The 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates
presents
the Big 5 Innovation
Investment Challenge
January 20 – February 21 2025
About the Big 5 Innovation Investment Challenge
The 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates presents the Big 5 Innovation Investment Challenge, designed to identify and support innovative solutions that align with Sierra Leone’s national development objectives. Building on last year’s focus on the Agriculture Innovation Challenge, this year’s challenge will focus on innovations within the Big Five Game Changers: Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment, Technology and Infrastructure, and Transforming Public Service. This challenge aims to empower innovators and entrepreneurs to create solutions that address national priorities, playing a key role in Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to leverage technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship for sustainable growth.
The challenge directly supports key national frameworks, including the National Digital Development Policy (NDDP) and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP). Through this program, Sierra Leone seeks to enhance digital literacy, promote the adoption of emerging technologies, and build the capacity of innovators. It also promotes partnerships with the private sector to ensure the scalability, commercial viability, and impact of the solutions developed.
Processes
Involved
in the
Challenge
Step 1 - Call for Applications
The application process will open on 20th January 2025 and close on 21st February 2025. All interested innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through the official platform https://mocti.gov.sl/
Step 2 - Regional Shortlisting ( February)
Once applications are received, they will undergo a regional shortlisting process to ensure fair representation from all five regions of Sierra Leone. A total of 100 innovative solutions will be shortlisted, with at least one solution from each district in every region.
This phase guarantees inclusivity across regions and priority areas. Shortlisted applicants will progress to the next stage based on the feasibility and investment viability of their solutions.
Step 3 - Bootcamp (March)
The 100 shortlisted participants will be invited to attend a comprehensive 5-day Bootcamp in Freetown. This intensive training program will cover critical areas such as:
- Pitching and presentation techniques
- Business growth and model development
- Financial management and digital marketing
- Cybersecurity and customer relationship management
Step 4 - Regional Competition(March - April)
At the end of the Bootcamp, participants will compete in regional competitions, where 25 solutions will be selected to advance to the semi-finals. The regional competitions will assess the scalability, practicality, and overall impact of each solution. The top 5 solutions from each region, representing the five priority areas, will proceed to the next stage.
Step 5 - Semi-Finals (April)
The 25 regional finalists will present their solutions at the semi-final stage to a panel of judges. Solutions will be evaluated based on their feasibility, investment readiness, scalability, and alignment with national policies.
Step 6 Final Showcase at the Sierra Leone Innovates: Digital Government Summit in May 2025
The top 5 solutions will be showcased at the Sierra Leone Innovates: Digital Government Summit 2025, where they will compete for national recognition and investment opportunities. Solutions will be judged on their innovation, practicality, social impact, and business viability. The winners will win exciting prizes to scale their solutions and transform them into sustainable businesses.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to all innovators, entrepreneurs, and teams within and out of Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean Innovators and entrepreneurs with established businesses operating within the country who are working on solutions that align with the Big Five priorities. The program promotes inclusivity, encouraging applications from, Women, Persons with Disabilities, and Youth.
Call for Applications: 20th January 2025
Closing Date for Applications: 21st February 2025
Please note: Applications must be submitted by the closing date to be considered for participation in the regional shortlisting and subsequent stages.
Key Areas of Focus
The Innovation Series is structured around the Big Five priorities, which are aligned with the government’s Big 5 Agenda as described in the Medium Term National Development Plan 2024 – 2030:
Feed Salone: Solutions addressing food security, agricultural transformation, and sustainable farming practices.
Human Capital Development: Innovations focusing on education, skills development, and health.
Youth Employment: Solutions that create job opportunities and promote entrepreneurship among the youth.
Technology and Infrastructure: Innovations related to improving digital infrastructure, connectivity, and technology adoption.
Transforming Public Service: Solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery through innovation.
fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the National Innovation Investment Challenge?
The application process will open on 20th January 2025 and close on 21st February 2025. All interested innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through the official platform https://mocti.gov.sl/
What are the Big Five priorities of the challenge?
These are the five key areas of focus for the challenge:
- Feed Salone: Finding solutions to improve food security and farming.
- Human Capital Development: Creating ideas that improve education, healthcare, and skills.
- Youth Employment: Generating job opportunities and encouraging young people to create businesses.
- Technology and Infrastructure: Improving technology and digital networks to connect people and businesses.
- Transforming Public Service: Using innovation to make government services work better for people.
Who can apply for the investment challenge?
Anyone with an existing, market-ready innovative solution in Sierra Leone can apply, including individuals and teams. We are specifically looking for Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that have already been developed and demonstrate potential for scalability. We also highly encourage women, young people, and individuals with disabilities to participate.
What’s an MVP?
A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is your working solution that’s ready for testing. If you’ve got a product that works and shows results, you’re ready!
When can I apply?
Applications are open from 20th January 2025 to 21st February 2025.
What happens after I submit my application?
After you apply, your solution will go through a process of being shortlisted by region. 100 solutions will be selected from all five regions of Sierra Leone to move forward to the next round.
What is a Bootcamp?
If you’re selected, you will be invited to a Bootcamp in Bo. It is a 5-day training program where you’ll learn important skills like how to present your solution, financial management, market your solution, and protect your business online.
What is the Regional Competition?
At the end of the Bootcamp, you’ll compete in regional events. The best 25 ideas from across the regions will move on to the next round, where they will be judged on how practical, impactful and investment-ready they are.
How are solutions evaluated?
Each solution will be judged based on certain criteria such as economic feasibility, acceleration opportunities, scalability potential, market share and alignment with the government’s development priorities.
What is the Final Showcase?
The top 5 solutions will compete at the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates: Digital Government Summit for a chance to win investment, gain national recognition, and get partnership opportunities.
What are the prizes?
The winning businesses will receive investment capital to help them grow and scale their businesses.
Can teams apply?
Yes! Teams of innovators and entrepreneurs are welcome to apply. You can apply as an individual or as part of a group working on a solution.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 21st February 2025. Be sure to apply by this date to be considered for the next stages of the challenge.
How many winners will there be?
There will be (5) five finalists in total, one representing each of the Big Five priorities.
What happens if I’m selected as a finalist?
Five finalists will present their solutions to a panel of judges and high-profile investors at the Sierra Leone Digital Government Summit. This is a major opportunity for national recognition and attracting investment for your solution.
What kind of support will the winners get?
Winners will receive investment funding, mentorship opportunities, and other resources to help scale their solutions and turn them into sustainable businesses. They will also gain national visibility and the opportunity to partner with investors and other organizations.
What if my solution is not selected in the regional shortlisting?
Even if your idea is not selected, participating in the challenge will provide exposure, networking opportunities, and skills development. You’ll also receive feedback that can help improve your solution for future opportunities.
Is there any cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to apply or participate in the challenge. The Bootcamp, competitions, and other activities are free for all shortlisted participants.
Will there be support for those with disabilities?
Yes, the National Innovation Investment Challenge is committed to being inclusive. The team will guide individuals with disabilities through the application process should they encounter any challenges.
Will unsuccessful applicants be informed about the status of their application after the selection process?
Yes, all applicants will be informed of the outcome after the selection process.
Can applicants reapply if they participated in the agriculture innovation challenge last year?
Yes, but those who reached the top five in last year’s Agriculture Innovation Challenge are not eligible.
Can applicants apply to multiple challenge tracks?
Yes, applicants may apply to multiple Big Five Game Changer pillars, but each application must present a unique solution.