AYV News, August 28, 2025
The Big Five Innovation Challenge finalists are currently in South Korea on a knowledge exchange and learning mission under the READY Salone Project.
They are accompanied by the Minister of Youth Affairs, representatives from the Christex Foundation, and officials from the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation.
The visit, designed to broaden the innovators’ exposure to global best practices, has already been marked by several high-level engagements and learning experiences.
During the week, the delegation met Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to South Korea, H.E. Paul Sobba Massaquoi, where they reflected on the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
Sierra Leone established its embassy in Korea in 2014, and this year Korea is set to open its own embassy in Freetown, a milestone in more than 63 years of bilateral friendship.
The group also held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in Seoul, focusing on digital trade agreements and the future of commerce.
Another highlight was a visit to Pangyo Techno Valley, known as South Korea’s “Silicon Valley.” The visit drew parallels with Sierra Leone’s ambition for Felei TechCity, which aspires to nurture startups with space, expertise, and support to grow globally.
The finalists toured the Technology Museum in Seoul, gaining insights into Korea’s innovation journey and futuristic visions, including an immersive glimpse into the imagined world of 2055.
Further engagements included meetings with UNDP Korea, where discussions centered on the startup ecosystem and youth participation. Delegates noted Korea’s definition of youth as up to 40 years of age, with women-led startups being most common among the 30–40 age group, while those in their 20s are fewer in number. This demographic insight was highlighted as a valuable lesson for shaping Sierra Leone’s own innovation ecosystem.
Each step of the trip has underscored the importance of partnerships, innovation, and the energy of youth in driving Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
The delegation expressed optimism that the lessons learned in South Korea will help strengthen the country’s efforts to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs.
