The Africell Impact Foundation, in collaboration 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 while fostering opportunities for young innovators in Sierra Leone.
Launched at the annual Oxford Africa Conference under the 2026 Innovation Seed Fund, the initiative 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.
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, making them practical solutions for society. 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. He revealed plans for a second Tech for Good Challenge, aiming to include additional universities to broaden its reach.
Brima Bah, Deputy Registrar of Fourah Bay College, noted the recognition as a proud moment for the institution, especially as it approaches its bicentenary celebrations. 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.
His 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.
