Hon. Racheal Pessima Receives Global Leadership Recognition in Mauritius

Hon. Racheal Mariatu Sesay Pessima, Member of Parliament for Port Loko District, has been named among the Top 100 Global Innovative Leaders at the Global Innovative Leaders Summit held in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The award was presented on July 2, 2026, by the Global Centre for Innovative Leaders during a ceremony at the Ocean’s Creek Hotel, which brought together global policymakers, business executives, and development leaders to recognise excellence in leadership and innovation.

At the same summit, she also served as Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, addressing delegates on “The Political Case for Diaspora Investment.” She called on African governments to strengthen legal and policy frameworks to encourage diaspora investment, stressing that parliaments must build investor confidence through predictable and effective legislation.

She highlighted examples such as Ghana’s Diaspora Investment Desk and Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission Act as models that could be replicated across Africa. She also proposed the creation of a Diaspora Investment and Citizenship Bill and a Standing Committee on Diaspora Affairs to support diaspora engagement and investment oversight.

Describing diaspora capital as a development strategy rather than charity, she urged stronger collaboration between governments and citizens abroad to unlock its full potential.

The Global Centre for Innovative Leaders said the recognition reflects her contributions to parliamentary oversight, community development in Port Loko District, and advocacy for inclusive economic growth, placing Sierra Leone among countries whose leaders are gaining international recognition for innovation and public service.