May 15, 2025
Igniting Innovation: Clean Cooking for Health, Climate, and Communities in Sierra Leone
  • Clean Cooking Stove
  • Limkokwing University, Hill Station
  • April 30th 2025

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
  • THEME: FOOD INNOVATION
  • March 26th, 2025
  • Limkokwing University, Hill Station

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:

  • Identify priorities when tackling real-world problems.
  • Understand that change starts small, but with time, value enhancement and resource integration will lead to greater impact.
  • Step out of their comfort zones, take responsibility, and lead the way in innovation.

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.

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.

Final Results (Announced in descending order):

  1. EvoNutra –  Alice Nyayei Manasaray
  2. AgroLab –  Victor Ikoh
  3. Tandobayyatama Agro Tech – Elisha Tamba Ngebai
  4. Sierra Pork – Habib Turay
  5. Winner: Enotech – Mohammed Samu
Ngevao Sesay
2025 Pitch Night, Reports
February 26, 2025
AI Pitch Competition

Event Report:    Freetown Pitch Night(FPN)  2025
Organised by:    Innovation Sierra Leone
Theme:                AI for All Sectors (Education, Agriculture, Sustainability)

  • 12th February 2025
  • Limkokwing University Gallery

Event Overview

Introduction

The AI for All Sectors Pitch Event, a highlight of Freetown Innovation Week 2025, brought together innovators, industry leaders, and AI enthusiasts to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping critical sectors like education, agriculture, and sustainability. The event was organized by Innovation Sierra Leone and featured a diverse lineup of speakers, judges, startups and entrepreneurs.

Welcome Address (4:30 PM – 4:35 PM)

Before a proper start of the program, the Pitchers were asked to do a stage rehearsal in other to thrive, boost their confidence, and as well  getting used to the stage and give a glimpse of what the pitch night was going to look like. They were given two minutes for each Pitcher to present their ideas. After the twelve minutes given to them, the program was then called to an order by the host of the event, Georgette Sheriff. Who ushers deserving praises to the father of Technology, the father of empowerment, the one only man who believes in youth and women empowerment who is no lesser person but Mr. Francis Stevens George, MD of Innovation Sierra Leone.

Opening Remarks (4:40 PM – 4:45 PM)

Speaker
Mr. Francis Stevens George
CEO/MD Innovation SL

Mr George provided insights into Innovation Sierra Leone’s mission and the importance of AI-driven entrepreneurship. Unleashing opening statement and overview of AI for all sectors Pitch Night. In his overview, he highlighted the milestone Innovation Sierra Leone has undertaken and the future plans they are putting in place to ensure a safe and secure innovative ground is built in Sierra Leone. He lamented the importance of Freetown Pitch Nights (FPN) and how it will impact them on their journey, encouraging and admonishing Pitchers to be firm, confident and believe in showcasing their solutions and keep doing their best when executing their best on stage, could not leave the stage without dashing appraisals to those who honoured his invitation, most specifically to GIZ representatives for staying intact with Innovation Sierra Leone from the start of all protocols of Prepping on the final stage of the pitch event.  Go hard and sure as Tonight is for AI and leave the stage.

Keynote Address (4:50 PM – 5:20 PM)

Speaker
His Excellency Jens Kraus-Massé
German Ambassador to Sierra Leone

The keynote address highlighted the ethical considerations in AI deployment and its potential to drive sustainable development across various sectors. One key important admonishment he made was the emphasis on the act of respecting the basic human rights which are basically applicable to every sector, saying that irrespective of our being, race, and political indifferences that if an individual is bind to work in line with respecting human rights and revolutionizing different sectors, and its potential to drive sustainable development is undeniable. Reinstating that ethical consideration must be at the forefront of AI integration into this crucial domain. Bias and Fairness, calling on the attention of all individual here today that where there is biasness there is no positive result expected, saying that AI algorithms can inherit and amplify existing societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes, it is our responsibility to ensure a free bias and fair ecosystem to ensure inclusivity and AI development is inherited for our generation and the yet to come generation.

