May 15, 2025

Igniting Innovation: Clean Cooking for Health, Climate, and Communities in Sierra Leone

This April, Innovation Sierra Leone spotlights a crucial yet often overlooked challenge, clean and sustainable cooking. As part of its ongoing efforts to drive innovation for social good, this edition focuses on clean cooking stoves and their transformative impact on health, the environment, and energy access. In many communities across Sierra Leone, traditional cooking methods using firewood and charcoal continue to pose serious health risks and contribute to deforestation. Bringing together entrepreneurs, experts, and change makers, this event explores practical solutions, innovative stove designs, and scalable business models tailored to local needs. It’s a step forward in making clean energy accessible, affordable, and impactful for all, supporting both climate goals and community wellbeing.

Welcome Address

Our host for the evening was Ms. Francess Beresford Renner, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Project Management and Marketing Communications at Innovation Sierra Leone. She warmly welcomed attendees on behalf of InnovationSL and its partners to the Third edition of the 2025 Freetown Pitch Night. Ms. Renner set a positive and engaging tone for the evening, offering a concise yet insightful overview of the event’s theme “CLEAN COOKING STOVE” innovative solutions. She highlighted the importance of this edition in addressing critical health, environmental, and energy challenges through local innovation and community-driven ideas.

Opening Remarks

Mr. Francis Stevens George

MD/CEO Innovation SL

Mr. Francis officially welcomed everyone to the third edition of Freetown Pitch Night 2025. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the harmful effects of traditional cooking methods in our communities including deforestation, health risks, and the heavy burden it places on families. He explained that the purpose of this pitching competition is to discover and support young engineers who can transform the way we cook by making it cleaner and more innovative, “Innovation SL isn’t just looking for prototypes, but real, practical solutions”.

He emphasized that beyond funding, what the ecosystem truly needs is strong business development support through mentorship, technical guidance, and ideas that can create real impact. Mr. Francis also acknowledged our partners, Human Capital Development Plus, describing them as an advocacy-driven organization committed to sustainable development and community growth.

Before the pitch competition commenced, Ms. Francess Beresford Renner took a moment to introduce the distinguished panel of judges, each bringing a wealth of experience and a unique lens to evaluating the innovative clean cooking stove solutions. She began by welcoming Sebay Janet Bintu Koroma,a Petroleum Engineer and certified Project Management Professional, recognized for her strong background in STEM leadership and youth mentorship She then introduced Ngozi Beckley-Lines,

the Country Manager at Sustainable Energy for ALL, who brings over 25 years of experience in managing large-scale donor-funded energy projects. Also on the panel was Nadia Assad, a Sustainable Energy Specialist with a focus on the intersection of gender and energy, known for her impactful work in advocacy and youth engagement. Finally, Renner welcomed Tommy Garnett, Executive Director at the Environmental Foundation for Africa, widely respected for his leadership in conservation and biodiversity initiatives across West Africa.

The pitchers were informed by Ms. Beresford-Renner about the ground rules, allowing each pitcher five minutes to present their ideas and two minutes for both judges and pitchers to ask questions and to respond to questions being asked.

Pitch Presentations

Our first pitcher for the night was Oswald Dundas, founder of Oswald Tech Company which presents a clean energy innovation that combines a cooking stove and a lighting unit powered by a saltwater-based battery system called Water-Light Technology. He presents an innovative, dual-purpose clean energy device that uses saltwater to generate electricity. This electricity powers both a flameless cooking plate and an integrated LED lighting system, making it suitable for cooking meals and lighting homes simultaneously. The saltwater-powered battery is non-toxic, safe for indoor use, and eliminates the risks associated with charcoal and kerosene. Designed to be portable and user-friendly, the unit can be recharged by simply replacing the saltwater cartridge. The cooking surface delivers steady heat, suitable for basic meal preparation, while the lighting module provides hours of illumination. Oswald’s product is not only environmentally responsible but also financially sustainable, drastically reducing household energy costs. It aligns with goals to curb deforestation and respiratory illnesses caused by smoke. Oswald’s targeted audience are low-income households in West Africa, especially those in urban slums and rural off-grid communities.

Markadams Kamara was our second pitcher, the founder of Big MAMA Stove or Big Box offers a locally-made stove made from foam, sand and cement which is engineered for the cooking needs of African families, particularly women. It produces a clean, soot-free flame. Its compact shape is ideal for small kitchen spaces, and it includes a spill-proof refill mechanism to reduce fuel waste. The design ensures ease of use with minimal training, making it a direct alternative to open-fire or charcoal-based cooking. By using briquettes, a renewable fuel sourced from local coconut waste. It supports both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. This product directly improves indoor air quality and reduces cooking time, enhancing safety and efficiency in domestic spaces. His targeted audience are African women, low-income families, and NGOs focused on clean energy and women’s health.

