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Miss Sierra Leone 2026, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, returned to Freetown on Monday, September 7, following her participation in the Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
Konneh received a warm welcome from supporters and well-wishers after representing Sierra Leone on the international stage, where she promoted the country’s culture, heritage and tourism potential.
Her homecoming followed a national farewell organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs before her departure for the competition. The ministry had also announced plans for a grand reception to honour her return and recognise her contribution to Sierra Leone’s international visibility.
During her Miss World journey, Konneh represented Sierra Leone among contestants from more than 100 countries and territories. Her profile highlighted her work as an entrepreneur, student and advocate, with a focus on empowering women and young people.
The 22-year-old is a final-year Banking and Finance student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Sierra Leone. She is also a television presenter, philanthropist and entrepreneur, and the founder of Mariyam’s Ways Limited and the Mariyam’s Ways Foundation.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has described her participation as a source of national pride, noting that she showcased Sierra Leone’s cultural identity and served as a positive role model for young people.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis previously said Konneh had demonstrated “the beauty, intelligence, resilience, and cultural richness of Sierra Leone” and expressed the ministry’s intention to welcome her home as one of the country’s distinguished ambassadors.
Konneh’s return is expected to be followed by a formal national reception involving government officials, cultural performers, youth groups, tourism stakeholders, members of the diplomatic community and other well-wishers.
The planned celebration will also recognise the support provided by the Government, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Miss Sierra Leone Board, her management team, media partners and other stakeholders who contributed to her international journey.
