Sierra Leone’s Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James‑Teima, has gained widespread praise for her leadership and vision at the High‑Level Policy Makers and Stakeholder Roundtable held in Kigali from 9‑10 September 2025.
The forum, co‑hosted by the African Union Sports Council, Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports, and Rwanda Events Ltd., brought together ministers, international sports bodies, and stakeholders from across Africa. It focused on themes including economic growth and youth employment, trade integration under the AfCFTA, strategic investment in infrastructure, innovation in youth programming, and harmonizing national and continental sports policies.
Minister James‑Teima delivered a presentation titled “Transforming National Sports through Tourism, Trade, Grassroots Investment and Inclusive Policy”, highlighting Sierra Leone’s progress in aligning sports development with the country’s National Development Goals. She stressed that sports aren’t only about competition, but serve as engines for national development, peace building, youth empowerment, and international cooperation.
Attendees applauded Sierra Leone’s recent reforms in sports policy, transparency, infrastructure investment, and efforts to expand opportunities for young athletes through community‑based initiatives and international cooperation.
The forum ended with a pledge by participating states to strengthen partnerships, share best practices, and further support each other in fulfilling the African Union’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want.”
Madam James‑Teima’s performance in Kigali further raised Sierra Leone’s profile in the African sports community and added momentum to its drive for sports‑led national development.
The Minister returned home safely on Friday 12th, September 2025.
From the Ministry of Sports Media Team