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.

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 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.