By Josephine Sesay
In a powerful address at the Commonwealth Business Summit held in Namibia, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, a 20-year-old Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, humanitarian, and CEO of Mariyam’s Ways Ltd, called on Commonwealth leaders to invest more intentionally in young people and women in business.
The summit, convened alongside the Commonwealth trade ministers meeting, brought together leaders and change makers from 56 member nations under the theme Harnessing Commonwealth Trade for Shared Prosperity. Konneh was among the keynote speakers representing youth and women entrepreneurs across Africa and the Commonwealth.
Addressing delegates at the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN), Konneh delivered an impassioned plea for inclusive economic policies and equal access to resources. We believe every woman and young entrepreneur should have access to education, markets, funding, mentorship, and digital tools. Without access, potential stays untapped,” she stated.
She continued, our mission is to move women from survival to significance. From being seen as recipients of help to becoming agents of change, this is why our partnerships with CBWN and the Commonwealth Women’s Network are so vital.
As part of her proposals, Konneh outlined initiatives such as cross-border mentorship programs, a Commonwealth Women in Business fellowship, and the Commonwealth emerging leaders in Business Network, she urged stakeholders to amplify women-led ventures and push for reforms that eliminate trade and finance barriers.
A former miss University Africa Sierra Leone and 1st runner-up miss Sierra Leone 2025, Konneh is also a respected TV host on Africa Young Voices (AYV Media) and has been recognized as one of Sierra Leone’s 50 most influential women, her entrepreneurial journey spans multiple sectors, including beauty and fashion, real estate, technology, event management, and natural resources.
Beyond business, Konneh is a fierce humanitarian, through her Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, she has led community programs focused on menstrual hygiene, mental wellness, drug abuse awareness, and environmental sustainability, her work has impacted youth and women across Sierra Leone, earning her accolades both locally and internationally.
Her environmental work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Sierra Leone Wave Alliance, supported by VIMTO International, has also gained recognition, the program, which promotes youth wellbeing and environmental health, has been featured in international research publications.
Speaking on the need for action, she urged Commonwealth governments, private sector players, and civil society groups to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real investments, we need more than seats at the table, we need to be heard, trusted, and empowered, she said.
Konneh’s message echoed the broader goals of the summit to create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic future for all Commonwealth citizens, especially the youth and women who are often marginalized in global trade and business ecosystems.
As she continues to lead by example, Mariyam Konneh stands as a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of African leaders committed to transformation through entrepreneurship, service, and advocacy.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 27th June, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
