DAY 1
Theme: EDUCATION
Innovation SL and the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (IPAM) recently hosted the official opening ceremony of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023 at the IPAM University Building in Tower Hill, 6th Floor. The event brought together respected speakers, industry leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the theme of education in entrepreneurship. The opening ceremony emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and featured a dynamic panel discussion that provided insights into the passion and dedication driving entrepreneurship. The participants demonstrated their commitment to education, innovation, and the shared vision of building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Following the opening ceremony, there was a roundtable panel discussion and a public lecture centered around the theme of education to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, CEO of Owl Media Consultancy, set an engaging tone for the event. Mr. Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany Lakkoh, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at IPAM University and co-MC, smoothly guided the audience through the proceedings. Mr. Lakkoh commended IPAM's administration for their continuous efforts to promote entrepreneurship and education, highlighting the vital role of entrepreneurship in education. The event then welcomed Mr. Francis Stevens George, Managing Director of Innovation SL and Global Entrepreneurship Network Sierra Leone (GEN SL), who provided a comprehensive overview of the history and significance of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Mr. George emphasized the importance of celebrating entrepreneurs and highlighted the global impact of GEW, which originated in 2008 and gained widespread recognition under President Obama. Innovation SL has been representing Sierra Leone since 2017 and has inspired thousands. Mr. George stressed the need for an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports startups and promotes equitable wealth distribution through an inclusive approach.
During the event, Mr. Lakkoh introduced the Director of the World Bank, who imparted valuable advice to students on the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in a nation. The World Bank Director emphasized the importance of self-belief among students and portrayed them as assets to the nation and key drivers of change. He encouraged them to acquire essential skills for navigating the future, emphasizing that true success is achievable only when one believes in oneself and strives to make a difference.
Representing IPAM, Mr. Ernest offered insights into their campus, highlighting the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The Guest of Honor, Mr. Mustapha Njai, Chairman of TAF Group, shared his entrepreneurial journey, particularly in real estate. He emphasized the pivotal role of social media and outlined future plans for Sierra Leone, including an ongoing real estate project in the peninsula around John Obey. Mr. Njai also revealed intentions to establish the TAF Academy in Sierra Leone as part of the group's expansion initiatives.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Mr. Williams, a lecturer from IPAM. Panelists, including Mr. Francis Stevens George, Madam Fatima Sesay, Mr. Chuwuku-Emeke, and Madam Aminata Kande Balde, delved into the topic "Challenges and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone."
In the discussion, Mr. Williams highlighted the growing emphasis on entrepreneurship as a lucrative career, acknowledging the opportunities it presents while recognizing the inherent challenges. Mr. Francis Stevens George outlined the constraints faced by entrepreneurs, both from the ecosystem and internally, emphasizing mindset issues related to unrealistic expectations about quick financial gains. Madam Fatima Sesay discussed the challenging business environment in the past and the positive shift for the new startup generation due to Entrepreneurial Support Organizations like Innovation SL. Madam Aminata Kande Balde advised aspiring entrepreneurs to strategically approach business by understanding user needs, leveraging extensive data, and fostering effective team collaboration and timely delivery. Mr. Chuwuku-Emeka advocated for sharing success stories of entrepreneurs, particularly in the African fashion industry, and highlighted the negative impact of the belief that political involvement is the key to wealth.
The event continued with the Communications Lead and Financial Controller from Innovation SL outlining the exciting lineup of activities scheduled for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW 2023), including panel discussions, pitch night, networking opportunities, and sustainable fashion shows.
The highlight o f the evening was a captivating public lecture on entrepreneurship by Mr. Chuwukuemeka Chizeke, Lead of Invest Salone. His insightful discourse covered key principles, challenges, and success strategies, leaving the audience inspired and better equipped for their entrepreneurial journeys.
As the event concluded, gratitude was extended to the distinguished guest speaker, Mr. Mustapha Njie, Chairman of TAF Group, and all attendees for contributing to the success of the opening ceremony. The MC expressed appreciation for the insightful contributions of the panelists, speakers, and organizers, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defines Global Entrepreneurship Week. The audience was encouraged to actively participate in the upcoming events, workshops, and discussions to maximize the opportunities presented during GEW. The closing remarks resonated with a sense of anticipation for the week ahead, fostering an empowering and collaborative atmosphere.