Third Pitcher for the night was Moses Monseray, Founder of Kondayama Biofuel Investment (KBI) an Ethanol Stove. It focuses on replacing harmful cooking practices in Sierra Leone through the introduction of ethanol-powered cookstoves. The stove is engineered for low-cost, high-efficiency cooking using locally produced bioethanol, which burns clean and reduces indoor pollution. The unit is made from sturdy metal with a secure fuel tank, safe ignition system, and heat control for various cooking needs. In addition to the stove, KBI is building a fuel production and distribution network, ensuring long-term affordability and access. The initiative also supports local manufacturing, creating jobs and promoting sustainable energy entrepreneurship. KBI addresses both environmental and economic challenges. It positions itself as a transformative player in energy access and climate mitigation in rural Africa.

Finally, we have Bernita Koroma, a founder of Sierrapreneurs, which presents the Klin-Cooking stove. The Stove is a clean cooking solution designed to replace traditional methods of cooking with briquettes, aiming to reduce indoor air pollution and deforestation. Its design features a durable metal body with a secure iron chamber, ensuring safe and efficient combustion. The stove is compact and user-friendly, making it suitable for small kitchen spaces and easy to operate without specialized training. By utilizing briquettes, a renewable fuel derived from natural waste (Coconut) ,the stove promotes environmental sustainability and supports local economies. The Klin-cooking stove addresses health concerns associated with smoke from traditional cooking methods, offering a smoke-free and soot-free alternative. Its affordability and efficiency make it an attractive option for households seeking cost-effective cooking solutions. The product aligns with global efforts to promote clean energy and improve public health outcomes mainly built on a true life experience of harmful cooking in a rural community.

Judges’ Break & Deliberation

After the pitching competition, the judges shared encouraging remarks with the pitchers, commending their creativity and urging them to continue developing their ideas. They then stepped aside to deliberate, assessing each pitch based on innovation, feasibility, and impact. During this time, the audience engaged with the pitchers through a Q&A session to learn more about the presented products.

Once deliberations concluded, the judges returned to announce the winners.

Oswald Dundas, Founder of Oswald Tech Company, won first place. Markadams, Founder of Big MAMA Stove, took second place, while Moses Monseray came third with his Kondayama Biofuel Investment . Bernita Koroma, Founder of Klin-Cooking Stove, placed fourth. All pitchers received certificates of participation, and judges were presented with gifts in appreciation of their time and expertise.

Ngevao Sesay

2025 Pitch Night, Reports, Uncategorized

May 5, 2025

Innovation SL Champions Food Innovation at Freetown Pitch Night 2025: Enotech Wins with Insect-Based Farming Solution

The Second edition of the 2025 Freetown Pitch Night event is dedicated to improving the food sector in Sierra Leone. The March edition was hosted at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Hill Station, Freetown, on the 26th March 2025, theme: FOOD INNOVATION. The theme was born from the need of developing and applying new ideas, technologies and processes in food production, distribution and consumption. It aims to improve food quality, other alternatives to protein and sustainability. Food Innovation focused on key thematic areas like: CLIMATE-SMART FARMING, PROTEIN INNOVATION and VALUE-CHAIN MANAGEMENT.

The event was moderated by our Deputy COO, Project Management Office Director/Marketing Communication & community engagement Lead, Ms. Francess Beresford-Renner. She greeted the attendees warmly and initiated the event on a positive note, providing a concise overview of what was to unfold. She emphasised that the event focused on the profound impact of fostering innovation and creativity within the food sector in the ecosystem.

Ms. Beresford-Renner then invited our Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Hannah Campbell, to deliver the opening address. She warmly welcomed and acknowledged the presence of the judges, partners, and audience. Most importantly, she shed light on the event’s theme, “Food Innovation.” She provided a practical example of how price inflation has reduced the consumption and production of local produce, making it difficult for citizens to access essential food items. She guided the audience on what to expect and assured them that an insightful experience awaited.

Ms. Beresford-Renner highlighted the impact of Innovation in Sierra Leone, describing it as the “mother of innovation,” dedicated to ensuring that entrepreneurs and start-ups have a platform to showcase their creative ideas, which will ultimately add value to the economy. To illustrate this, she introduced a beneficiary of Innovation SL, Michael Nabieu, a 2024 Freetown Pitch Night winner (February Edition) under the theme “Reducing Post-Harvest Losses.” He is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of FAIECY-SL, a youth-led organisation promoting sustainable agricultural practices, climate change advocacy, and renewable energy solutions in Sierra Leone.

With over five years of experience in sustainable food advocacy and development consulting, Michael has led environmental conservation initiatives, including the implementation of solar dryers to address climate change, hunger, and food security. He provided an analytical overview of Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector, explaining that:

Sierra Leone faces significant post-harvest losses, estimated at 20-30% of farm produce, primarily due to inadequate storage, which affects quality and market value.
This food waste is particularly concerning given the country’s high malnutrition rates.
Sierra Leone spends approximately $500 million annually on food imports, a figure projected to reach $1 billion by 2030 if no interventions are made.

