The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has been honoured with the prestigious Africa-UK Diaspora Trade Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to national development.
According to the award citation, Mr. Bio was recognized for his exceptional leadership in port operations and management, as well as his unwavering commitment to improving efficiency, driving innovation, and advancing Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.
The award was presented on Friday, May 29, 2026, during the annual Africa-UK Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit and Awards Gala held at the Hilton London Kensington in London, United Kingdom.
The Africa-UK Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit and Awards serves as a premier platform that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to strengthen trade and investment relations between Africa and the United Kingdom. The event celebrates individuals and institutions that have demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation, and economic development across the continent.
Receiving the award marks another significant milestone in Mr. Bio’s distinguished career and adds to a growing list of local and international recognitions earned through his transformative leadership in the maritime industry.
Under his stewardship, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has pursued reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, modernizing port services, improving revenue generation, and positioning Sierra Leone as a competitive maritime gateway in the West African sub-region.
The recognition further underscores Mr. Bio’s dedication to strengthening the maritime sector, promoting sustainable growth, and supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s broader economic development agenda.
The award not only celebrates his achievements but also highlights the increasing international recognition of Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize its port infrastructure and improve maritime trade and logistics services.
As Sierra Leone continues to expand its role in regional and international trade, Mr. Bio’s leadership remains a key driving force behind the ongoing transformation of the country’s maritime industry.