The Africell Impact Foundation, in partnership with the Oxford University Africa Society and Fourah Bay College (FBC), has announced the winners of the 2026 Tech for Good Innovation Challenge. This initiative aims to promote technology-driven solutions to societal issues and provide opportunities for young innovators in Sierra Leone. The challenge was launched at the annual Oxford Africa Conference under the 2026 Innovation Seed Fund. It offers a platform for FBC students and recent graduates to develop innovative ideas that can make a significant societal impact and facilitate development across Africa.
During the competition, students pitched their technology-based proposals to the Oxford University Africa Society, with ten initial entries. After careful evaluation, three finalists were chosen, with Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor declared the overall winner. Michael Mahungbe Blango and Yeaniva Agnes Lansana were recognised as the other finalists. The competition saw students from Fourah Bay College actively participating, with ten students pitching their ideas during the initial round.
At the celebration, Shadi Gerjawi, Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, praised all participants for their ideas and emphasised the importance of supporting the development and commercialisation of their innovations. He assured the audience that Africell is keen to engage with young people who have a passion for technology and innovative ideas. Gerjawi congratulated the winners, expressing optimism for the initiative’s future.
Gerjawi revealed plans for a second Tech for Good Challenge, aiming to include additional universities to broaden its reach. This move is expected to provide more opportunities for young innovators across Sierra Leone to develop and showcase their ideas. The initiative has already made a significant impact, with the recognition of the winners being a proud moment for Fourah Bay College, especially as it approaches its bicentenary celebrations.
Brima Bah, Deputy Registrar of Fourah Bay College, noted the recognition as a proud moment for the institution. He thanked the Africell Impact Foundation and the Oxford Africa Society for the opportunity extended to the university. Bah mentioned that ten FBC students participated in the initial pitching, with the selection of three finalists representing a significant achievement for the university and its students.
Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor, a student from the Department of Economics at FBC, expressed his enthusiasm for the recognition. He viewed the experience as a vital opportunity that enhanced his knowledge and confidence as a young innovator. Grovesnor praised Africell for facilitating his presentation to Oxford University without the need to travel to the UK and stressed the importance of support in turning innovative ideas into practical solutions.
Grovesnor's project, Eco Corpor, is a technology platform designed to enable the public to trade recyclable materials, promoting recycling and encouraging sustainable waste management practices. The Tech for Good Innovation Challenge illustrates the increasing collaboration between academic institutions, international organisations, and the private sector in empowering young people to leverage technology in tackling development challenges. Through its backing of this initiative, the Africell Impact Foundation reaffirms its commitment to youth empowerment and innovative solutions that can lead to lasting social change.
Key points
- The Africell Impact Foundation partnered with Oxford University Africa Society and Fourah Bay College to launch the 2026 Tech for Good Innovation Challenge.
- Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor was declared the overall winner of the challenge with his project Eco Corpor.
- Africell plans to host a second Tech for Good Challenge, including additional universities to broaden its reach.
