GEW 2026 Official Opening-Theme: ESO Collaboration and the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

GEW 2026 Launch Event – Activity Descriptions

1. Arrival, Registration and Networking (1:00 – 1:30 PM)
Participants, partners, invited guests, and delegates arrive at the venue, complete registration, and engage in informal networking ahead of the official programme.
Responsible: Innovation SL Team

2. GEW Welcome (1:30 – 1:40 PM)
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) formally welcomes participants to Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2026, acknowledges distinguished guests, and introduces the programme.
Responsible: Tairatu

3. GEW Theme Reveal (1:40 – 1:55 PM)
Innovation SL officially introduces the GEW 2026 global theme, “The World Needs What We Build,” highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and building solutions that address real-world challenges.
Responsible: Innovation SL

4. Welcome Remarks and Partner Recognition (1:55 – 2:10 PM)
The CEO of Innovation SL, Mr. Francis Stevens George, delivers welcome remarks, sets the tone for GEW 2026, highlights the significance of the week, and recognizes the contributions of partners and stakeholders supporting entrepreneurship development in Sierra Leone.
Responsible: Mr. Francis Stevens George, CEO, Innovation SL

5. Remarks from the Irish Ambassador (2:10 – 2:15 PM)
The Irish Ambassador delivers remarks highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, partnerships, and support for the growth and development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
Responsible: Irish Ambassador

6. Partners’ Remarks (2:15 – 2:25 PM)
Representatives of key partners share brief remarks on their commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, enterprise development, and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone. Partners include Orange, GIZ, ODC, and AGL.

Responsible: Orange – Madam Aisha Touré / Madam Annie Wonnie-Katta; GIZ – Johann Lieberich; ODC and AGL representatives.

7. Keynote Speech and Official Opening of GEW 2026 (2:35 – 2:50 PM)
Mrs. Conteh Morgan, Vice Chancellor of Limkokwing University, delivers the keynote address on the theme “The World Needs What We Build.” The address will emphasize the role of entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem stakeholders in developing impactful solutions, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth. The session will also mark the official opening of GEW 2026 in Sierra Leone.
Responsible: Mrs. Conteh Morgan, Vice Chancellor, Limkokwing University

8. Infotainment and Throwback Video Transition (2:50 – 3:00 PM)
A short infotainment session featuring a throwback video showcasing entrepreneurship activities, achievements, and highlights from previous GEW engagements. The video will provide an engaging transition into the next session and reinforce the progress made in strengthening Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Responsible: Ing. Ngevao Sesay

9. Introduction to ESO Collaboration and the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (3:00 – 3:05 PM)
This session introduces the role of Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs) and the importance of collaboration among ecosystem stakeholders. It sets the context for discussions on how ESOs can work together to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, expertise, and support needed to start and grow their businesses.
Responsible: Patricia

10. Entrepreneurial Spotlight: From Idea to Scalability (3:05 – 3:30 PM)
This session features entrepreneurs and business representatives sharing practical insights into the journey from developing a business idea to achieving growth and scalability. The discussion will explore the support entrepreneurs need from the ecosystem, including access to finance, mentorship, markets, technology, and business development services.
Responsible: Easy Solar – Alex; Mrs. Jones – Red Lion

11. ESO Panel Discussion: The Role of ESOs in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (3:30 – 4:30 PM)
A moderated panel discussion bringing together representatives of Entrepreneurship Support Organisations to examine their roles in supporting startups and growing businesses in Sierra Leone. The discussion will focus on collaboration, gaps in existing support systems, access to resources, and practical strategies for building a stronger, more connected, and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Panellists will share experiences, challenges, and recommendations for improving support to entrepreneurs from the idea stage through business growth and scalability.

Participating organisations include Aurora, Christex, Muzambringa, C4D, ODC, Startup Body Shop, Creative Hub, and Easy STEM, represented by Isata Jalloh.

Moderator: Avril Pratt

12. Closing Remarks and Highlights for Day 2 (4:30 – 4:35 PM)
Patricia delivers the closing remarks, summarizes key highlights and takeaways from the launch event, appreciates the speakers, partners, panellists, and participants, and provides an overview of activities planned for Day 2 of GEW 2026.
Responsible: Patricia

13. Cocktail and Networking (4:35 – 5:00 PM)
Participants, partners, speakers, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem stakeholders engage in informal networking over refreshments. The session provides an opportunity to exchange contacts, explore potential collaborations, strengthen partnerships, and discuss opportunities for supporting entrepreneurship beyond the event.
Responsible: Innovation SL Team