A Pillar of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Sierra Leone

Since 2017, Innovation SL has been a driving force in Sierra Leone's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

The organization has established itself as a cornerstone in the country’s economic and innovative landscape by providing technical support and business development services and fostering incubation, acceleration, and market access. Over the years, Innovation SL has played a crucial role in capacity building, investment facilitation, ecosystem strengthening, and digital transformation, empowering entrepreneurs and startups to achieve sustainable growth. With a steadfast commitment to delivering technical assistance, strategic mentoring, and tailored programs, the organization has contributed significantly to the development and resilience of Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial community. Innovation SL’s initiatives span a variety of industries and focus areas, ensuring comprehensive support for local startups. From guiding ventures through business incubation and acceleration programs to advocating for policy changes that create an enabling environment for innovation, the organization continues to champion Sierra Leone’s transformation into a hub of entrepreneurship and creativity. Through these efforts, Innovation SL has not only cultivated innovation and sustainability but has also created opportunities for economic diversification, digital integration, and scalable business success.

Entrepreneurial Support & Business Development

Incubation & Acceleration Programs

Successfully incubated and accelerated over 100 businesses through tailored programs.

Worked with UNDP to support 40 firms in developing their businesses and scaling operations.

Managed the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), supporting 50 firms across two cohorts to improve their business models and access funding.

Mentorship & Coaching

Facilitated mentorship and coaching for over 500 entrepreneurs, providing strategic business guidance and market access opportunities.

Built a network of local and international mentors to support startups across various industries.

Global and National Pitch Competitions

Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) Sierra Leone

Service provider for six years, coaching and preparing entrepreneurs for the competition. Contributed to Sierra Leone’s strong performance at the international level. Prepared and supported participants, leading to Sierra Leone winning the International Grand Prize (€25,000) in 2022.

Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) Sierra Leone

National host and organizer for six consecutive years.

Innovate Agriculture Challenge (In partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone – Ministry of Communications Technology & Innovation)

Evaluated and selected six finalists from over 1,000 applications nationwide. The winner received a $30,000 President Bio award, with runners-up receiving $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. Partnered with the Ministry of Communications Technology and Information to organize the first-ever National Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition during the national tech summit & entrepreneurial showcase with ecosystem partners.

Gender & Inclusive Entrepreneurship (Dare2Aspire)

Launched Dare2Aspire, a flagship program empowering female entrepreneurs. Provided a market platform for women to exhibit products to stakeholders. Hosted pitch competitions, mentorship sessions, and training, ensuring continued engagement through follow-up opportunities.

Investment & Funding Facilitation

Supported growth capital initiatives through partnerships with angel investors, banks, and donor agencies. Set to launch the ‘Salone Crowdfunder’ platform to expand funding opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Digital Transformation & Innovation

Developed digital platforms to support SME growth, including tools for business formalization, financial inclusion, and market access. Advocated for policy changes to strengthen Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure and startup ecosystem.

Capacity Building & Policy Advocacy

Engaged in public-private dialogues to influence policies that support entrepreneurship. Authored a position paper on the intersection of entrepreneurship and public policy, highlighting key challenges and recommendations for startups. Provided tailored training programs on business model development, financial literacy, and scaling strategies.

Events & Ecosystem Engagement

National Host of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Sierra Leone

Curated and executed impactful activities, including business law workshops, financial inclusion forums, and startup showcases. Organized panel discussions, networking sessions, and investor engagement forums to bridge the gap between startups and funding opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Innovation SL's Ambitious Vision for the Future

Since 2017, Innovation SL has been instrumental in strengthening Sierra Leone’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The organization has consistently driven initiatives that foster sustainable business growth, secure investments for startups, and advocate for policies that create an enabling environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Building on this solid foundation, Innovation SL remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its impact. Our forward-looking strategies include

Advancing the Vision of Project 25/25

As part of our long-term goals, Innovation SL has launched the groundbreaking Project 25/25, a transformative initiative with a bold vision: in 25 years, everything consumed and utilized within Sierra Leone will be owned, produced, and managed by Sierra Leoneans living in Sierra Leone.

This ambitious project aims to enhance local production capacity and ownership across industries, fostering self-reliance and economic independence.
By creating opportunities for Sierra Leoneans to dominate local markets, Project 25/25 seeks to significantly reduce dependency on imports while boosting the nation's export capabilities.
The initiative is poised to strengthen local industries, encourage innovation, and empower Sierra Leoneans to take pride in building a resilient economy.

Introducing Innovative Funding Mechanisms

Innovation SL is broadening access to capital through platforms like the Salone Crowdfunder and expanding the Freetown Business Angel Network (FBAN). These initiatives aim to connect startups with investors, banks, and donor agencies, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the financial resources to achieve their ambitions.

Scaling Digital Solutions

Digital transformation remains a key focus, with Innovation SL developing tools for business formalization, financial inclusion, and market access. The organization also advocates for policy changes to strengthen Sierra Leone's digital infrastructure, ensuring that startups have access to cutting-edge technology and support systems.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration with government bodies, international development agencies, and private sector stakeholders forms the backbone of Innovation SL's approach. By fostering such alliances, we aim to create new opportunities, share resources, and amplify support for entrepreneurs across the ecosystem.

A Vision for a Thriving Ecosystem

With a clear focus on Project 25/25, innovative funding strategies, digital integration, and collaborative partnerships, Innovation SL envisions a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable entrepreneurial landscape in Sierra Leone. Our long-term mission is to empower a new generation of Sierra Leonean innovators, unlock economic growth, and position the country as a competitive player in the global startup ecosystem.