The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaboration with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Council (NSTIC), has reviewed progress on five nationally funded research and innovation projects supported by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACT), as the projects approach their final phase.

The review session, held at the Ministry, brought together senior officials, researchers and principal investigators to assess outcomes from projects implemented across universities and colleges in Sierra Leone over the past two years.

Opening the session, the Director of Science Education at MTHE, Fatmata Kaiwa, explained that the ACT grant was secured through NSTIC to support five research projects distributed across two main universities and other tertiary institutions, including a youth-led technology project. She noted that the initiative deliberately promoted youth participation in science and innovation, ensuring research is not limited to senior academics alone.

Kaiwa said the projects had already undergone an international evaluation by the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Accra and were now subject to a final local assessment ahead of a second AAU review. She added that the presentations were intended to give the Ministry direct insight into the progress, challenges and impact of the research.

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One of the key presentations focused on Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), a serious fungal lung infection often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB). Presenting the findings, Dr Darlinda Jiba reported that out of 400 patients assessed across several regional hospitals, 63 tested positive for aspergillosis. This means about 15.8 per cent of patients receiving TB treatment did not have TB but were suffering from CPA.

Dr Jiba explained that CPA shares symptoms with TB, leading to frequent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, which can increase mortality and expose patients to unnecessary drug side effects. The study also included training for healthcare workers to improve recognition of fungal infections, which are often overlooked in clinical practice. She highlighted major challenges, including limited access to chest X-ray services, power supply issues, and the high cost and limited availability of antifungal medication in the country.

Another presentation showcased an artificial intelligence–powered education platform designed to support learning in low-connectivity environments. Technical lead Emmanuel Kamanda explained that the project addresses limited internet access, language barriers and differences in learning pace among students. The AI platform offers personalised learning, offline functionality, exam preparation tools and gamified features, and has already been piloted in more than 20 schools. Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and development partners to scale up the initiative nationally.

The session also featured a clean-cooking innovation known as the Cook Quick Stove, presented by Engineer Sheriff Kamara. The improved stove design aims to reduce fuel consumption, improve safety and lower smoke emissions, while incorporating user feedback from rural and urban communities. Kamara said the project adopts a bottom-up approach, involving users in testing and refining the product to encourage acceptance and long-term use.

Responding to the presentations, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended the researchers for addressing real national problems through science, technology and innovation. She described the CPA findings as a strong case for in-service training and closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health, as well as advocacy at the continental level through Africa CDC.

On the Cook Quick Stove project, Dr Wurie praised its potential health, environmental and economic benefits, particularly for women who are most exposed to cooking smoke. She stressed the need to move beyond research towards commercialisation, innovation and industrialisation within universities, noting that the Ministry is working with partners, including UNESCO, to develop a national research and innovation policy.

Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr Josephus Brimah, described the presentations as timely and impactful, emphasising that research, teaching and community service must translate into practical solutions for national development.

The review concluded with renewed commitment from MTHE and NSTIC to support researchers in securing further funding, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that scientific evidence informs policy, practice and innovation in Sierra Leone.