By: Mohamed Sahr
As the Redsalt Angel Investment Network hosted its first Angel Investment Night, a number of Sierra Leone entrepreneurs showcased business concepts at Lagoonda Hotel on Friday, November 28, 2025. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners to celebrate Sierra Leone’s growing startup ecosystem and to strengthen support for early-stage businesses.
Mariama Khadija, Managing Director of Redsalt Angel Investment Network Sierra Leone, delivered an inspiring keynote address. She noted that while global narratives focused on Sierra Leone’s challenges conflict, poverty, and instability the story is now changing. With more than 60 percent of the population under the age of 25, the country’s youth are driving innovation and building businesses rooted in local needs.
Khadija highlighted this youthful dynamism as a catalyst for rapid digital adoption, a rising consumer market, and new enterprise growth across sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, logistics, and digital services. She emphasized that these startups are not only viable but also deeply relevant to Sierra Leone’s development context.
She recognized the contributions of development partners including GIZ, UNCDF, UNDP, and others for strengthening the ecosystem through improved standards, expanded financial access, and enhanced digital skills. The Orange Digital Centre, she noted, is playing a major role in increasing tech literacy among young people, while Innovation SL continues to nurture early-stage entrepreneurs.
Khadija further highlighted that government reforms are accelerating. With improvements in digital infrastructure and progressive policy changes, the environment for innovation is being intentionally shaped. She stressed that Sierra Leone is no longer a passive player in Africa’s tech landscape but is actively positioning itself as a hub for entrepreneurship.
With talent deepening, technology spreading, policy reforms advancing, and early-stage capital beginning to flow, she said the Angel Investment Network aims to foster a culture of investment combining funding with mentorship and strategic guidance to help startups scale sustainably.
Johann, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Sierra Leone, also addressed the gathering. He reaffirmed Germany’s continued support for the country’s development but emphasized the need for startups to build long-term self-reliance. He noted that access to finance remains a major challenge due to high-interest loans but expressed optimism that Sierra Leone’s ecosystem is on track to becoming stronger and more sustainable.
Entrepreneur Aminata Dumbuya, founder of Freetown Waste Transformer, shared her journey from launching with limited resources to building a viable enterprise. Her story underscored the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and innovation.
Minister of Communications, Salima Bah, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving startup environment. She described the event as a significant step in empowering Sierra Leoneans to gain new skills, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Her message was clear: innovation is central to the country’s development agenda.
The evening closed with motivating remarks from Dr. Sia Foday-Iscansari of Invest Salone and Francis of Innovation SL. Both speakers encouraged young entrepreneurs to continue building boldly, reminding them that the future of Sierra Leone’s economy will be shaped by the initiatives emerging today.
As the event concluded, one message stood out: Sierra Leone’s startup ecosystem is gaining momentum. With a dynamic talent pool, supportive policies, and growing investor interest, the country is positioning itself as a rising star in Africa’s innovation landscape. For investors and entrepreneurs alike, the opportunity is clear those who move early and strategically will help shape the future of Sierra Leone’s economy.
A major highlight of the evening was the signing of two key agreements: a framework agreement with the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Orange Digital Centre. These milestones signal a strong commitment to building a supportive and coordinated environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.