Three students from Fourah Bay College have been recognised for developing technology-driven ideas aimed at addressing societal challenges in Sierra Leone, following the 2026 Tech for Good Innovation Challenge.
The competition, organised by the Africell Impact Foundation in partnership with the Oxford University Africa Society and Fourah Bay College (FBC), seeks to encourage young people to use technology to develop practical solutions to social and development challenges.
Leon Lollyn Arnold Grovesnor, an Economics student at FBC, emerged as the overall winner. Michael Mahungbe Blango and Yeaniva Agnes Lansana were named finalists.
The initiative was launched under the 2026 Innovation Seed Fund at the annual Oxford Africa Conference, providing a platform for FBC students and recent graduates to present ideas with the potential to contribute to development in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
Ten students initially submitted proposals, which were assessed before three finalists were selected to present their ideas to the Oxford University Africa Society.
Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the winners, Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Shadi Gerjawi said the priority was to help transform the ideas into practical products and services.
He said the company was willing to support young people with innovative ideas and an interest in technology, adding that the challenge should not end with the selection of winners.
Mr. Gerjawi also expressed hope that a second edition would be organised, with more universities invited to participate.
Fourah Bay College Deputy Registrar Brima Bah described the achievement as a significant moment for the institution, which is preparing to mark its bicentenary.
He thanked the Africell Impact Foundation and the Oxford University Africa Society for giving students the opportunity to showcase their ideas.
Mr. Bah said the participation of ten students and the selection of three finalists demonstrated the potential of young people at the university.
The overall winner, Mr Grovesnor, said the recognition had increased his confidence and expanded his understanding of innovation.
He praised Africell for providing an opportunity to present his idea to the Oxford University Africa Society without travelling to the United Kingdom.
His project, Eco Corpor, is a digital platform designed to allow members of the public to trade recyclable materials. It aims to encourage recycling and promote more sustainable waste management practices.
The challenge comes amid growing interest in the role of technology and innovation in addressing development challenges, particularly through partnerships between universities, businesses and international organisations.
For Sierra Leone, initiatives of this kind could provide young innovators with opportunities to move beyond developing ideas to creating solutions that respond to practical needs in their communities.
