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First Lady Bio Champions Women’s Empowerment at Sierra Leone-Canada Trade Show in Toronto
Recently, at the Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment & Cultural Show 2025 in Toronto, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio delivered a keynote address under the theme: “Empowering Women for Inclusive Economic Growth: Strategies and Success Stories.” She stressed that women’s economic empowerment is not charity, but justice, strategy, and essential for a strong economy. (facebook.com)
She described Sierra Leone’s bold path under President Julius Maada Bio, citing legal reforms, free quality education, and her signature campaign “Hands Off Our Girls” as transformative steps opening up opportunities and smashing barriers for women and girls. (facebook.com)
The First Lady also shared inspiring examples from Sierra Leonean women entrepreneurs, farmers, health workers, and survivors who are making lasting impacts for their families and communities. She called for deeper Sierra Leone-Canada collaboration, highlighting Canada’s support for gender equality and human rights, to build global solidarity for women’s inclusion and empowerment. (facebook.com)
She urged that investing in women must be central to national development strategies, with inclusive leadership and intentional policies that leave no one behind. Her closing message was one of optimism: the future is within reach—and it will be shaped by empowered, included, unstoppable women. (facebook.com)
Fatima Maada Bio to Speak at AEGC 2025 in New York During UNGA80
New York, USA Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has been confirmed as a featured speaker at the African Economic Global Convergence (AEGC) Summit 2025, which will take place September 21–22, 2025, alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York City. Sierraloaded
The AEGC Summit is a prominent forum for African and international leaders to engage on the continent’s economic agenda. This year’s summit will focus on core issues such as trade, industrialization, innovation, sustainable financing, and ensuring inclusive growth. Sierraloaded
Dr. Bio’s participation is particularly noted for her advocacy and experience in human capital development and women’s leadership. She is internationally known for her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign and her leadership role with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), efforts that spotlight the protection, empowerment, and advancement of girls and women. Sierraloaded
Her appearance at AEGC also underscores Sierra Leone’s growing diplomatic engagement under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, sending a message that the nation is committed to policies that leave no one behind. Sierraloaded
Key expectations from her address include:
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Emphasis on women’s economic empowerment as essential for national development.
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Call for investment in education, skills training, and human capital to strengthen workforce competitiveness.
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Stress on inclusive governance and policies that ensure marginalized groups benefit.
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Advocacy for partnerships between Africa and global actors in innovation, digital development, and trade expansion.
What This Means:
Dr. Bio’s presence at AEGC 2025 adds momentum to a narrative where Africa is not just a subject of global economic policy but a shaper of it. For Sierra Leone, it reinforces its image as an active participant in international development discussions. For women and youth across Africa, her role serves as a model of leadership and inclusion in high-level global forums.
IMF Approves $253 Million Boost: A Turning Point for Sierra Leone’s Economic Revival?
The IMF has approved a $253 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Sierra Leone, providing crucial financial support over a 38-month period. This program, which comes as the country battles high inflation, debt, and currency challenges, will help stabilize the economy by reducing inflation, rebuilding reserves, and promoting sustainable growth.
The government, led by Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has already made strides in reducing inflation and the budget deficit. With this new funding, Sierra Leone aims to improve debt sustainability, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen governance. The IMF-backed program also seeks to address gender equity and climate resilience, adding long-term value to Sierra Leone’s development goals.
While the path forward has challenges, particularly with high interest rates and fiscal pressures, this program presents an opportunity for economic renewal. If successful, it could foster further investment and restore public confidence
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