The EWC Sierra Leone Nationals virtual event was an intense competition where five entrepreneurs showcased their innovative ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of securing a spot at the Entrepreneurship World Cup global competition.
The event was hosted by Madam Francess Beresford-Renner and kicked off with a welcome address from the MD of GEN Sierra Leone, Mr Francis Stevens George, who provided an overview of the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Entrepreneurship World Cup. In his speech, he stated that the Entrepreneurship World Cup is the world’s largest entrepreneurship ecosystem. A global startup competition and accelerator program that catapults founders through a journey of developing an entrepreneurial venture. Gain training, resources, connections, mentorship as well as millions in cash
prizes and investment opportunities from leading partners. He also mentioned that EWC has 430,000 participants,200 countries in participation, 400+ million in cash prizes and 266+ million in-kind prizes as the audience gasped in awe. He also talked about GEN as he said GEN is the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which operates a platform of projects and programs in 180 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business - fostering deeper cross-border collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurial support organizations. Learn more at genglobal.org.
The panel of expert judges, including Madam Nassu Fofanah, and Naasu Genevieve Fofanah is Yale World Fellow (2023), a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and administrator with deep expertise in gender and global policy. An award-winning activist for women's and girls' rights, she has boldly addressed controversial issues on the global stage.
Recently, she founded the Women's Green Bank (SL) Ltd to establish Sierra Leone's first Women's Commercial Bank, following her successful launch of Susue Women's Finance (SWF) during the COVID-19 pandemic to influence government policy and promote women's economic empowerment and access to finance.
Collins Ogoo Entrepreneurially spirited and business-minded, I am a multi-disciplined software engineer with over 10 years of experience and the CEO of Christex Foundation.
Madam Joyce Coulson Olowu, an Educator and an Entrepreneur. She also serves as the Incubator Manager at the IPAM Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Sierra Leone. She is passionate about sustainable business development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. Alongside her academic role, Joyce runs businesses in construction and hospitality. Her community service includes initiatives aimed at developing middle-level skills, creating youth employment, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among children.
Madam Ajara Marie Boma is a professional, entrepreneur, marketing and communications expert with over 17 years of experience, specializing in diaspora engagement, marketing and communications and investment in Africa with a critical focus on women in business in Africa. She is a humanitarian that works to change the lives of young people, especially girls in Africa. She enjoys spending time with family, investing in women and girls as well and travelling across the world, were introduced and the pitching session began.
The first pitcher, Abdulai Barrie from Salgro (Salone Agro market), a business that is focused on solving issues like food security, Post-harvest losses, lack of market access Inefficient traditional onsite markets and also aims at Empowering farmers in Sierra Leone through digital innovation to achieve sustainable agricultural growth and improve livelihoods. Through their solution A digital platform connecting farmers directly with buyers, input suppliers, and agricultural experts.
Salone Agro Market offers a streamlined marketplace, real-time pricing information, expert advice, and logistic solutions
The second pitcher, Kabba Fofanah from Ecoplastic Recyclers, whose vision is to Eradicate Plastic Wastes From Landfills and beaches and Recycle them into Affodabe Construction Materials a challenge in the community. In order to solve these challenges they embark on buying and collecting plastic waste from waste collectors, youth, and women In the end it will be washed, shredded and then transformed into durable and less expensive interlocking bricks, pavers, poles roofing sheets etc.
The third pitcher, Emmanuel S Kamara from Freetown Market, whose vision is to create a platform suitable for businesses to be able to showcase their product, from B2B or B2C in Sierra Leone and the international market, we want to contribute to breaking the boundary of accessibility to products and trade(retail or wholesale) that exists within this ecosystem and giving every customer within Sub-region the ease and comfort to reach a bigger market than their existing ones. Combating three problems The Trading Ecosystem in Sierra Leone Lacks the Necessary Tools for Local Businesses, Leading to Poor Performance of SMEs, Most Local Indigenous Businesses Struggle to Disrupt Their Market Niche Due to Limited Market Reach, Hindering Their Growth and Scalability, and Street Trading and Hawking: Major Issues Affecting the Economy, Leading to Congestion, Traffic Jams, and Threats to Public Health and Safety.