Special Presentation (5:20 PM – 5:35 PM)

Speaker: Representative from GIZ

Joseph Juana

Advisor EET Project, GIZ

The presentation covered GIZ’s support for innovation and sustainable technology in Sierra Leone. GIZ has been working in Sierra Leone since 1963 until the interruption of the war, and they later come in completing their mission in 2000. As their aim in improving education in order to improve quality education, agriculture, health and innovation led organization.

GIZ organization collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to enhance health care services, concentrating on human resource management, data quality, decentralization, and epidemic prevention. GIZ is also working on implementing AI forestation and environmental problems that contributed to climate change that could help make information available to everyone. He made a promise that, since they have been involved from the start of the (prepping) on the pitching event they will make sure that they provide technical support to successful winners.

Introduction of Judges (5:35 PM – 5:45 PM)

By: Event Host

Ms. Geotte Sheriff

The panel of judges, comprising experts in AI and business, was introduced along with their roles in evaluating the pitches. In this session, our able elegant host Geotte Sheriff reigned pleasant of praises, highlighting different occupations and high positions they serve in.

She started acknowledging he presence of the German Ambassador His excellency Jens Kraus-Massie who happens to be the keynote speaker to occupy the front seat reserved for him, second by Mr. Madhusudan Mukerjee head of Institution College of Digital Excellence(CODE), third by Alpha Omar Leigh lecturer from Limkokwing University, followed by Ms. Hawa Yokie the Co-founder of Kamara Yokie Innovation Center (IKYIC) and to Mr. Colin Ogoofounder of Cristex Foundation to occupy a seat reserved for them.

Introduction of Judges (5:35 PM – 5:45 PM)

By: Event Host

Pitch Competition Guidelines (5:45 PM – 5:50 PM)

The event moderator outlined the competition format, including time limits for pitches and the Q&A session.

Pitch Presentations (5:50 PM – 6:50 PM)

Six entrepreneurs showcased their AI-driven projects, each presenting for five minutes, followed by a two-minute Q&A session with the judges. The pitches included:

Ngevao Sesay
Reports
December 26, 2020
Freetown Pitch Night in Pictures

Dear Partners,
Season Greetings! We have been working on an Impact Report from 2017-2019. This report will be ready in Feb 2021. In the meantime, we have complied “Freetown Pitch Night in Pictures”. Please find two versions here(standard size and mini for bandwidth consideration).

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Freetown Pitch Night only held 3 events in 2020.
We will be back in 2021 with a full program! And again we hope to see you!

Freetown Pitch Night in Pictures- Normal size fileDownload
Freetown Pitch Night in Pictures- Mini Size fileDownload
admin
News, Reports
April 23, 2020
FREETOWN PITCH NIGHT REPORT: SDG2: ZERO HUNGER: MARCH 11TH 2020

The first edition of Freetown Pitch Night 2020 was held at the British Council, on the 11th March 2020; Time 18:30-20:30 (6:30-8:30).

The theme for this edition was SDG 2- End Hunger.

Background

How can we achieve Zero Hunger in Sierra Leone:  The SDG2 aim to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, making sure all people–especially children–have sufficient and nutritious food all year. This involves promoting sustainable agricultural, supporting small-scale farmers and equal access to land, technology and markets.

Entrepreneurs have a role to play in meeting this goal. Freetown Pitch Night put out a call to entrepreneurs to send in their ideas on achieving Zero Hunger in Sierra Leone. Out of 10 entries, 5 were chosen to pitch.

The Event

Madam Emily Fanday, the cheerful and energetic host of the Freetown Pitch Night opened the event with individual prayers. She then proceeded to highlight some shocking statistics relating to food and hunger around the globe. From her statistics, one out of night people still go to bed on an empty stomach. Even more – one in three – suffer from some form of malnutrition.

