Sierra Leone Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Sierra Leone
Hello money chasers! Whether you’re hustling on campus, pushing your side hustle on IG, or dreaming of building your own empire someday, you’ll love this post. Today, we’re leaving Lagos traffic, dropping Naija for a moment, and taking a scenic (and slightly diamond-studded) trip to one of our beautiful West African neighbours — Sierra Leone 🇸🇱.
Now, let me burst your bubble. Sierra Leone might not be trending on Twitter every day, and it may not have an Afrobeats scene blowing up like Nigeria’s, but when it comes to the bags, oh boy — there are some serious heavyweights in that country. We’re talking serious money. Like, "my net worth can fund your whole village" kind of money.
So, I know you're curious. Who are these rich men? What do they do? Did they inherit the wealth, or did they build from scratch? Is there hope for you and me to join this elite club one day? Don’t worry, I’ve got all the gist, and I’m dishing it with that spicy, humorous Naija blogger energy you love.
Let's meet Sierra Leone’s Top 10 Richest Men — the ones you won’t catch queueing at the bank or stressing over fuel scarcity.
1. Hisham Mackie – The Diamond Don
If Sierra Leone were the Avengers, Hisham Mackie would definitely be the Tony Stark of the group — suave, sharp, and very rich.
Born into a Lebanese-Sierra Leonean family, this man is the undisputed godfather of the diamond game in Sierra Leone. In 2005, his company (H.M. Diamond) was responsible for about 40% of all official diamond exports. That’s almost half the nation’s diamonds flowing through one man’s business. E choke, right?
But Hisham isn’t just about diamonds. He’s also a business brainiac, running multiple companies, investing in infrastructure, and putting Sierra Leone’s diamond industry on the global map. The man is literally walking, talking generational wealth.
You think your iPhone is shiny? Try walking past Hisham’s vault.
2. Kassim Basma – The Late, Great Diamond Tycoon
Up next is a man whose name still echoes in the boardrooms of Freetown — the late Kassim Basma.
This guy wasn’t just in the diamond business; he practically defined it. At his peak, Kassim controlled 38% of Sierra Leone’s diamond exports. And let’s be real — diamonds aren’t beans. This is not some corner shop hustle; it’s big boy minerals we’re talking about.
Even though he passed in 2018, his legacy lives on through his son, Jihad Basma, who’s still holding the family business like a true heir to the throne.
One thing about the Basmas? They don’t play when it comes to wealth.
3. John Karefa-Smart – Mr. Network Bars (Literally)
Okay, so we all love our phones. Some of you are probably reading this with one hand while scrolling TikTok with the other. Well, John Karefa-Smart is one of the people who made mobile access in Sierra Leone possible.
He’s the brains behind Africell, the country’s biggest telecom company. If you’ve ever called your bae, checked WhatsApp, or streamed Burna Boy in Sierra Leone, you should thank John. Africell didn’t just connect people — it made John very rich. We’re talking millions of dollars rich.
And that’s not all. The man has fingers in other pies — real estate, mining, and agriculture. He’s like the ultimate multitasker, except instead of doing five chores at once, he’s running five industries.
4. Mohamed Kamara – The Business Butterfly
Now here’s a man who understands the beauty of spreading your wings. Mohamed Kamara is one of the most diversified business minds in Sierra Leone.
From mining to real estate to tech, this guy has built a reputation for always being where the money is. You know how people say, “Jack of all trades, master of none”? That’s not him. He’s a Jack of many, and master of most.
While some people are stressing over 9-5 jobs, Kamara is counting profits from five sectors before lunch. A real businessman. No fluff, just strategy.
5. Samuel Bangura – The Cement Boss
Now, every rich country needs its builders — not just engineers, but people who build industries. That’s Samuel Bangura for you.
This guy runs the SLPP Group, a conglomerate with interests in mining, construction, agriculture, and telecoms. I mean, what’s left? Maybe flying taxis?
He’s helped build a serious economic footprint in Sierra Leone, and his companies provide jobs for thousands. His approach to business is simple — if it moves the country forward, he’ll invest in it.
We love a man who’s not just stacking coins but also building futures.
6. Ismael Turay – The Risk Taker with Returns
Some people are born to play safe; Ismael Turay is not one of them. The man is bold, and his bank account reflects it.
He jumped into mining when most people were scared of the sector, and now he’s one of the biggest names in it. But Ismael didn’t stop there. He also made strategic moves in construction and agriculture.
You know that kind of guy who sees an abandoned piece of land and says, “I can turn this into gold”? That’s him. And he often does turn it into gold — or at least into profits.
7. Alhaji Amadu Barrie – The Tycoon with a Heart
Some people build wealth. Others build wealth and give back. Alhaji Amadu Barrie does both.
He’s not just rich — he’s impactful. Through the Barrie Foundation, he’s supported education, healthcare, and community development across Sierra Leone. But don’t be fooled — he’s still a serious player in business, with interests in mining, real estate, and agriculture.
He’s that rare blend of money and humanity. A gentle tycoon. The kind of guy who’ll donate to your school, then show up in a Rolls-Royce. #Goals.
8. Benjamin Kaifala – The Diamond Whisperer
Diamonds again? Yes o! You can’t talk about Sierra Leone’s wealth without mentioning diamonds — it’s their national treasure. And Benjamin Kaifala knows how to handle it.
His company specializes in the extraction and export of high-quality diamonds. Basically, he helps Sierra Leone’s bling reach New York, Paris, and Dubai.
He’s low-key but high-value. While some of us are trying to figure out how to fix a cracked iPhone screen, Benjamin is busy negotiating international diamond deals.
9. Joseph Koroma – The Real Estate Lion
Joseph Koroma is the reason Freetown’s skyline is changing. This guy has built a real estate empire in Sierra Leone, with properties that would make even the most jaded investor raise an eyebrow.
He has commercial, industrial, and residential buildings under his belt. And he’s not stopping anytime soon. While others are saving for rent, Joseph is collecting rent from half the city.
He believes in the power of land, and let’s be honest — real estate never goes out of style. Especially when it’s well done.
10. Isata Jalloh – The Queen of Retail
Finally, we have a woman holding her own on this power list — Isata Jalloh, the retail queen of Sierra Leone.
She runs a chain of stores across the country that offer everything from electronics to food items. Basically, she’s like Sierra Leone’s version of Amazon, but with physical stores.
Isata’s business started small, but her consistency, vision, and understanding of consumer needs turned it into a nationwide brand. Her story is proof that women are not just participating in business — they’re leading.
Final Thoughts: What Can We Learn from These Money Kings (and Queen)?
Let’s be honest. Reading about other people’s wealth can either make you envious or inspired. I choose the latter — and I hope you do too.
Here’s the thing about these Sierra Leonean billionaires and millionaires:
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They didn’t all come from wealth.
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They didn’t stick to just one business.
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They took risks.
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They gave back.
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And most importantly, they played the long game.
So, whether you’re selling sneakers online, coding in your dorm, or dreaming of owning a diamond mine (who knows?), just remember — the road to wealth is rarely straight, but it’s always possible.
The richest men (and woman) in Sierra Leone didn’t get there overnight. But with vision, resilience, and a sprinkle of strategy, they made it happen. And if they can, so can you.
Now, go forth and chase that bag — responsibly. ✌️💼💰
