealth Business Summit, held alongside the Commonwealth Trade Ministers meeting in Namibia.
This ambitious young woman, aged 20, is already the owner and CEO of a successful business, with a portfolio of start-up investments in various sectors including in beauty and fashion, travel, hospitality, entertainment, event management, technology, multimedia, real estates, and natural resources.
The Summit brought together leaders from across 56 diverse member countries to explore practical solutions for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth under the theme: “Harnessing Commonwealth Trade for Shared Prosperity.”
20-year-old Mariyam Konneh from Sierra Leone, attended the Commonwealth Business Summit, in Windhoek, Namibia from the 18th to 19th June 2025. The engagement of young people and women in the work of the Commonwealth is crucial to achieving a better world.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN), Mariyam Konneh called on Commonwealth leaders to provide more support to Young People and Women in Business.
Mariyam Konneh said: “We believe every woman and young entrepreneur should have access to education, markets, funding, mentorship, and digital tools. Without access, potential stays untapped. We need more women and young people at the decision-making table—not as tokens, but as trusted voices shaping policies, strategies, and solutions.”
Mariyam added, passionately, “Our mission is to move women from survival to significance. From being seen as recipients of help, to agents of change. This is why our partnership with the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN) and the Commonwealth Women’s Network (CWN) is so meaningful. Through this collaboration, we hope to: Facilitate cross-border mentorship for young entrepreneurs; Launch a Commonwealth Women in Business Fellowship and the Commonwealth Emerging Leaders in Business Network; Champion reforms that reduce barriers in trade and finance; and amplify women-led ventures through storytelling and expos. Together, we can build a support system that stretches from Windhoek to Freetown—and everywhere in between.”
Mariyam Konneh urged everyone- Commonwealth governments, businesses, civil society, and youth—to do more than make space for women. She called on decision-makers, heads of states and business leaders to intensify the efforts and coordinate the action to overcome the challenges that face women and young people in business, and support the process of sustainable development.
Mariyam stressed the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) and the nexus between economic development and social development in women and young people, and creating the proper environment for them to thrive, as well as realising their potential.
Ms. Mariyam Lorba Konneh is the Founder and CEO of Mariyam’s Ways Limited; Founder & Chairperson, The Mariyam’s Ways Foundation; and a member of the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN) Sierra Leone. Mariyam is a media personality, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and a recipient of the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone Award. This ambitious young woman, aged 20, is already the owner and CEO of a successful business, with a portfolio of start-up investments in various sectors including in beauty and fashion, travel, hospitality, entertainment, event management, technology, multimedia, real estates, and natural resources.
A TV personality and beauty queen with a purpose, Mariyam is former Miss University Africa Sierra Leone and 1st Runner-up of Miss Sierra Leone beauty pageant 2025. She is a prominent tv host at the Africa Young Voices Media (AYV) on MultiChoice DStv channel 399, where she has helped institutions and individuals tell impactful stories and connect with purpose. Mariyam is a dynamic young woman dedicated to making a meaningful impact through leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. She is multitalented and possesses an outstanding background. She brings a rich blend of cultures, values, and experience to the global stage. She credits her multicultural upbringing with shaping her perspective on humanity, integrity, and resilience.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – THE MARIYAM’S WAYS FOUNDATION.
Mariyam came from a humble background, and her journey into public service began with a childhood act of kindness. At the age of 12, she initiated her first school feeding program on her birthday, sharing a meal with classmates who couldn’t afford lunch. That single act inspired her, taught her the true joy of giving, and ignited her lifelong passion for humanitarian service.
The Mariyam’s Ways Foundation is a sustainable development organisation, with a mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments and partnerships that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and create economic empowerment opportunities. With a keen eye for business and a heart for humanitarian work, Mariyam has led initiatives across Sierra Leone promoting feminine hygiene and raising awareness of the impact of drug abuse on women and girls. Mariyam has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone for her leadership abilities and incredible work as founder of The Mariyam’s Ways Foundation. She is an outstanding advocate for menstrual health and mental wellness among young women and a champion of youth-centereddiscussions tackling real-life issues and untold stories.
Mariyam is a strong advocate for the environment and has been involved in climate change programmes. She leads regular beach clean-ups to promote environmental awareness among youth and local communities. MariyamLorba Konneh is a goodwill Ambassador of United Sierra Leone Wave Alliance Wellbeing programme, supported by VIMTO International (the global drink brand). The impact of the programme has been documented and published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and several other international institutions including the Commonwealth. The alliance is coordinated by a team of young leaders with additional technical assistance provided by Waves for Change, an international award-winning non-profit that has pioneered the use of surfing as a health intervention. Monitoring and Evaluation support is provided by Edinburgh Napier University in the United Kingdom.
EDUCATION:
Mariyam Lorba Konneh is a Banking & Finance student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone. As a young professional, she has participated in several academic trainings and holds a certificate in Computerised Accounting from Bluecrest College, Freetown, as well as a certificate in Business & Accountancy Expertise from the International Business Management Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN) is a registered Community Interest Company (CIC) in the United Kingdom, funded and powered by women, for women, of the Commonwealth. Operated by the board and supported by an International Advisory Board, CBWN collectively brings together a diverse range of experience and insights to encourage and enable the economic empowerment and leadership potential of women and girls.
Mariyam’s Ways Limited (MWL) is an investment and project management company solving the significant start-up funding gap for women-led business and young entrepreneurs. With a decade-long track record of start-up building with a team of dedicated business managers, Mariyam’s Ways Ltdback startups across multiple sectors and products that tackle the most meaningful challenges in local communities. Mariyam’s Ways Limited identifies products and services gaps in local markets that unlock value and create new business opportunities. MWM aim is to engage and empower key sectors by creating local transformation, maximizing production, efficiency and cost, which in turn generates local content and value addition.
Mariyam’s Ways Foundation (MWF) is a sustainable development organisation committed to promoting holistic wellness and empowerment among young people, especially girls and women. MWF is rooted in the belief that true empowerment begins with healthy body, healthy mind and healthy community. Through programmes focused on creating enabling environments, promoting women’s health including menstrual hygiene awareness providing mental health support, offering fitness and lifestyle education, and engaging youth, MWF aims to break stigmas, build capacity, and inspire lasting change in communities.