A brief statement on the background of the Freetown Pitch Night was given by Mr. Francis Stevens George, the Managing Director of Innovation SL.

The Freetown pitch night was graced by dignitaries from various sectors; in her opening, the keynote speaker Madam Nyabenyi Tito Tipo[1], the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative to Sierra Leone cited that “Albert Einstein did not have a computer to work with and yet, he made impactful contributions to mankind; therefore young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone can do more with all the modern communications technology available to them.”

The four personalities with a wealth of experience constituted the panel of judges were Mr. Emeka Okafor; Directoraite of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Alimamy Sesay; World Food Program, Mr. Kishin Sham Mahtani; Project Manager at Shakandas Group, Ms. Hannah Max McCarthy from Wonder Stove.

David Meek Jah, Melvin H. Foray, Seinya Amie Bakarr, Abdul Aziz Mansaray and Alie M. Koroma were the five that pitch their ideas on to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – 2/ Zero hunger.

David Meek Jah

David meek Jah value preposition is Digital economy Infrastructure for agriculture to increase production by Data analytics and Real-time Monitoring of farms. The proposed solution leverages satellite technology to enable crops to be monitored efficiently, which involves Geo- tag a few control farm, Soil moisture monitoring. David meek Jah asks for Technical partnership with local and central government. Technical partnership with national and regional regulators in the produce sector, technical partnership with Telcos and Technical partnerships with Central Banks, commercial Banks, and MDAs.

David meek Jah                                                                                                                                           email:davidmeekjah@yahoo.com
Tel/whatsapp: +23234436465

Melvin H. Foray

Melvin H. Foray`s from Mello Foods transforms agricultural produce into healthy, conveniently accessible, and affordable food products (package green-leaves) directly from farm-to-market that are efficiently manufactured. Mello Foods produce vegetable products through automated production: improving availability and affordability; impacting nutritional levels of the diets of poor households. Mello food needs Machinery & Equipment, Financial Investment. Partnership and human resources.

Melvin Foray
email:mhforay@gmail.com
Tel/whatsapp: +23278284374

Seinya Amie Bakarr

Seinya Amie Bakarr from Jalimi farms pitch on snail farming.  Jalimi Farms provides a one-stop-solution that helps to increase yield, increase income and provide training for coastal farmers. Jalimi farms promote sustainable agriculture and mitigate lack of access to basic farming advances and unsustainable practices by utilizing innovative technology in snail farming.

Seinya Amie Bakarr                                                                                                                
Tel/whatsapp: +23278221295 or +23299974050
Website: jalimifarms.com

Abdul Aziz Mansaray

Abdul Aziz Mansaray pitched on addressing the challenge of malnutrition and severe hunger among primary school pupils. His solution is production of nutritious rich fresh fruits and vegetables. He emphasized the essence of his solution is to ensure growth, development and to create awareness of fruits and vegetables eating habits. He seek to offer on-time delivery of nutritional fresh fruits and vegetables and he is looking for investment opportunity to enhance seeds and inputs, farming equipment, Greenhouse and packaging equipment, Irrigation system and Warehouse and transportation.

Abdul Aziz Mansaray                                                                                                                        email:abdulmans030@gmail.com
Tel/whatsapp: +23276764534

Alie M. Koroma

 Alie M. Koroma focused his presentation on empowering subsistence farmers to produce large food products by creating linkages between farmer organisations to Agro processor, and the market. He offers organic product marketing, value addition in food, nutritional security and embrace new technology for knowledge transfer. Alie M. Koroma is looking for mentorship and human resource, financial investment and farming equipment.

Alie M. Koroma                                                                                                                                             
Tel/whatsapp: +23288870295/+23276886678

Mohamed Samu

Mohamed Samu, a graduate from Njala University; developed a Utility Mobile App which he named “Help the Farmer” that determine soil moisture content. According to him, it is also a pest and disease detector which determine the soil fertility, pH and nutrient levels. It has the ability to ascertain high quality and sustainable processing of crops. He was given five minutes to make a presentation about his App to the audience while the judges went to decide their verdict.

