Empower Sierra Leone Foundation announced the expansion of its international economic development initiatives across West Africa and the Caribbean. The expansion focuses on workforce development, entrepreneurship, and diaspora capital engagement, following strategic engagements led by the foundation's founder, Ursula Garrett, with government and institutional stakeholders in Bermuda and West Africa during late 2025 and early 2026.

The initiatives aim to advance cross-border workforce mobility, enterprise development, and long-term economic resilience. The engagements reflect a broader global shift toward scalable frameworks centered on enterprise development rather than episodic philanthropy.

Strategic Engagements in Bermuda and Burkina Faso

In Bermuda, Garrett engaged with Premier of Bermuda Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, during Two Weeks of Magic, the island’s flagship forum for innovation, finance, and culture. Discussions centered on workforce development, international labor alignment, and cross-border collaboration.

"Bermuda can benefit from structured international workforce partnerships that create opportunity on both sides," Garrett said.

In Burkina Faso, Garrett observed housing developments, agricultural systems, and community infrastructure projects tied to domestic productivity. In April 2026, she advanced two new business initiatives in Burkina Faso tied to workforce development and enterprise incubation.

Sierra Leone Operational Blueprint

A major component of the framework is being implemented in Sierra Leone. Throughout Q1 2026, Garrett conducted multiple field engagements with public and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen workforce and enterprise systems.

One milestone includes the launch of a foundation-led restaurant operating within the organization’s entrepreneur hub. The initiative functions as a revenue-generating enterprise and a hospitality training pipeline, integrating workforce development with operational business infrastructure. This initiative serves as a working prototype for future expansion models.

Continental Dialogue on Youth and Capital

Garrett participated in strategic discussions through the African Diaspora Development Institute focused on youth entrepreneurship, demographic growth, and long-term economic resilience. The conversations emphasized converting Africa’s youth population into sustainable economic productivity through scalable training systems and capital access.