The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma will be officially receiving his latest African Business Leadership award in London this week. He has been awarded the prestigious title of African Regulator of the Year 2025 by the African Leadership Awards held in London.
In a remarkable achievement that resonates beyond borders, Brima Baluwa Koroma, the dedicated and hardworking Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) of Sierra Leone, has been awarded the prestigious title of African Regulator of the Year 2025 by the African Leadership Awards held in London. This honor not only highlights Koroma’s exemplary leadership but also underscores the strides being made in rebranding and building an effective downstream petroleum industry in Sierra Leone.
The African Business Leadership Awards, renowned for recognizing outstanding leaders across the continent, conveyed their congratulations to Koroma through a heartfelt message. The acknowledgment praised his leadership over the past six years, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to enhancing the regulatory framework in the petroleum sector. “Congratulations Director General, National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma for winning the most competitive and prestigious African Regulator Award 2025,” the organizers stated, hailing it as a significant recognition within the African continent.
As Sierra Leone grapples with various challenges in the energy sector, Koroma’s tenure has been marked by transformative leadership that has focused on fostering transparency, ensuring compliance, and facilitating investments in the petroleum industry. His award comes at a crucial time, especially since he has recently assumed the mantle as the First Director General of NPRA under a new mandate. The honor serves as both an accolade and a challenge, encouraging him to continue leading with excellence and innovation while competing with other regulators across Africa.
“This award is a very huge achievement and victory for not only the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority but Sierra Leone as a whole,” the African Leadership Awards organizers remarked. Given the significance of energy resources to Sierra Leone’s economy, Koroma’s dedication to reforming the sector has implications not only for regulatory practices but also for economic growth, sustainability, and national development.
In his acceptance speech, Brima Baluwa Koroma expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the role of divine providence in his journey. “I want to give special thanks and praises to God Almighty for his enduring grace and mercy!!” he proclaimed, attributing his success to spiritual strength and resilience. Koroma dedicated the award to his boss, His Excellency, the President of Sierra Leone, expressing profound appreciation for the support and trust extended to him. “His guidance and continuous support have shaped my career in the downstream sector. I couldn’t have done this without his trust and visionary leadership!” he stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration and mentorship in public service.
Koroma’s acknowledgment extends beyond his immediate circle; he recognized the vital role played by the media in amplifying the achievements of the NPRA. “To the great Sierra Leone media team, thank you for always being there for me. Your solidarity and overwhelming support have delivered another dream possibility,” he stated. His gratitude reflects an understanding of how critical communication is in informing the public of advancements made in the petroleum sector, as well as fostering accountability in governance.
Furthermore, his message resonated with themes of collaboration and collective effort, thanking colleagues and supporters across Africa who contributed to making this recognition a reality. The sense of camaraderie within the regulatory community is crucial, as shared experiences and mutual learning can pave the way for more impactful policies and practices.
“Congratulations to Team NPRA! We will carry out more reforms and migrate best commercial practices to make Sierra Leone a compelling place for investment,” Koroma declared with optimism and determination. His commitment to ongoing reforms signals a proactive approach to addressing challenges within the petroleum industry, aiming to create an environment conducive to foreign investment and sustainable development.
The recognition of Brima Baluwa Koroma as the African Regulator of the Year 2025 is a powerful reminder of the capabilities within Sierra Leone to lead in regulatory excellence. His award serves as an inspiration not only to those working in the petroleum sector but also to other sectors striving for improvement and innovation. As Africa continues to evolve, the competition between regulators will inspire growth, accountability, and better regulatory practices across the continent.
As the national discourse continues to evolve around energy regulation and its importance to the economy, Koroma’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating Sierra Leone through its energy transition while promoting sustainable practices. His vision for a reformed and transparent petroleum industry aligns with the broader goals of national development and economic self-sufficiency.
With this award, Brima Baluwa Koroma has set a high bar for quality leadership in the African regulatory landscape. The implications of his work extend beyond national borders, serving as a benchmark for other nations looking to improve their regulatory frameworks and promote best practices. As he continues his journey, the hope for a resilient and thriving petroleum sector in Sierra Leone stands stronger than ever, fueled by the dedication of its leaders and the support of its people.
