Orange Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting youth innovation, entrepreneurship and technology by awarding MobiCare the grand prize at the seventh edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Sierra Leone.
The competition, held on 3 August 2026 at the Orange Digital Center in Freetown, brought together Government representatives, development partners, entrepreneurs, innovators, students and industry leaders to celebrate solutions designed to address social challenges and support sustainable economic growth.
Hosted by Monica Jackson, the 2024 Orange Social Venture Prize Tech Queen, the ceremony highlighted Orange Sierra Leone’s efforts to create opportunities for young innovators to transform promising ideas into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
The 2026 competition attracted 138 applications from across Sierra Leone. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 38 projects were shortlisted, with eight outstanding finalists advancing to compete for the Orange Innovation Awards.
Delivering the keynote address, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aïcha Touré reaffirmed the company’s belief that innovation and technology are powerful drivers of economic transformation.
“For seven consecutive years, Orange has invested in Sierra Leonean innovators, supporting ideas that have the potential to transform communities and improve lives,” Aïcha Touré said.
She added that, as one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, Orange considers innovation one of the strongest drivers of economic growth and remains committed to helping young people develop practical and scalable solutions that contribute to national development.
Aïcha Touré said the Orange Social Venture Prize has recorded significant progress since its introduction in Sierra Leone in 2019. According to her, the programme has attracted more than 1,000 applicants and provided financial and developmental support to several innovators.
She noted that successful innovation requires more than creativity, stressing that determination, resilience and a strong commitment to addressing real-life challenges are essential for transforming ideas into sustainable ventures.
Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz Kamara commended Orange Sierra Leone for complementing national efforts to promote entrepreneurship, digital innovation and youth empowerment.
“The future of Sierra Leone depends on innovation and technology,” Sarjoh Aziz Kamara said. “Initiatives such as the Orange Social Venture Prize are helping to create jobs, nurture talent and support the Government’s development agenda.”
He encouraged young Sierra Leonean innovators to take advantage of available opportunities and develop solutions capable of making a positive contribution to society.
Chief Executive Officer of Coco Innovations Sierra Leone Hannah Campbell also praised Orange Sierra Leone for its longstanding partnership with the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Hannah Campbell described the Orange Social Venture Prize as more than a competition, saying it serves as a transformative platform that provides entrepreneurs with the confidence, visibility and resources required to expand their ventures and create meaningful change.
The climax of the ceremony was the announcement of the 2026 winners, whose projects demonstrated the creativity, talent and problem-solving abilities of young Sierra Leoneans.
Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma, creator of MobiCare, emerged as the grand prize winner and received NLe 200,000 to further develop his digital healthcare solution.
MobiCare is a mobile application that allows users to locate pharmacies where prescribed medicines are available. The solution is designed to reduce the difficulties and delays patients often experience when searching for essential medication.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma said the idea was inspired by the challenges confronting many patients while searching for prescribed medicines.
“With MobiCare, users can easily search for medicines from home and identify where they are available, reducing delays and improving access to healthcare services,” Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma explained.
Medical student and Founder of MiFam, Fatmata Mariama Koroma, was another major winner at the ceremony. She received NLe 120,000 to advance her agricultural innovation, which seeks to contribute to farming and food security in Sierra Leone.
Fatmata Mariama Koroma expressed appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for providing a platform through which young entrepreneurs can transform their ambitions into impactful and sustainable businesses.
The conclusion of the seventh Orange Social Venture Prize reinforced the growing importance of young innovators in shaping Sierra Leone’s development. Through the programme, Orange Sierra Leone continues to support entrepreneurs using technology and creativity to address social challenges, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth.
The accomplishments of the 2026 finalists also reflected Orange Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to nurturing local talent and building an inclusive digital future in which young people are empowered to innovate, lead and transform their communities.
