Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, Managing Director and CEO of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the PowerWomen232 10th Anniversary Power Fest, a professional networking conference and expo held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen.

Themed “Igniting the Spark,” the event marked a decade of empowering Sierra Leonean women professionals and entrepreneurs.

PowerWomen232, a network of accomplished and aspiring women, has been instrumental in fostering professional growth and creating platforms for collaboration and mentorship.

Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Samoura hailed the group as a beacon of excellence and empowerment.

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“It’s a privilege to join in celebrating a decade of excellence with PowerWomen232,” Samoura said.

“This milestone is not just a celebration of your journey but also an ignition of ideas, inspiration, and actions that can illuminate pathways to success for countless others.” He emphasized the transformative impact of the network, particularly its ability to inspire young women and foster professional growth over the years.

In his address, Samoura highlighted the significance of achieving work-life balance, describing it as essential for professional and personal success. Drawing from his experience as the leader of Africa’s number-one bank, he acknowledged the challenges of demanding roles but stressed the importance of turning these challenges into opportunities.

“At its core, work-life balance is about finding that sweet spot between our professional roles and personal lives,” he said. “Imagine waking up energized, going to work with a clear mind, and returning home ready to spend quality time with your loved ones or pursuing your passions. It’s possible if we set boundaries.”

Samoura shared practical insights, citing UBA’s policy that mandates employees to leave work by 6 PM and strictly enforces the use of annual leave. “Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity,” he remarked, urging participants to prioritize personal well-being, set boundaries, and promote organizational cultures that encourage breaks and vacations.

Samoura challenged young entrepreneurs to embrace self-reflection, foster open communication, and create supportive environments that drive innovation and productivity. “Success is often collective, not individual,” he said, quoting UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu. “Share your vision, build a strong team, and empower them to achieve even more.”

Also at the event, Juliana Asare, Chief Financial Officer of UBA Sierra Leone, presented on “Money Moves: Smart Financial Habits in Your 20s and 30s for a Lifetime of Success.”

Asare emphasized the importance of financial literacy and independence. “Money doesn’t perish, but you must learn to make, save, and grow it,” she advised. She outlined essential habits for financial success, including:

Creating and sticking to a budget.

Prioritizing needs over wants.

Developing multiple income streams.

Investing early and regularly.

She encouraged participants to adopt smart financial practices and utilize UBA’s tailored savings accounts, such as Kiddies and NexGen, designed for students and young professionals.

“Educate yourself and seek professional advice,” she urged, before providing practical coaching on budgeting, saving, and investing.

The PowerWomen232 10th Anniversary Power Fest celebrated a decade of impactful contributions to the professional growth of Sierra Leonean women. With speakers like Mohamed Alhajie Samoura and Juliana Asare inspiring the next generation, the event embodied the theme of igniting sparks of innovation and empowerment across the nation.