To address these challenges, Michael developed solar energy dryers using a blend of local resources and modern technology. This innovation provides an alternative solution to reduce post-harvest losses, improve produce storage and processing, and increase the market value of crops. He concluded by encouraging young people to be innovative and creative in addressing real-world problems that can add value to society.

Ms. Francess later acknowledged a key figure at the event, the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Hamza Hashim, CEO of Capitol Foods. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity, narrating Capitol Foods’ journey from producing a single product (Sierra Juice (fruit juices) to now offering multiple products(Sierra cheese balls, Sierra Rice, Sierra Water etc.

He attributed this success to identifying community needs and addressing them through innovation. He urged entrepreneurs, start-ups, and creative minds to become change-makers, stating that change begins with a single step, fueled by determination and discipline. He encouraged them to:

After his inspiring speech, Ms. Beresford-Renner informed the panel of judges to introduce themselves. The panel consisted of three judges whose names are: Mr Hamza Hashim (CEO of CAPITOL FOODS), Mr Ahmed Nanoh (Executive Secretary, SLeCAD) and Dr. Sibida George(CEO-Vitafoods 360 Company). Also,we did have some notable organisations(WFP, FAO), NGOs and ESOs during the event.

PITCH COMPETITION

Our first pitcher was Mohammed Samu from EnoTech innovations. His pitching was about insect-based fertilizer, solutions for waste management and agricultural productivity, converting organic waste into valuable products. They are offering insect-based organic fertilizer and protein for livestock and aquaculture, using Black Soldier, Fly larvae to feed on organic waste.

Key Points: The company enhances the circular economy, improves production, nutrition, and environmental sustainability with insects. They aim to reduce the reliance on imported feeds and fertilizers.

Elisha Tamba Ngegba, second pitcher, explained about his company, Tandobayyamata Agro Tech. That which empowers smallholder farmers with sustainable solutions, addressing crop losses and limited access to technology. They are offering an Auto Tech Alarm System that protects crops using LED pest control systems, deterrents for wildlife, and GSM controlled systems for remote monitoring. The system is solar-powered.

Key Points: The system alerts farmers of pests or potential threats in real time, enabling quick action. Their value proposition is affordability, accessibility, and eco-friendliness.

EvoNutra by Nyajei Alice Tiangay Mansaray, our third pitcher for the event. She pitched her idea on protein-based innovation, which aims to reduce child malnutrition in Sierra Leone by providing affordable, plant-based nutrition solutions rich in essential nutrients. She is offering products including cowpea and maize flour, soya beans and millet, and orange-fleshed sweet potato and soya bean powder. These are targeted towards hospitals, schools, NGOs, and government programs.

Key Points: The business model focuses on sourcing local plant proteins, fortification with vitamins and minerals, and distribution to key markets. They emphasize affordability, nutritional value, and local impact.

Our third pitcher for the night, Sierra Pork SL Ltd by Habib Turay.Sierra Pork aims to establish a thriving pork industry in Sierra Leone to provide high-quality, locally produced pork, addressing the scarcity issues through a sustainable production model(Protein alternative).The business model includes a farrowing farm, contract farmers, and an abattoir. The products include premium fresh and frozen pork, marketed through social media and online orders with home delivery.

Key Points: Their value proposition is a reliable and consistent supply chain. They aim to reduce reliance on pork imports and boost the local economy.

Our final pitcher was Victor Ikoh, CEO of AgroLAB. AgroLAB is pioneering the use of chitosan-based seed technology to enhance seed performance, protect seeds, and boost plant growth. Their main innovation is a Chitosan Seed Coating Technology derived from crab shell waste, which maintains seed moisture content, enhances drought resistance, and protects against pests and diseases.

Key Points: They aim to transform agriculture in Sierra Leone by making farming sustainable with quality seeds and promoting a circular economy.

Key Points: The system alerts farmers of pests or potential threats in real time, enabling quick action. Their value proposition is affordability, accessibility, and eco-friendliness.

Key Points: The business model focuses on sourcing local plant proteins, fortification with vitamins and minerals, and distribution to key markets. They emphasize affordability, nutritional value, and local impact.

Our third pitcher for the night, Sierra Pork SL Ltd by Habib Turay.Sierra Pork aims to establish a thriving pork industry in Sierra Leone to provide high-quality, locally produced pork, addressing the scarcity issues through a sustainable production model(Protein alternative). The business model includes a farrowing farm, contract farmers, and an abattoir. The products include premium fresh and frozen pork, marketed through social media and online orders with home delivery.

Key Points: Their value proposition is a reliable and consistent supply chain. They aim to reduce reliance on pork imports and boost the local economy.