Innovators Award
About the Award
This prestigious award, launched by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, startups, and institutions advancing Sierra Leone’s digital transformation through innovation.
Whether building digital public services, empowering youth with tech skills, or scaling social impact tech, this award is for the visionaries making change happen.
Key Objectives
- Recognize outstanding contributions to digital innovation in Sierra Leone.
- Inspire the next generation of innovators and digital leaders.
- Promote the adoption of innovative, tech-driven solutions across sectors.
- Showcase the role of digital innovation in achieving national development goals.
Honouring Innovation. Elevating Impact.
The Innovators Award is part of the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates: Digital Government Summit, spotlighting digital changemakers transforming public service, entrepreneurship, and lives across the nation.
Award Categories
Digital Solution of the Year
The 468 Results Checker built by the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation. It has been used 5+ million times by students nationwide.
Young Innovator of the Year
Public Sector Innovation Award
Bank of Sierra Leone – Over $20M in safe digital transactions through its switch and sandbox.
Tech Startup of the Year
Academic Institution in Tech
Limkokwing University – Championing tech talent in Sierra Leone.
Female Innovator of the Year
M’mah Zombo – A software engineering student already making waves.
Innovation Hub of the Year
Christex Foundation – equips Sierra Leone’s youth with global digital skills and promotes entrepreneurship.
Social Impact Tech Award
Easy STEM – Making science and tech more accessible to students everywhere.
Digital Skills Champion
Knowledge Network Solutions – Delivering hands-on digital skills to young people.
How It works
Call for Nominations
Open to the public – submit innovators using our nomination form.
Shortlisting by Judges
Open to the public – submit innovators using our nomination form.
Public Voting
Finalists’ profiles are displayed with voting enabled via OTP/email verification.
Award Ceremony
Winners are honored during the Digital Government Summit.
Eligibiity
Digital Solution of the Year
- Must be a functioning digital solution developed or deployed in Sierra Leone.
- Demonstrates tangible impact on public services or citizen engagement.
- Scalable and/or replicable in other contexts.
Young Innovator of the Year
- Individual must be between 18–30 years old at the time of nomination.
- Must have developed or led a digital innovation project.
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of Sierra Leone.
Public Sector Innovation Award
- Must be a registered government ministry, department, or agency.
- Must have successfully implemented a digital government initiative.
- Initiative must demonstrate improved service delivery or administrative
Tech Startup of the Year
- Startup must be less than 5 years old.
- Must be registered and operating in Sierra Leone.
- Demonstrates innovation, scalability, and commercial or social potential.
Academic Institution in Tech
- Must be a registered and recognized academic institution operating in Sierra Leone.
- Must have implemented technology-driven initiatives in education, research, or community impact within the last two years.
- Must demonstrate measurable contributions to advancing digital innovation and skills development in Sierra Leone.
Female Innovator of the Year
- Nominee must be a female tech leader or entrepreneur.
- Must have a proven record of contribution to digital innovation.
- Preference given to those promoting women’s participation in tech.
Innovation Hub of the Year
- Must be a registered innovation hub, co-working space, or incubator.
- Demonstrates contribution to digital skills development and entrepreneurship.
- Must be actively operational in Sierra Leone.
Social Impact Tech Award
- Solution must address a social issue (e.g., education, healthcare, climate, etc.).
- Must show clear evidence of community impact.
- Can be implemented by an individual, NGO, or company.
Digital Skills Champion
- Individual or organization must lead digital training or literacy programs.
- Must demonstrate clear results in upskilling youth or underserved communities.
- Must operate in Sierra Leone or in direct partnership with local institutions.
Innovation is at the heart of our national progress. Through this award, we celebrate the people and ideas driving a smarter, more inclusive Sierra Leone.