Ama Gborie Foday is a seasoned public servant, project manager, and infrastructure specialist with over 15 years’ experience in public administration, public-private partnerships (PPP), and international development management. She has played a pivotal role in numerous multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects that have contributed significantly to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. Early Life and Education Ama's passion for development and public service stems from her upbringing in Sierra Leone, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges her country faced. She pursued higher education at Njala University, obtaining her first and second degree. Recognizing the importance of global perspectives in development work, she earned a World Bank scholarship to further her education in International Development Management from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Career Beginnings Ama’s career began in 1999, working with Children Associated with War (CAW), a program under the Catholic Mission in Sierra Leone, where she supported the protection of vulnerable children affected by the civil war. Her role as a Data Collection Assistant involved coordinating interventions under the guidance of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This formative experience shaped her commitment to creating sustainable solutions for her country. In 2002, she joined the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, becoming the very first national staff member recruited to support and establish the Special Court in Sierra Leone. This experience was a springboard to her passion for international relations and development. Transition to International Development Management Ama’s transition into international development and infrastructure began in 2004, when she joined UKAID’s Department for International Development (DFID). Over six years, she held various roles, including Programme Officer and Assistant Programme Manager where she worked on key development programs for the Governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia. Her work involved planning, designing, managing and overseeing infrastructure and human development projects, while also collaborating with other international partners to contribute to economic growth and development in Sierra Leone. Public Service & National Development Following her dedicated service to international development partners, she joined the Government of Sierra Leone public service in 2012, as a Program Development Specialist in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit in the Office of the President. Over the past decade, she has led and managed major infrastructure projects and supported the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone. Her expertise in Public Private Partnership arrangements has enabled her to work effectively with private partners and international donors such as the UNDP, World Bank, African Development Bank and other development partners. In July 2024, His Excellency, President Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio appointed Ama Gborie Foday to represent the Government of Sierra Leone in the Mano River Union as Deputy Secretary General. Professional Certifications and Global Expertise Throughout her career, Ama has continually sought to enhance her knowledge and skills. She holds certifications from prestigious institutions, including the Association of Project Managers Group (APMG) International in the United Kingdom earning a certification in Public-Private Partnership Professional (CP3P) and various project management qualifications, such as the Certified International Project Manager (CIPM) and Master Project Manager (MPM) from the American Academy of Project Management in the United States, earning her a Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management (FAAPM ®). These certifications reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of global best practices in project management and infrastructure development. Vision and Legacy Ama Gborie Foday is recognized for her innovative problem-solving abilities and her dedication to achieving lasting socio-economic change through well-executed development projects. Her leadership, collaborative approach, and passion for public service have made her a key figure in Sierra Leone’s ongoing infrastructure growth and development efforts. As she continues her professional work, she remains committed to building a future where economic development and regional integration would drive inclusive growth and improve living standards for all Sierra Leoneans and other member states in the Mano River Union.