The Africell Impact Foundation, in partnership with the Oxford University Africa Society and Fourah Bay College (FBC), has announced the winners of the 2026 Tech4Good Innovation Challenge. This initiative aims to harness technology to address societal challenges and create opportunities for young innovators in Sierra Leone. The challenge was launched as part of the 2026 Innovation Seed Fund during the annual Oxford Africa Conference. It provided FBC students and recent graduates a platform to develop ideas that can drive development across Africa.
The programme attracted ten students who presented their technology-based proposals to the Oxford University Africa Society. After a rigorous selection process, three finalists were chosen. Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor emerged as the overall winner, while Michael Mahungbe Blango and Yeaniva Agnes Lansana were recognised as finalists. The winning project, Eco Corpor, is a platform that enables the public to trade recyclable materials, promoting recycling and sustainable waste management practices.
At the celebration, Africell Sierra Leone’s CEO, Shadi Gerjawi, praised the participants and highlighted the next step: supporting the development and commercialisation of their innovations to ensure they provide practical benefits to society. He reiterated Africell’s commitment to supporting young people with innovative ideas and announced plans to organise a second edition of the initiative, inviting additional universities to participate.
FBC’s Deputy Registrar, Brima Bah, expressed gratitude to the Africell Impact Foundation and the Oxford Africa Society for this opportunity. He called the recognition a proud moment as the institution approaches its bicentenary. The collaboration between educational institutions, international organisations, and the private sector is increasing, as showcased by the Tech4Good Innovation Challenge.
Overall winner Grovesnor, a student in the Department of Economics, shared his excitement and noted how the challenge expanded his knowledge and boosted his confidence. He praised Africell for facilitating the presentation of his idea to Oxford University without the need for travel, stressing the importance of access to support for transforming innovative concepts into tangible solutions.
The Africell Impact Foundation remains dedicated to youth empowerment, innovation, and fostering solutions with a lasting social impact. The foundation’s efforts aim to create a platform for young innovators to develop and implement their ideas, contributing to the country’s development. The Tech4Good Innovation Challenge is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The recognition of the winners marks a significant milestone in the initiative, which seeks to promote innovation and technology in Sierra Leone. The challenge has provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their talents and develop solutions to societal challenges. The Africell Impact Foundation, Oxford University Africa Society, and Fourah Bay College will continue to support the development of innovative ideas in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- The 2026 Tech4Good Innovation Challenge attracted ten students who presented technology-based proposals.
- Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor emerged as the overall winner with his project Eco Corpor.
- Africell plans to organise a second edition of the initiative, inviting additional universities to participate.
