Sierra Leone is preparing to welcome home Miss Sierra Leone 2026, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, with a grand national homecoming celebration following her representation of the country at the Miss World pageant in Vietnam.

Konneh is expected to return to Sierra Leone on Monday, September 7, with her arrival scheduled at the Sea Coach in Aberdeen, Freetown, at about 6:00 p.m.

The Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), has announced plans for a national reception to honour Konneh for her participation in the international pageant and her efforts to showcase Sierra Leone’s culture, heritage and tourism potential on the global stage.

The Ministry said the date and programme for the grand homecoming event will be communicated in due course.

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The planned celebration is expected to bring together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, cultural performers, youth groups, tourism stakeholders, media representatives and well-wishers from across the country.

Konneh represented Sierra Leone among 111 contestants from around the world at the Miss World pageant, using the international platform to promote the country’s cultural identity, heritage and tourism potential, while also highlighting social issues affecting young people.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis commended Konneh for her representation of Sierra Leone, describing her international journey as a source of national pride.

“Mariyam has shown the world the beauty, intelligence, resilience, and cultural richness of Sierra Leone. Beyond the pageant stage, she has embodied the spirit of our nation and served as a positive role model for our youth,” Minister Tunis said.

She added that the Government looks forward to welcoming Konneh home as one of the country’s distinguished ambassadors.

According to the Minister, Konneh’s international engagement is consistent with the Government’s efforts to use tourism, culture, arts and international platforms to strengthen Sierra Leone’s global image and promote the country as a destination for culture, opportunity and investment.

The Miss Sierra Leone Board has also been recognised for its role in supporting young Sierra Leonean women through platforms designed to promote confidence, leadership development and international exposure.

Konneh’s participation was facilitated by the Miss World Organisation and the Miss Sierra Leone Board, under the leadership of Dr Adonis Abboud, Chairman of the Miss Sierra Leone Limited Board, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and other stakeholders.

AYV Media Empire served as a media partner and host broadcaster for Miss Sierra Leone, contributing to efforts to amplify the country’s presence throughout the competition. Other media organisations, digital platforms, institutions and supporters also backed Konneh’s international journey.

At 22, Konneh is a former AYV Miss University Sierra Leone 2022 and the reigning Miss Sierra Leone 2026. She is a final-year Banking and Finance student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, as well as a television presenter, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mariyam’s Ways Limited and the Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, through which she has undertaken initiatives focused on philanthropy, community development and youth empowerment. She has also been recognised among the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone.

As preparations for her homecoming continue, traditional performances, cultural displays and other activities are expected to feature prominently in the national celebration.

The planned reception will also recognise the collective efforts of the Government, the MTCA, the Miss Sierra Leone Board, Konneh’s management team, media partners and other stakeholders who supported her journey.

For Sierra Leone, Konneh’s return is expected to serve not only as a celebration of her participation in the Miss World competition, but also as an opportunity to showcase the country’s young talent, cultural heritage and growing presence on international platforms.