Smiling Through Light

Today, I have the privilege of speaking at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2026 in London on the panel:

“How We Built It: Diaspora Entrepreneurs’ Recipes for Success.”

As Founder & Director of Smiling Through Light , I’ll be sharing lessons from our journey expanding clean energy access and building a women-led, locally driven enterprise focused on creating opportunities across Sierra Leone.

When people talk about entrepreneurship, they often focus on funding, growth, and success stories. But building a sustainable enterprise in Sierra Leone has taught me some different lessons:

✨Start with the problem, not the product.

✨Trust is just as important as strategy.

✨Impact and sustainability must go hand in hand.

✨Systems matter. Passion starts an organisation, but processes help it grow.

✨Clean energy is not just about electricity; it is about education, livelihoods, productivity and opportunity.

Perhaps the biggest lesson of all is that Sierra Leone’s future will not be built by aid alone. It will be built by entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and diaspora communities working together to create long-term value.

Through Smiling Through Light, I have seen firsthand what becomes possible when local leadership, innovation and purpose come together. I have also seen how powerful it is when we choose to tell a different story about Sierra Leone, one that focuses on resilience, solutions, entrepreneurship, success and sustainability.

I’m looking forward to sharing our journey, learning from fellow entrepreneurs, and exploring how diaspora investment can become a catalyst for sustainable growth and opportunity across Sierra Leone.

Thank You to the VR&C Marketing for all the work✨

I am honoured to have been invited as a speaker at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2026, taking place on 19–20 June 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London.

This year's theme, “From Capital to Catalyst: Mobilizing Diaspora Finance to Power Sierra Leone’s Industries,” could not be more relevant. As a Sierra Leonean Founder and Director, I have always believed that our greatest opportunity lies not only in attracting investment, but in changing the narrative about what is possible in Sierra Leone.

For me, this invitation is deeply connected to the work we do at Smiling Through Light. Every day, we work to expand clean energy access, demonstrating how locally led and women-led enterprises can create sustainable solutions, generate economic opportunities and improve lives across communities. Our journey is proof that Sierra Leone is a place of innovation, resilience and entrepreneurship.

Too often, conversations about Sierra Leone focus on challenges rather than opportunities. My work has always been driven by a commitment to highlight positive stories, showcase local talent and demonstrate that Sierra Leoneans are building successful businesses capable of delivering meaningful social and economic impact.

I look forward to joining fellow entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and members of the diaspora to discuss how strategic investment can unlock growth, strengthen industries and create lasting opportunities for future generations.

I am particularly excited to share the Smiling Through Light's story as an example of what can be achieved when local leadership, community impact, and innovation come together with the right support and investment.

Registration is now open for delegates, vendors, entrepreneurs, and investors at https://lnkd.in/e-udKhAA

I look forward to seeing many of you in London as we work together to shape a stronger, more prosperous future for Sierra Leone.

Thank you to the VR&C Marketing Company team for the invitation and putting event together✨