Utility mobile app link http://www.appcreator24.com/app886936

Madam Nyabenyi Tito Tipo announced that Seinya Amie Bakarr emerged as the third best pitcher, David Meek Jah second, and Melvin Foray the winner.  Madam Nyabemi Tippo motivated all the pitchers by saying “there are no losers at the Freetown pitch night”.

On behalf of the judges, Mr. Kishin said the five pitches were excellent and it was a tight call to choose amongst the five pitchers.

Madam Tuzlyn Bayoh from UNDP Accelerator Lab gave the vote of thanks; in her statement, she encouraged the pitchers to continue their brilliant work and also thank all partners and individuals for contributing to the achievement of the United Nations` Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The event ended with cross section of attendees posing for pictures and networking.

The event is managed by GEN SL and innovation SL; officially sponsored by Mutzig, other sponsors were Ecobank Microfinance, Brussels airlines and capital foods. Implementation partners: GEN SL, British council, Cordaid, Insight Magazine, Innovation SL and Innovations Axis.

Juliet Josiah, Intern Innosl,  FPN Producer

Foday Kamara, Intern Innosl

25.03.2020

www.freetownpitchnight.com

mail@freetownpitchnight.com

[1] Ms Nyabenyi Tito Tipo on 23rd June, 2016 presented her credential to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Ms Tipo becomes the first female FAO Representative to Sierra Leone since the country became a member of the organisation in 1978. She joined FAO in 2012 as Livestock Officer in Juba, and from 2014 to May 2016, she has served as Assistant FAO Representative, Programme in the FAO Representation in South Sudan.

Nyabenyi Tipo has a rich experience in humanitarian, gender and animal health programme management.

At the FAO Representation in South Sudan, she developed a comprehensive decentralised plan of the cold chain system in South Sudan to support the livestock vaccination calendar; developed the livestock component of Emergency Livelihood Program (ELRP) after the December 2013 political crises; lead the development of FAO South Sudan Country Program Framework; and lead the resilience outcome of the UN Interim Cooperation Framework (ICF 2016 – 2017).

admin
2020, Reports, SDGs
October 17, 2019
First Orange Social Venture Prize

Freetown Pitch Night organised the first Orange Social Prize event in Sierra Leone.

The contest aims to reward the best innovative and socially responsible business projects in Africa and the Middle East. Three entrants will compete to pitch to an international jury in Cape Town.

The three finalist where as follows:

Agro Fish farm company Ltd is company that focuses on fish farming business we are growing tilapia, and it is one the specie that is culturable in Sierra Leone. As founder I decided to venture in this sector because I studied Aquaculture and fisheries management in School and also I have realized that malnutrition is well spread in among children (0-5years) pregnant women and lactating mothers in rural communities.   In addition that we have verse wetlands in these settlement that are not effectively utilized,  so we converting some these wetlands to construction fish pond and that is the  facility  we are using to grow our fish  from fingerlings (baby fish) to table size (Mature fish). We start a pliot phrase in 2017 and the result was awesome and now we are on our second cycle.

As company we are have able to employ 30 part time workers and three full time staff,  also we have provide sustainable livelihood for some fish sellers  because before our intervention  they have to  long distance  to get the local fish they sell and sometime  it will not be available be the sources is not sustainable. However, we have engaged in indentifying local fish within Bo town presently we have 10 that we wish to work with and provide input and training for them as well. Local farmer are involved in this sector but they have not be able to scale-up because of some problem in the industry which are no fish feed, lack technical skills and lack of equipment.

