From Freetown to Africa’s big stage three young innovators turn vision into victory with the $15,000 TEF boost
By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
(232news) –
Sierra Leone is celebrating a moment of pride and promise as three of its emerging entrepreneurs blaze a trail across the continent. Standing tall among 3,200 selected innovators from every corner of Africa, they have secured coveted spots in the 2026 cohort of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme, the continent’s most prestigious platform for business growth and empowerment.
Now in its 12th edition, the TEF Programme continues to redefine Africa’s economic future fueling dreams with start-up capital, lifelong mentorship, and access to a powerful network of business leaders. This year, the spotlight shines bright on three Sierra Leonean change-makers:
* Karim Kamara – Agriculture & Agribusiness
* Mattu Kaillie – Health & Health Technology
* Theophilipa Bangura – Education & Training
Together, they have unlocked $15,000 in seed funding, business coaching, and pan-African networking opportunities designed to scale their ventures from local ambition to continental success. Notably, two of the winners are women underlining the rising tide of female leadership driving Sierra Leone’s next wave of innovation.
Across Africa, this year’s edition drew hundreds of thousands of applicants. Only a select 3,200 made the cut, representing the continent’s most visionary entrepreneurs. Among them:
* 51% women and 49% men, a landmark for gender parity.
* 75% aged between 18 and 35, a testament to Africa’s youthful energy.
13 entrepreneurs living with disabilities and 30% from rural communities underscoring inclusivity at the heart of the TEF mission.
Businesses span diverse sectors, from agriculture and food processing to ICT, artificial intelligence, and creative industries—infusing Africa’s economy with a balance of tradition and modern innovation.
Addressing the new cohort, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, Founder and Chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, charged the entrepreneurs to own their role as Africa’s future builders:
“I believe that no one but Africans will develop Africa. The future of our continent lies in the hands of young men and women like you. It’s time to act, innovate, and lead.”
For Sierra Leone, the achievement of Karim, Mattu, and Theophilipa is more than an individual victory—it is a collective milestone that reaffirms the nation’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity, enterprise, and resilience. Their success signals a powerful message: Sierra Leone’s youth are ready not just to participate in Africa’s growth story, but to lead it.
As the nation applauds its three stars, the glow of this achievement illuminates a broader truth across farms, clinics, and classrooms, Sierra Leone’s next generation of entrepreneurs are turning their ideas into instruments of transformation.
