By: Lemuella Tarawallie
In a transformative initiative to boost youth-led innovation across Sierra Leone, UNICEF, Craft Management Solutions, and the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI-SL) have officially launched the e-UPSHIFT Incubator and Pitch Challenge, following six months of intensive training for young innovators in the provinces.
The Pitch Challenge, developed under this tripartite partnership, aims to empower young people not just to dream, but to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions. The initiative challenges youth to design impactful projects that require just a “leg up” a small boost to create real change in their communities.
The challenge featured innovative ideas tackling a wide range of issues, including deforestation, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy.
At the e-UPSHIFT Pitch Challenge event, held on Thursday at the Sierra Palms Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Liv Elin Indreiten announced that over 5,200 young people had completed the e-UPSHIFT course across 12 districts through boot camps and pitch competitions.
She highlighted five outstanding teams who were selected to present their community-focused solutions after undergoing months of incubation, mentorship, and refinement. These teams included Tankoro Environmental Development Programme Kono District, JetWay Innovation – Tonkolili District (focused on fighting air pollution), Climate Change Ambassadors – Bombali District, Food Insecurity Fighters – Moyamba District, Deforestation Fighters – Moyamba District
“These ideas are not abstract theories. They are born from lived experiences and represent practical, courageous responses to real problems that young people and their communities face every day,” said Indreiten.
She called on government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to step up and support these youth-led initiatives. “These young people have done their part. It is now up to us — government, private sector, and civil society to provide the support and resources needed to take these ideas further.”
Indreiten also emphasized the need to adopt new approaches, including leveraging digital platforms already in the hands of young people such as the Learning Passport, WhatsApp, and U-Report to drive innovation and growth.
Violet Asgill-Peters, Founder and Managing Partner of Craft Management Solutions, reflected on the six-month incubation journey that transformed 25 youth groups from idea-holders into solution-builders. Out of the 25, five teams were selected for intensive incubation.
“Six months ago, these young innovators had only their ideas and passion. Today, they walk away not just with certificates but with confidence, sharpened skills, and the vision to build businesses that could shape Sierra Leone’s future,” she said.
Asgill-Peters explained that the programme combined leadership training, curriculum design, and hands-on mentorship. Participants were introduced to design thinking, business development, financial literacy, marketing, leadership, and global funding opportunities.
She affirmed Craft HR’s continued commitment to supporting the innovators beyond the programme, including linking them with investors. As a testament to this, the initiative secured a $2,000 seed fund from FG Gold, thanks to the support of its Chairman, Mr. Oliver Andrews.
Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mima Y.M. Sobba-Stephens, underscored the importance of empowering youth to take the lead in developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are already showing leadership today,” she stated. “However, innovation alone is not enough. These ideas must grow, and we must nurture the young people behind them to turn their vision into lasting impact.”
Minister of Communication, Salima Bah, echoed the importance of innovation as a tool for solving real-world problems. “From agriculture to climate change, government-backed innovation programmes have already shown that bright ideas can lead to real solutions,” she said.
Out of over 5,000 applicants, the five selected teams were each awarded a cash prize of Le 8,000, with Tankoro Environmental Development Programme receiving an additional Le 4,000 as the best overall team.
Special awards also went to Best Female Presenter: Mariama Jalloh – Le 1,500, Best Male Presenter: Mustapha from JetWay Innovation SL, Tonkolili District –Le 1,500
The event marked a significant milestone in youth innovation and served as a call to action for all sectors to invest in the next generation of changemakers.