By Ajoke Mulicatu Afolabi
Orange Sierra Leone held its prestigious Orange Innovations Awards 2024 on August 9, 2024, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The event, which highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone, was graced by prominent figures such as Orange SL CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, Minister of Youth Affairs Mohamed Orman Bangura and the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation’s Communications Director Kumba Musa, representing Minister Salima Monorma Bah. Also in attendance were the Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Sierra Leone, Francis Stevens George and other distinguished guests.
The ceremony marked the culmination of the 6th Edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone, coinciding with the 14th edition of the award across Africa and the Middle East. This initiative, which began with the opening of submissions on March 25th, 2024, seeks to foster social innovation and support local entrepreneurship through a competitive process. Applicants from 19 Orange affiliates across Africa and the Middle East, including Sierra Leone, were invited to participate in both national and international categories.
In her welcome address, Madam Finnah Stevens, the Orange Foundation Manager, highlighted the OSVP as a platform for transformation, urging attendees to embrace the possibilities it offers and to remain open to the extraordinary potentials ahead. She introduced the evaluators and judges, including William Conteh, Alpha Sulaiman Bund, Haja Mariama F. Myers, Mohamed Sheriff Bah, Bashir M. Idris, Sia Foday Iscanderia, and Jestina Patricia Betts.
Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, reflected on the nation’s progress over the past 20 years, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem and the courage to face challenges. He spoke about the close partnership between the Ministry and Orange, noting the significant strides made in fostering innovation since 2018. The Minister praised the annual continuity of such efforts, urging young entrepreneurs to think globally to achieve meaningful milestones.
He also shared his personal experience as an accountant, stressing the importance of maintaining high standards and recognizing the hard work behind the scenes. He highlighted the potential of young innovators in addressing societal challenges and the need to provide them with opportunities for growth.
Kumba Musa, Communications Director in the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, delivered a speech on behalf of Minister Salima Monorma Bah. She described the Sixth Local Edition of the OSVP as a celebration of innovation and determination among young people, particularly in driving social and environmental change through technology. Kumba Musa underscored the critical role of youth in shaping Sierra Leone’s future and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering an environment where innovation can flourish.
Orange Sierra Leone CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting young innovators and entrepreneurs. He highlighted the OSVP as an investment fund that provides funding, mentorship, and opportunities for business expansion across 17 regions in Africa and the Middle East. According to him, since its inception in 2019, the initiative has trained over 3,000 individuals, with more than 70% securing employment. He celebrated the finalists’ innovative use of digital tools and emphasized the endless opportunities that the digital revolution offers.
During the pitching session, five contestants vied for the Grand Prize of NLe 200,000. Abdul Karim Sesay of EMOTIONS emerged victorious with his mobile application offering inclusive mental therapeutic solutions through social media platforms.
In the Tech Queens category, Monica Jackson of Why Educube won NLe 120,000 for her innovative Container Classroom equipped with digital learning tools, designed to bridge the educational divide, especially in rural communities.
The competition exemplifies Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to human capital development, supporting local social and environmental innovations, and stimulating entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.
Since 2019, the OSVP has recognized projects that contribute to sustainable development goals through digital technology, making a lasting impact on communities across the country.
