Mohamed Saviour Samu, a Sierra Leonean applied entomologist and founder of EntoTech, has won the Abdoulaye Touré Agricultural Innovation Award 2026, becoming the first West African to receive this accolade. This recognition was announced during the Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA 2026) event at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, held from 19 to 21 October, which brought together agricultural innovators, researchers, and policymakers.
Through EntoTech, Samu has developed insect-based solutions that convert organic waste into valuable agricultural products, such as organic fertiliser and protein-rich livestock feed. The technology uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to process food waste and agricultural residues, turning potential waste into resources that benefit farming operations.
This innovation addresses two major challenges for agricultural communities: effective organic waste management and the high costs of agricultural inputs. A recent report highlighted that EntoTech’s facility near Kambia was producing between 1,000 and 2,500 kilograms of fertiliser monthly, with plans for further expansion.
Samu’s work supports Sierra Leone’s goal of boosting local agricultural production and reducing reliance on imports. EntoTech’s mission promotes a circular economy, where waste is repurposed rather than discarded, thus enhancing soil health and providing alternative protein sources for livestock and aquaculture.
With a strong academic background in agronomy, Samu holds a bachelor’s degree from Njala University and a master’s degree in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems from institutions in Spain and Italy. He also lectures at Milton Margai Technical University.
Samu’s achievements were previously recognised in 2025 when EntoTech won the President Bio Innovation Award, securing a $30,000 grant to support its initiatives.
The MITA event, organised by the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), aimed to showcase agricultural technologies and connect innovators with users and investors. The 2026 edition highlighted advancements in animal production and integrated crop systems. Samu’s recognition underscores the potential for Sierra Leone’s innovations in the agricultural sector, though the long-term impact will depend on wider implementation and sustained benefits for environmental management and agricultural productivity.
