The African Business Awards 2026: Celebrating Excellence in Trade
The African Business Awards 2026 have made headlines with their latest nominations, including a spotlight on Vickie Remoe, the Sierra Leonean CEO and founder of VR&C Marketing. Remoe has been nominated for the prestigious AfBC International Trade Excellence Award, an acknowledgment of her impactful contributions to international trade and collaboration.
Understanding the AfBC International Trade Excellence Award
The International Trade Excellence Award recognizes organizations, businesses, and leaders who are paving the way for cross-border trade, enhancing export opportunities, and fostering international partnerships. This award celebrates excellence in multiple facets, including market expansion, trade facilitation, and supply chain development. With Africa’s global commerce landscape evolving rapidly, these awards aim to highlight those making significant strides in strengthening the continent’s economic position.
Scheduled to take place in London, England, in May 2026, the awards ceremony promises to be a grand affair, bringing together influential personalities from across the African continent and beyond. Remoe’s nomination signifies her inclusion in an elite group of professionals who embody leadership and vision within their industries.
Vickie Remoe: A Catalyst for Change
Vickie Remoe is not just a name but a beacon of hope and progress for Sierra Leone and its diaspora. A media executive and entrepreneur, Remoe is dedicated to bridging the gap between Sierra Leonean citizens and their homeland. Her efforts focus extensively on mobilizing the diaspora’s cultural and financial capital for sustainable national development.
Her journey began with the launch of The Vickie Remoe Show in 2009, marking it as the first independently produced television program in post-conflict Sierra Leone. This pioneering venture laid the groundwork for her as a voice for change and progress.
In 2018, she initiated the Make Sierra Leone Famous campaign, aimed at amplifying the narratives of Sierra Leonean excellence. Taken a step further, she founded the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) in 2023, a platform that directly engages the global Sierra Leonean community with opportunities for investment in their homeland. Her innovative approach connects leaders and investors, fostering collaborative efforts to stimulate economic growth.
With a substantial digital footprint reaching up to 5 million accounts monthly, Vickie Remoe stands as one of the most influential Sierra Leonean voices online today.
The Significance of the Africa Business Awards
Hosted by the AfBC, the African Business Awards serve to recognize and commend individuals and organizations that excel in various domains, including entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, diplomacy, and diaspora engagement. The overarching goal of these awards is to fortify commercial ties between Africa and international markets while celebrating the vibrant spirit of African-led enterprises.
As part of these initiatives, winners of the African Business Awards 2026 will be announced during a gala ceremony that promises to be a significant gathering of African business leaders, policymakers, and investors. The event is set to provide a platform for recognizing achievements across various sectors, fostering a sense of unity and purpose in driving Africa’s economic agenda forward.
An Inspirational Message
Vickie Remoe expressed her thoughts on the nomination, stating, “This nomination is a pleasant surprise.” She emphasized the importance of her role, announcing a global tour for the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference, encompassing cities like London, Silver Spring, and Freetown. She further articulated her commitment, saying, “I’ll take it as a sign that I must continue my mission to mobilise diaspora cultural capital for Sierra Leone’s growth.”
Remoe’s journey serves not only as an inspiration within Sierra Leone but also provides a template for how diaspora communities across the globe can leverage their resources for national development.
