Sierra Leone’s emerging business women leader, Ms. Mariyam Lorba Konneh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mariyam’s Ways Ltd and Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, a member of the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN) has delivered an impassioned speech at the Commonwealth Business Women, as part of the Commonwealth Business Summit.

The inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS) is hosted by the Government of the Republic of Namibia and is taking place in Windhoek, Namibia from 18–20 June 2025, on the sidelines of the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM).

This ambitious young woman, aged 20, is already the owner and CEO of a successful business, with a portfolio of start-up investments in various sectors including in beauty and fashion, travel, hospitality, entertainment, event management, technology, multimedia, real estates, and natural resources.

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The Summit brought together leaders from across 56 diverse member countries to explore practical solutions for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth under the theme: “Harnessing Commonwealth Trade for Shared Prosperity.”

Opening the Summit, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, delivered a keynote speech that set a bold and pragmatic tone: “This Summit is not just a new event, it is a new platform designed to turn the Commonwealth Trade Advantage into real trade opportunities,” she declared.

Citing a “market of 2.7 billion people” and a “21% average cost saving on intra-Commonwealth trade,” she challenged attendees to move beyond rhetoric. “Let this Summit be a launchpad for bold ideas; for practical solutions; and for meaningful investment that transforms lives,” she said.

20-year-old Mariyam Konneh from Sierra Leone, attended the Commonwealth Business Summit, in Windhoek, Namibia from the 18th to 20th June 2025. The engagement of young people and women in the work of the Commonwealth is crucial to achieving a better world.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN) event, Mariyam Konneh called on Commonwealth leaders to provide more support to Young People and Women in Business.

Mariyam Konneh said: “We believe every woman and young entrepreneur should have access to education, markets, funding, mentorship, and digital tools. Without access, potential stays untapped. We need more women and young people at the decision-making table—not as tokens, but as trusted voices shaping policies, strategies, and solutions.”

Mariyam added, passionately, “Our mission is to move women from survival to significance. From being seen as recipients of help, to agents of change. This is why our partnership with the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN) and the Commonwealth Women’s Network (CWN) is so meaningful. Through this collaboration, we hope to: Facilitate cross-border mentorship for young entrepreneurs; Launch a Commonwealth Women in Business Fellowship and the Commonwealth Emerging Leaders in Business Network; Champion reforms that reduce barriers in trade and finance; and amplify women-led ventures through storytelling and expos. Together, we can build a support system that stretches from Windhoek to Freetown—and everywhere in between.”

Mariyam Konneh urged everyone- Commonwealth governments, businesses, civil society, and youth—to do more than make space for women. She called on decision-makers, heads of states and business leaders to intensify the efforts and coordinate the action to overcome the challenges that face women and young people in business, and support the process of sustainable development.