Orange Sierra Leone has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to empowering young people through innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, as eight outstanding finalists competed in the 7th Edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) 2026.

Held on 3 August 2026 at the Orange Digital Center in Freetown, the event brought together government representatives, development partners, entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and industry leaders to celebrate transformative ideas with the potential to address pressing social challenges and drive sustainable economic growth across Sierra Leone.

Hosted by Monica Jackson, the 2024 OSVP Tech Queen, the ceremony underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s vision of creating opportunities for young innovators to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

This year’s competition attracted an impressive 138 applications from across the country. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 38 projects were shortlisted, with eight exceptional finalists advancing to compete for the coveted Orange Innovation Awards.

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In her keynote address, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Madam Aïcha Touré, reaffirmed the company’s belief that innovation and technology remain powerful drivers of economic transformation.

“For seven consecutive years, Orange has invested in Sierra Leonean innovators, supporting ideas that have the potential to transform communities and improve lives,” she said. “As one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, we believe innovation is among the strongest drivers of economic growth. Our mission is to help young people turn their ideas into practical, scalable solutions that contribute to national development.”

Madam Touré highlighted the significant impact of the initiative since its launch in Sierra Leone in 2019. Over the years, the programme has attracted more than 1,000 applicants and provided financial and developmental support to numerous innovators. She emphasized that true innovation extends beyond creativity and requires determination, resilience, and a commitment to solving real-world challenges.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, commended Orange Sierra Leone for complementing national efforts to promote entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and youth empowerment.

“The future of Sierra Leone depends on innovation and technology,” he noted. “Initiatives such as the Orange Social Venture Prize are helping to create jobs, nurture talent, and support the Government’s development agenda. We encourage young innovators to seize these opportunities and develop solutions that positively impact society.”

Also speaking at the event, Hannah Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Coco Innovations Sierra Leone, praised Orange’s longstanding partnership with the country’s innovation ecosystem. She described the OSVP as more than just a competition, calling it a transformative platform that equips entrepreneurs with the confidence, visibility, and resources needed to scale their ideas and create meaningful change.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2026 winners, whose innovations reflect the creativity, talent, and problem-solving potential of Sierra Leone’s youth.

Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma, creator of MobiCare, emerged as the Grand Prize Winner, receiving NLe 200,000 for his groundbreaking digital healthcare solution. The mobile application enables users to quickly locate pharmacies where prescribed medications are available, helping patients access essential treatment more efficiently.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Koroma explained that the idea was inspired by the challenges many patients face when searching for medication.

“With MobiCare, users can easily search for medicines from home and identify where they are available, reducing delays and improving access to healthcare services,” he said.

Another standout winner was Fatmata Mariama Koroma, a medical student and Founder of MiFam, who secured NLe 120,000 to further develop her agricultural innovation. Driven by her passion for farming and food security, she expressed gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for providing a platform that empowers young entrepreneurs to transform their ambitions into impactful businesses.

As the curtain closed on the 7th Orange Social Venture Prize, one message resonated throughout the event: Sierra Leone’s future belongs to innovators. Through initiatives such as OSVP, Orange Sierra Leone continues to champion a new generation of entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology and creativity to address social challenges, create jobs, and accelerate sustainable development.

The success of this year’s finalists is a testament to Orange Sierra Leone’s enduring commitment to nurturing local talent and building an inclusive digital future, where young people are empowered to innovate, lead, and transform their communities for generations to come.