May 2026, His Excellency, President Dr Julius Maada Bio, celebrated his birthday with a youth-led gathering that included young leaders from across Africa, Sierra Leonean youth representatives, regional dignitaries, and international guests. As part of the second edition of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium, the African Young Leaders Convergence (AYLC) was held under the theme “From Potential to Power: Unlocking Youth Agency for Africa’s Transformation,” to institutionalise leadership dialogue, deepen continental collaboration, and promote innovative responses to Africa’s most pressing challenges.
The colloquium aims to provide emerging leaders with transformational leadership tools, promote cross-border cooperation, and empower youth voices in governance, innovation, and development. Throughout the event, panels and plenary sessions addressed education, technology, skill development, and the policy frameworks required to expand opportunities for young people across the continent.
Kingsley Okeke, AYLC Brand and Media Consultant, gave an overview of the colloquium, explaining that President Bio had intentionally dedicated his birthday to celebrating African youth and sharing his leadership journey in order to inspire the next generation. Okeke described the gesture as part of a larger effort to prioritise youth in the continent’s future planning and decision-making processes.
Ibrahim Sannoh, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Youth Affairs, welcomed the delegates and described President Bio as a staunch advocate for youth transformation, peace, and regional cohesion. According to Sannoh, the attendance and quality of the discussions reflected the growing recognition of young people as drivers of social, economic, and political change throughout Africa.
Other countries’ speakers emphasised the importance of strengthened partnerships and practical exchange opportunities. Ethiopian Youth Council President, Hon. Fuad Gena, advocates for increased collaboration through exchange programs, mentorship, and youth-led initiatives to empower Africans to define and lead the continent’s development agendas. His Majesty Ogiameh Atuase III, the Olu of Nigeria’s Warri Kingdom, praised President Bio’s emphasis on youth development and described youth empowerment as one of the most important decisions that African leaders can make.
President Bio took part in a fireside conversation on leadership and governance, where he reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles. He explicitly stated that at the end of his term, he would peacefully hand over power to the next democratically elected president, framing leadership as service and sacrifice informed by his experiences in Sierra Leone and Liberia. He emphasised that investments in education, technology, innovation, and skills training are critical to realising the continent’s potential.
President Bio highlighted his administration’s initiatives for youth and women’s empowerment, as well as his commitment to expanding equal opportunities and strengthening legal protections for women and girls. He praised First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio’s Hands Off Our Girls campaign, which promotes girls’ education and combats gender-based violence.
Dr Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady, also spoke at the convergence, urging attendees to prioritise the protection and empowerment of women and girls. She discussed the success of her campaign and encouraged young people, particularly young women, to see leadership, education, innovation, and civic responsibility as critical ingredients in shaping Africa’s future.
The colloquium featured contributions from former Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland and a diverse panel of young leaders from across the continent. Benjamin Ubiri and international journalist Isha Sesay moderated the sessions, and panellists advanced practical proposals ranging from expanded exchange programs to policy reforms that promote entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and inclusive governance.
As the second Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium came to an end, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to putting dialogue into action. Organisers and delegates framed the event as a step towards sustaining momentum for youth-centred policy, cross-border collaboration, and investments that will enable Africa’s young people to move from potential to power.
