AYV News, June 8, 2026
Innovation Week 2026 has highlighted the growing momentum of Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, with stakeholders emphasising the need for stronger policies, investment, and collaboration to support startup growth across the country.
The event was hosted by Innovation SL, an entrepreneurship support organization founded by Francis Stevens George in 2017. Over the years, the organization has played a key role in supporting startups operating in sectors such as agritech, fintech, renewable energy, and the circular economy through incubation and acceleration programmes, access to finance initiatives, and policy advocacy.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, acknowledged the increasing number of innovation hubs emerging across Sierra Leone and challenged stakeholders to focus on scaling the sector for sustainable impact.
The Minister highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the government in collaboration with ecosystem partners to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation. These include the development of a Startup Act currently undergoing stakeholder consultations, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy developed in partnership with Invest Salone, an Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment led by the World Bank, and a startupclassification framework being developed under the Ready Salone and KOICA project.
According to the Minister, these initiatives are aimed at creating an enabling environment for startups, improving access to opportunities, and positioning innovation as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
Participants at the event also reflected on the progress made by Innovation SL over the years in supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation-driven enterprises across the country.
Organizers expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors, and stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the week-long event, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s startup ecosystem and creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
