NPRA Director General Takes Continental Award for Excellence

In a moment of profound national pride and international recognition, Director General Brima Baluwa Koroma of Sierra Leone’s National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has been honoured with the highly coveted African Regulator Award 2025. The award was presented at the renowned African Business Leadership Awards ceremony held in London—a prestigious event that celebrates excellence in regulatory leadership across the continent. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most competitive and esteemed recognitions, this accolade highlights the exceptional contributions of regulators who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, innovation, and stewardship in advancing their sectors for the benefit of their countries and the continent at large.
This honour is a direct reflection of Director General Koroma’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication over the past six years to transform Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum industry. As the first-ever Director General appointed to lead the NPRA, Koroma has been at the forefront of landmark reforms that have not only reshaped the regulatory landscape but also enhanced transparency, strengthened compliance mechanisms, and fostered sustainable growth in a sector that plays a critical role in Sierra Leone’s economic stability and energy security.
The African Regulator Award, bestowed by one of the continent’s most respected awarding bodies, is reserved for individuals who exemplify extraordinary governance, innovative regulatory approaches, and ethical management of frameworks that have a tangible impact on economic development and public welfare. Koroma’s receipt of this award signals a remarkable personal achievement while simultaneously shining an international spotlight on Sierra Leone’s progress and effective governance in the West African energy sector.
Since assuming office, Director General Koroma has championed the introduction of modern regulatory practices that have improved the quality, safety, and market competitiveness of petroleum products across Sierra Leone. His leadership has been instrumental in attracting investor confidence, safeguarding consumer interests through fair pricing policies, and ensuring the consistent availability of petroleum fuels throughout the country. These advances have fortified the downstream petroleum supply chain and contributed significantly to improving the daily lives of millions of Sierra Leoneans who depend on affordable and reliable energy.
This recognition comes at a pivotal moment as Director General Koroma recently received expanded mandates that further empower him to elevate NPRA’s strategic role and influence in the national and regional petroleum sectors. The African Regulator Award thus serves not only as a celebration of Koroma’s past accomplishments but also as a mandate and challenge to maintain Sierra Leone’s rising trajectory among Africa’s most efficient and progressive regulatory authorities.
The significance of Koroma’s achievement extends beyond personal accolades—it represents a monumental milestone for the NPRA and a source of immense pride for Sierra Leone as a nation. With a population under eight million, Sierra Leone’s emergence on this distinguished continental stage underscores the country’s untapped potential and the exceptional calibre of its leadership. Koroma’s success is a beacon that inspires neighboring countries and those across Africa striving to build transparent, efficient, and competitive regulatory frameworks capable of stimulating sustainable development.
On an international level, this award amplifies Sierra Leone’s reputation as a country committed to good governance, sound economic reform, and robust sectoral growth. It conveys a powerful message that despite its relatively small size, Sierra Leone fosters leaders who possess the vision, expertise, and integrity to excel on the continental and global stage.
As the nation celebrates this landmark achievement, stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society join citizens in applauding Director General Koroma’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. The African Regulator Award 2025 is more than a trophy—it is a testament to the spirit of innovation, dedication, and leadership that drives Sierra Leone’s progress.
Looking ahead, the spotlight turns to Director General Koroma and the NPRA as they chart the next phase of growth and transformation for Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector. With an expanded mandate, renewed confidence, and continental recognition, Koroma is poised to lead the NPRA with the same passion, integrity, and visionary expertise that have defined his tenure so far. This achievement establishes a new benchmark for regulatory excellence and solidifies Sierra Leone’s place among Africa’s leading nations in petroleum governance and development.
Congratulations to Director General Brima Baluwa Koroma—a visionary leader, a champion of progress, and a true pride of Sierra Leone!