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Sierra Leonean innovator Oswald Abioseh Dundas has developed a sustainable energy solution that generates electricity using just salt water.
His invention, Water Light Technology, has earned him a spot as a West African finalist in the prestigious Startup World Cup, where he will compete for a $1 million investment prize in Silicon Valley this October.
Dundas, 34, founder of Oswald Tech Company Ltd., emerged victorious among 30 startups at the Startup World Cup Semi-Finals in Sierra Leone, hosted by the Ministry of Communication Technology and Innovation and the FeliCity Project. His innovation stood out for its potential to address the country’s severe electricity crisis, where only 27.5% of the population—and a mere 4.9% in rural areas—have reliable access to power.
Developed in 2018, the technology harnesses the conductive properties of saltwater to produce light, offering up to 600 hours of illumination from just seawater or a simple saltwater mixture. Unlike traditional power sources, it provides a clean, affordable, and accessible alternative for off-grid communities.
“Because of the huge impact of our solution, we have the confidence that it is viable. It tackles a problem that affects our daily lives,” Dundas said.
Dundas’s drive stems from a traumatic experience when his son fell ill during a blackout, leaving him helpless without light. “No parent should have to go through this,” he shared. This moment fueled his determination to create accessible energy solutions.
Innovation runs in his family—his grandfather, Alphus Dundas, pioneered Sierra Leone’s first eco-friendly charcoal stove in 1985. Oswald’s journey began in 2012 after watching Pacific Rim, inspiring him to build Sierra Leone’s first robot, Dot. Nasa, from scrap materials.
On October 17, 2025, Dundas will compete at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, marking the first time a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur reaches this level.
“I’m not only going for funding or investors. I’m going with the green, white, and blue flag,” he said, emphasizing his pride in showcasing Sierra Leone’s potential in global tech innovation.
A victory could attract investment to Sierra Leone’s startup ecosystem, inspire young innovators, and bring Dundas closer to his vision: light for every home.