  

Production of Biogas using Cow – dung as a preferred energy fuel in rural Areas for Cooking

Sierra Leone`s energy consumption is dominated by biomass of which 80% of the energy generated for cooking is derived from tradition fuel (firewood and Charcoal), with 64% of the total population living in rural provinces. The harvesting of this fuel will lead to serious environmental degradation and effects of high rate of unemployment (74%). These practices threaten the health and quality of lives of women and children in particular; rapid urbanization and this will affect the ecological balance and biodiversity of the country. This project focuses on how to use cow – dung as a preferred energy source for cooking in rural communities, with its benefits for example; providing sustainable clean green biogas, production of fertilizers, mitigate high unemployment rate etc.

 Edutainment Network (E Net)

This project started as a response to meet the educational and capacity building needs of the growing population of secondary school pupils and youths in the form of an online student resource center, that is an E learning web portal and Mobile App. The main aim is to provide Quality Educational contents/modules/courses for young minds still in the schooling system through new IT technologies like an e learning web portal and mobile App providing FREE Quality learning resources, training, counselling, exam preparation, private testing (online), ICT and basic courses and more to make them more productive and workforce ready to meet the changes and challenges of this digital age. We Provide students the access to quality learning materials in several multimedia and SCORM format. We intend to transform our traditional learning methods, to promote more student collaboration and innovation through a digital learning environment and a student centered workplace/study place. A strategic partnership with a mobile network operator through either a subscription bundle like the one currently used for Facebook and WhatsApp for the Mobile App or an agreement to make our website freely accessible by students who wish to benefit from our offerings through their network will unleash a new wave of excitement and interests to pupils. The blueprint of this proposal is to nurture minds, talents and skills of students for socio-economic development and to empower them to be self-reliant and self-sufficient and above average working professionals.

Aminata Kandeh of Agro Fish Farm emerged as the winner. She got a SLL 10.million prize. Ednet finished in second place and Bio gass in third.

The winners was presented with the various prizes by the top management of Orange Sierra Leone.

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2019, Reports
August 4, 2019
Report on FPN “Social Entrepreneurship” event, 26 June 2019 at 1830

Freetown Pitch Night (FPN) held their monthly program on the of theme “Social Entrepreneurship”.  The focus was on ideas that provide opportunities for youth in their communites. The program was hosted at British Council, Tower Hill, Freetown and was well attended, with 89+ guests  in number, including the  Global Entrepreneurship Network SL (GEN SL)  team, FPN sponsors, company executives of, donor organizations, entrepreneurs and young professionals.

Background:

According to an article published on the UNDP (SL) website, approximately 70% of youth are under-employed or unemployed, with an estimated 800,000 youth actively searching for employment. Furthermore, illiteracy remains a persistent challenge, with youth that lack skills and education finding it extremely difficult to compete for the limited jobs available. The relevance of the topic cannot be over emphasized, as the challenges for youth are immense.  To a large extent the solution can only come from the people that suffer the burden. The audience for the event were from all backgrounds. 

Opening Statement & Panelists:

An Opening Statement was made by Mr. Tony Reilly, Country Director of the British Council, the who gave a brief rundown of the last FPN and a background to the current theme. He measured three pioneers with regard to the topic “Social Entrepreneurship”. The Panelists were Estelle Van Der Ekout, General Manager of Brussels Airline,  Dr. Umaru Bah, CEO at Data Wise, and Mr. Abdul Salam Kamara, Lecturer at the University of Sierra Leone.

The Pitchers:

Four entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to pitch their ideas. The topics were linked with the breaking of stigmas, matching youth to livelihoods, motivating good deeds, addressing health, energy and other basic needs, recycling, enterprise, assistive technology and the prevention of violence.

  • Samuel A.S Kamara. Founder,  Enet Salone: 

Samuel pitched his idea on the area of technology. He talked about the poor and weak educational system of Sierra Leone, which he said lacked the resources that would aid the essence of quality education in the country. He explained that his company provides educational materials, which will serve as link in breaching the gap of our traditional way of learning, to a well supporting material which will be in line with modern day learning.

