On March 17, 2026, Innovation SL, in partnership with Startups Africa Ventures (SAV), officially launched the Sierra Leone chapter of the Mano River Union Startup Ecosystem initiative at the Orange Digital Center. This landmark event introduced a powerful Venture Pipeline Engine aimed at connecting local startups to global opportunities and unlocking access to structured funding across Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The launch marks a transformative step for the startup ecosystem in the Mano River Union region, setting the stage for a more structured, scalable, and globally connected innovation landscape.

Held at the Orange Digital Center, the event brought together ecosystem leaders, government representatives, private sector stakeholders, and emerging founders to explore the future of entrepreneurship in frontier markets. Discussions focused on addressing critical barriers such as mindset gaps, accountability challenges, and limited market access factors that have historically constrained startup growth in the region.

A key highlight of the event was a high-impact masterclass on investor readiness, equipping startups with practical tools to build strong data rooms and position themselves effectively for funding opportunities. This aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the investment pipeline and preparing founders for global competitiveness.

Central to the initiative is a clearly defined startup growth pathway: from early-stage development through Founder Institute, scaling support via Startups Africa Ventures (SAV), and global acceleration opportunities with Techstars. This structured journey provides startups with the mentorship, networks, and capital access needed to succeed at each stage of growth.

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to accelerate over 50 startups, create more than 500 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs, and ensure that at least 50% of supported ventures are women-led. Additionally, startups will gain access to up to $520,000 in structured capital, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the ecosystem early and growth-stage financing.

Supported by key partners including UBA, GIZ, and the Orange Digital Center, this initiative represents more than just a launch. It is a bold and strategic move toward unlocking innovation, driving investment, and building a new generation of globally competitive startups from the Mano River Union region.