By Ibrahim Sesay
The United Nations Development Programme Sierra Leone has officially launched a Circular Innovation Club at Milton Margai Technical University, Goderich Campus, in a move aimed at empowering students to develop sustainable solutions to pressing environmental and economic challenges. The launch, held on April 21, 2026, forms part of the Youth for Circularity 2030 Initiative, a programme designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young people, particularly in addressing issues related to the management of end-of-life electronic devices. After the launching programme a training was conducted for its members.
Speaking at the event, Registrar of Milton Margai Technical University, Christiana Pearce, described the initiative as a timely intervention that will significantly enhance students’ capacity in modern technological practices. She noted that the training presents a valuable opportunity to equip students with relevant digital and practical skills, adding that the knowledge gained would not only benefit participants individually but also contribute meaningfully to national development. Christiana Pearce assured attendees of the university’s full support for the initiative and encouraged students to take the programme seriously, emphasizing its potential impact on communities and the broader economy.
Also addressing the gathering, Student Union President of Milton Margai Technical University, James French, highlighted the growing importance of youth participation in driving sustainable solutions. He stated that students must begin to see themselves not only as learners but as innovators and future problem solvers capable of transforming ideas into impactful solutions. James French described the Circular Innovation Club as a powerful platform that enables students to convert knowledge into action, while also building skills, networks and opportunities that can benefit both the university and the country. He urged students to actively participate, collaborate and take ownership of the initiative.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Milton Margai Technical University, Dr. Mohamed A. Jalloh, emphasized the critical role of innovation and continuous learning in today’s rapidly evolving world. He noted that progress can only be achieved through creative thinking and the willingness to expand beyond existing knowledge boundaries. Dr. Mohamed A. Jalloh commended the United Nations Development Programme Sierra Leone for including the university in the initiative and encouraged students to embrace interdisciplinary learning, stressing that well-rounded knowledge remains essential for both personal advancement and national development. He further underscored the importance of student-led clubs in fostering innovation, while urging participants to ensure formal registration of their associations in line with university regulations.
A presentation by United Nations Development Programme Project Analyst, Abu Bakarr Bangura, provided insight into the rationale behind the initiative, pointing to the rapid increase in mobile device usage, limited recycling infrastructure and a growing youth population as key factors driving the need for circular economy solutions in Sierra Leone. He explained that the programme is designed to build a robust circular economy ecosystem, promote digital skills development and create pathways for youth entrepreneurship through innovation hubs supported by UniPod. Abu Bakarr Bangura noted that the initiative is expected to equip young people with relevant skills, strengthen the national innovation ecosystem and improve safe practices in the management of end-of-life electronic devices, while also expanding opportunities for green entrepreneurship.
One of the participants, Mohamed Bangura, a computer science student, underscored the importance of establishing such innovation platforms within academic institutions. He expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme for creating an avenue that enables students to innovate, collaborate and develop solutions to both existing and emerging challenges. Mohamed Bangura stated that the initiative provides an opportunity to better understand the management of electronic waste while simultaneously building skills that can generate employment and contribute to national development.
The event also featured a co-design workshop during which students engaged in identifying key challenges, proposing practical solutions and developing ideas for sustainable innovation. The Circular Innovation Club is expected to serve as a dynamic platform for student-led research, innovation and collaboration, ultimately contributing to Sierra Leone’s broader development agenda.