T: +23278105453

  • Basiru Mansaray. Founder, OS Preneur:

Basiru pitched his ideas on Assistive Technology. He said Sierra Leone is currently grappling with unemployment.  Because of the lack of jobs many youths have decided to own their own enterprise, yet there remains a lack of infrastructure to support these young businesses. OS Preneur is solving the problem by providing a way to easily register young start-ups, access tools, resources and networks and, in the long term, provide access to funding.

T: +23279502404

  • Yaniv Anthony. CEO of Webber Energy SL Ltd: 

Yaniv pitched his ideas on recycling, pointing at Bomeh dumping site as a decade-long problem of waste dumping. He also said little has been done to tackle the problem of waste from the government side. He emphasized how his company is transforming this waste to bio-energy, which can be used as fuel for cooking and also for agricultural purposes. He also said the technology responsible for the transformation of the wastes to fuel is been created by his company. The company carry out education on how to use the technology and encouragement is given to children in the area to understand the important of renewable energy, as this will help in the reduction of pollution and diseases.

Email:

T: +23276475726

  • Rebecca Jawara, Founder at Mental Health Program:

Rebecca pitched her idea on how important it is to tackle the issues of mental illnesses, as she said, according to a report from World Health Organization (WHO), one in every four individuals suffers from mental health issues. She said her organization will be focusing on raising awareness about the illness, on with she said little is been done to educate the population on the state of the illness. With regards to disseminating the information, she suggested we  would start by approaching people on a one-to-one basis, organizing seminars or events.

Email: jawarabecca62@gmail.com

T: +23279502404

Guest Speaker

Mr. Walid Bahson, CEO of  Premier Environ Solution (SL) Ltd:

Mr Bahsoon gave a compelling presentation on waste management. He further encouraged the pitchers to keep focussed, as there lie huge challenges ahead to survive and realize their ideas, in terms of creating a sustainable revenue model.

Panel Review & Closing Remarks:

The panelists gave important and critical feedback to each of the pitchers and expressed their delight at seeing young Sierra Leoneans with such aspirations. Saying that challenges bring opportunities, they were pleased that young entrepreneurs were welcoming challenges and exploring new opportunities.

We were privileged to have two closing remarks. Firstly from Mr. Sami of the EcoBank Micro Finance, one of the sponsors, who advised the pitchers to start saving and, most importantly, have focus on their undertakings in the midst of challenges.

The second remark was by World Bank Country Director Gayle Martin. She said “Growth is not going to come from young people wanting to get a job, growth is going to come from entrepreneurs. My first time at this event, I am very encouraged.’ 

Thanks and appreciation to our sponsors, guests and everyone for making the program a success.

By Abdul Karim Mansaray

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2019, Reports
March 31, 2019
Tourism Pitch Night Report

Sierra Leone has so many tourist attractions worth adding to your bucket list. I have a couple on mine already. Visit our beaches/ islands, take a dip in sea, go hiking, climb Mount Bintumani. Our must see attractions are not going showcase themselves without us as citizens showing the world what Sierra Leone has to offer.  This month’s Pitch Night aims to support the Mayor of Freetown’s target to boost the Tourism sector and create jobs.

Four (4) entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch ideas that solve problems that stagnates the growth of our tourism sector in Sierra Leone with a job creation arm to it. 

This month’s Pitch Night was hosted at the British Council. At 6:45 PM there were one hundred and fifty plus (150+) attendees, this included the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) SL team, sponsors of Freetown Pitch Night, executives of companies and donor organisations, entrepreneurs, students and young professionals. They were a lively audience.

The event began with Emily Fanday being the MC for the night. Silent prayers were said and gave a run down on the stats of the previous pitch nights.  She called on Tony Reilly, Country Director of British Council Sierra Leone who welcomed the audience.

