Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and former minister Dr. Sylvia Blyden lead a group of notable Sierra Leonean women selected for the 50 Most Influential African Women Awards, celebrating leaders shaping Africa and the world.
The picks, revealed by the African Women Leadership Conference (AWLC) and awards team, come before the event on April 24, 2026, at Freetown’s International Conference Centre. The awards gala is set for April 25 at the Country Lodge Hotel.
Fatima Maada Bio, leader of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OFLAD), was praised for her strong push on women’s rights, girls’ education, and ending sexual and gender-based violence. Her work has boosted Sierra Leone’s global stance on empowerment.
Dr. Sylvia Blyden, ex-Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, and a governance champion, was noted for her impact on policy and social change, making her a major figure in Sierra Leone politics.
The honors cover fields like education, governance, finance, agriculture, tourism, peace, and advocacy. Other winners include Olive Baimba, CEO of Olive B Academy, for youth education; MP Mabinty Funnah from Tonkolili; and Haja Isatu Bah Kamara, APC southern chair, for public service.
In finance, Jeneba Kpaka Bangura of the National Revenue Authority was recognized for fiscal management. Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis and Fatmata Mida Carew of the National Tourist Board were hailed for growing tourism.
Musayeroh Barrie, head of Civil Aviation, was honored for aviation progress, and Hawa Sally Samai of the Peace Commission for unity efforts.
Globally, ICC Judge Miatta Maria Samba and security expert Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara were acknowledged. Naasu Fofanah of Women Green Bank for financial access, Marie Momoh for agriculture, and Sally Adams of Women’s Forum for advocacy.
The awards span politics, education, health, finance, agriculture, peace, media, and culture, showing Sierra Leonean women’s rising role.
The conference will unite leaders, officials, partners, and businesses to talk governance, health, investment, peace, and growth.