The penultimate pitcher, Umar Bolokada Mansaray from ‘Kam rent ya’, is passionate and envisions seeing where one doesn’t have to/be: Struggling to locate available rental housing and no agency fees before one has access to rentals! Solving the issues of
Fraudulent Agents
Multiple contacts with Agents
Booking Fees
Unverified agents: By connecting the buyer/renter to the house owner. Though their application provides an App Locator
Search for properties as per location
No booking/Agent fee required.
Verified Agents
Virtual tour
The final pitcher, Brima Richmond Kabba from Richmond Agro business whose vision is to lead Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation by setting new benchmarks in sustainable farming practices, fostering a healthier environment, and fostering economic growth through responsible agriculture thereby solving conventional farming faces challenges of resource scarcity, land degradation, and inefficiencies. Traditional methods often result in water wastage, chemical use, and limited crop yields, exacerbating food insecurity and environmental degradation. Through their introduction of Aquaponics, a unique farming method that combines aquaculture, the practice of raising fish, with hydroponics, the method of growing plants in a soilless environment. In this our aquaponics system, the fishes and plants are cultivated together in a symbiotic environment where they mutually benefit from each other’s presence.
After the pitches, showcasing their innovative ideas with fervor and unwavering belief, the aspiring entrepreneurs eagerly awaited the judges' questions that would test the depth of their knowledge and the foundation of their proposals. Each participant faced a barrage of inquiries, each answer crucial in showcasing their understanding and dedication to their respective projects. Following this intense exchange, the judges retreated to deliberate, their task made arduous by the outstanding quality of the presentations before them.
As murmurs of anticipation filled the room, the tension was palpable, each participant anxiously awaiting the judge's decision. With meticulous consideration and thorough discussion, the panel of judges reached a verdict, with Emmanuel S Kamara from Freetown Market hailed as the victor, his passion and creativity shine through. Abdulai Barrie from Sal Agro, a close contender, was honoured as the runner-up, his dedication to sustainable agriculture earning him recognition.
The moment of truth arrived as the winners were announced, marking the conclusion of a journey filled with hard work and dedication. The room erupted with cheers and jubilation, the air filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement as Emmanuel and Abdulai basked in the well-deserved recognition alongside their exuberant supporters.
The event concluded with a thank you message from the host, Madam Francess Beresford-Renner, as the curtains closed on a successful and competitive EWC Sierra Leone Nationals virtual event.
The Entrepreneurship World Cup Sierra Leone Nationals virtual event took place amidst high levels of excitement and anticipation as five talented and determined entrepreneurs took the stage to present their ground-breaking ideas before a distinguished panel of judges. These aspiring innovators poured their hearts and souls into their presentations, aiming not only to impress the judges but also to secure a coveted spot in the esteemed Entrepreneurship World Cup global competition. The atmosphere was charged with energy and enthusiasm, as each contestant passionately articulated their vision, showcasing their creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. The audience was captivated by the sheer ingenuity and passion displayed by the participating entrepreneurs, who left no stone unturned in their quest to stand out amidst fierce competition. The virtual event was a melting pot of ideas, where entrepreneurial dreams met the challenge of reality, and where innovation and determination intersected on a global stage. In this arena of creativity and ambition, the entrepreneurial landscape was illuminated by the bright minds and indomitable spirits of these aspiring changemakers, who dared to dream big and reach for the stars. The Entrepreneurship World Cup Sierra Leone Nationals virtual event embodied the essence of innovation, competition, and the relentless pursuit of success, setting the stage for a new generation of trailblazers to make their mark on the global entrepreneurial landscape.