This month’s pitch night was special. We had Her Worship, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, the Mayor of Freetown as one of the panellists. Estelle Van Eeckhout, Brussels Airlines graced us with her presence again as a panellist alongside Bimbola Carol, Visit Sierra Leone.

The Pitchers were:

Nabie Musa Bangura, Fagira Freedom Tours

Alusine Fambulleh, Sabi Salone Tours

Martin B. Massaquoi, Experiencing Tiwai Island

Nasratu Sesay, Snap Me

Fagira Freedom Tours

Due to the high rate of youth unemployment and short supply of personnel, Sabi Freetong is an initiative that provides standby tour guiding facilities. They aim to train school dropouts and unemployed graduates on basic tour guiding operations and employ them as tour guides.  Their focus is on promoting domestic tourism.

Sabi Salone Tours

Sabi Salone Tours  seeks to showcase Freetown by providing friendly and educational tours to students and young people. They aim to raise awareness of locals by focusing on domestic tourism.

Experiencing Tiwai Island

Martin and team sees an opportunity from the pains of accessing Tiwai Island for holidays. They aim to promote Tiwai Island and make it easily accessible.

Snap Me

Using digital photography to show the beauty and rich history and heritage of Freetown is definitely key to boosting tourism and this us what snap me does.

The panellists asked the pitchers questions about their business ideas’ financial model, job creation, target market, etc.

A short movie was shown by Xtreme Africa featuring the Lunsar Cycling Team.

After the pitching and questions, the panellists commended and gave feedback on the different pitches.

Finally the Chairman of GENSL, Sheka Forna gave the closing statement and thanked the pitchers, the judges, the sponsors and the audience for making the Pitch Night a successful one.

And of course there was time for food and networking. British Council’s Cassava Bistro is definitely the place to go for food.     

Written by Davephine Tholley

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2019, Reports
August 22, 2018
Freetown Pitch Night Report Theme: Mayor’s Pitch Night Special

Mayors special_Report_15082018_finalv1– PDF Version

Date: 1st August 2018
No of participants/audience: 150+
No and names and company names of pitchers:
Six Pitches :
Aminata Dumbuya – The Masada Waste Transformers
Willem Tijssen – B. E. S. T Salone
Frankyln Johnson – Lorlyn Consulting
Davephine Tholley – Waste Cyclers
Abu Bakaar – Sirra Recycling Industry
Walid Bashoon – Premier Enviro

Names of sponsors and partners:

Main Sponsors
SL Brewery/Heineken (Mützig)
Innovation SL Ltd

Partners
Cordaid
Insight
232

With a focus on managing waste in Freetown, the “Mayor’s Pitch Night Special” held on 1st August, 2018 was an outstanding example of how Freetown’s business community can generate solutions to some of our most pressing problems.

The event was opened by the Chairman of GEN Sierra Leone, Mr. Sheka Forna. He reiterated why Freetown Pitch Night decided to hold the “Mayor Special Pitch Night”.

Under the right conditions, entrepreneurs can have incredible power. They can help regions prosper economically and, as they help engineer innovative solutions to problems and challenges, they can also serve society. Yvonne Aki-Sawyer OBE, Freetown’s new Mayor, won a comprehensive mandate from the  voters of Freetown. This mandate includes job creation for the city’s young people and better waste management. As new and growing businesses represent the principal sources of job creation and innovative activity in an economy,  two factors that generally help raise standards of living for all, municipal authorities across the world are turning to entrepreneurs for ideas to help them address the challenges they face.

Recognizing the role that entrepreneurship can play in helping address Freetown’s  challenges Mayor Aki-Sawyer, with Freetown Pitch Night, is inviting entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas for waste recycling businesses to include a significant  youth employment component.

Freetown requires a comprehensive waste management solution which must be delivered city-wide, and will require consolidation and significant resources.

Read MoreFreetown Pitch Night Report Theme: Mayor’s Pitch Night Special

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