By: Abdul Razack Gbla
Five groundbreaking Sierra Leonean startups have emerged as the top finalists in the 2025 Big 5 Innovation Investment Challenge a national competition designed to support homegrown solutions to the country’s pressing development needs. With $60,000 in total seed funding up for grabs, this year’s challenge spotlighted innovations in key “Game Changer” sectors, including food security, clean energy, and financial inclusion.
Mohamed Samu secured the grand prize and received the prestigious H.E. President Bio Innovation Award 2025, taking home $30,000 for his eco-focused initiative, Insect-Based Organic Fertilizer. His project utilizes black soldier flies to transform organic waste into high-protein animal feed and fertilizer a sustainable, circular economy model with the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce waste.
Oswald Tech, creators of the Water Light innovation, claimed the first runner-up position, earning $20,000. Their solution harnesses seawater to generate clean electricity, targeting off-grid coastal communities where energy access remains a significant challenge.
In third place, Cassavity SL Ltd was awarded $10,000 for its cassava flour production enterprise. The startup aims to reduce Sierra Leone’s dependency on imported wheat flour by promoting locally sourced cassava as a nutritious, sustainable alternative while also helping farmers curb post-harvest losses.
Two other standout finalists received special recognition: Solar Agric, which offers solar-powered crop drying and storage systems to reduce food spoilage. Cross-Border Blockchain Payments via WhatsApp, a fintech solution designed to make international money transfers more affordable and accessible, particularly for underserved populations.
Beyond financial support, all five finalists will embark on a global exposure trip to South Korea, sponsored by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the International Trade Centre’s Ready Salone Project. The visit will provide valuable insight into scaling innovations and connecting with international markets.
The 2025 Big 5 Innovation Investment Challenge underscores Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and advancing sustainable development. As these finalists prepare to showcase their innovations on the global stage, one message stands out: Sierra Leone’s future of innovation is already in motion.