By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Africell Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations Development Programme, and the University of Sierra Leone, has launched UniPod Sierra Leone, a new innovation hub designed to empower young entrepreneurs, researchers and tech talent.
The facility was officially opened on Wednesday, 9th July 2026 at Fourah Bay College, Mount Aureol. It is equipped to provide students and young innovators with access to technology, mentorship, and business support to turn ideas into market-ready solutions for national development challenges.
Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh, who launched the hub, said UniPod represents more than infrastructure.
“This is a new approach to innovation, collaboration and problem solving,” he stated. He noted that Sierra Leone already has the talent and policy environment for technological growth, and urged students, researchers and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity. He further stressed that innovation must be inclusive and accessible to all, including persons with disabilities.
The initiative is the result of collaboration between the Government, UNDP, the University of Sierra Leone and Africell. Speaking on behalf of Africell CEO Shadi Gerjawi, Afrimoney CEO Martison Obeng-Agyei reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth and digital transformation.
He announced that Africell will issue NFC-enabled ID cards to students for seamless access to the centre. The company also plans to expand high-speed Wi-Fi across parts of Fourah Bay College to strengthen the digital learning environment.
“Africell believes that investing in young people and technology is key to Sierra Leone’s economic growth,” Obeng-Agyei said.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, praised the partners for delivering the project. She said the hub aligns with the Government’s human capital development agenda by enabling students to apply knowledge to real societal problems. She called for similar innovation centres to be established nationwide.
UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah said the launch reflects the growing role of innovation in economic development.
“Global competitiveness today depends not just on natural resources, but on the ability of young people to create solutions,” he noted. He added that UniPod will offer training in digital skills, entrepreneurship, content creation and technology development, while supporting startups that can generate jobs.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, Professor Andrew Baio, described UniPod as a national platform open to innovators across the country, not just university students. He said it will provide space to design, prototype and develop solutions to pressing problems.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah, said the hub strengthens the country’s innovation ecosystem. She urged collaboration between UniPod and other innovation centres, and emphasized the need to protect intellectual property generated at the facility.
UniPod Sierra Leone features maker spaces, digital fabrication and prototyping labs, business incubation services, mentorship programs, and technology transfer facilities to help young innovators build viable enterprises.
The event ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a guided tour of the facility, and exhibitions of innovations by Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs — marking a new milestone in the country’s push for digital innovation through public-private partnership, with Africell playing a leading role.
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