Africell Foundation Celebrates Winners of Tech4Good Innovation Challenge

Africell Impact Foundation, Oxford University Africa Society, and Fourah Bay College celebrated three winners of the 2026 Tech4Good Innovation Challenge. This initiative promotes technology-driven solthat tackleackling societal cha,llenges, creating opportufor nities for young innoin vators in Sierra Leone.

The programme, launched under the 2026 Innovation Seed Fund during the annual Oxford Africa Conference, brought the three institutions together. It created a platform for FBC students and recent graduates to develop innovative ideas capable of driving development across Africa.

Ten students initially pitched their technology-based proposals to the Oxford University Africa Society. Following an evaluation process, three finalists emerged. Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor secured the overall winner's position, while Michael Mahungbe Blango and Yeaniva Agnes Lansana were recognised as finalists.

Speaking at the celebration, Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Shadi Gerjawi commended the participants. He noted the next step involves supporting the development and commercialisation of their innovations to ensure they become practical solutions benefiting society.

Gerjawi emphasised Africell's open-door policy for young people with innovative ideas and technological passion. He congratulated the winners and expressed optimism regarding the initiative's future, revealing plans to organise a second edition while bringing other universities on board to expand the programme's reach.

FBC Deputy Registrar Brima Bah described the recognition as a proud moment for the institution as it prepares for its bicentenary celebration. He appreciated the Africell Impact Foundation and the Oxford Africa Society for extending the opportunity to the university.

Bah explained that ten FBC students participated in the initial pitching process before three finalists were selected. He described the emergence of one overall winner among the finalists as a significant achievement for the university and its students.

Overall winner Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor, a student in FBC's Department of Economics, expressed excitement over the recognition. He described the experience as one that broadened his knowledge and strengthened his confidence as a young innovator.

Grovesnor commended Africell for providing a platform that enabled him to present his idea to Oxford University without travelling to the United Kingdom. He also highlighted the importance of access to support in transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions.

His project, Eco Corpor, is a technology-driven platform designed to enable members of the public to trade recyclable materials, promoting recycling and encouraging more sustainable waste management practices.

The Tech4Good Innovation Challenge reflects growing collaboration between academic institutions, international organisations, and the private sector. Through this support, the Africell Impact Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and the development of solutions capable of creating lasting social impact.