Sierra Leonean youth tackle e-waste with 17 innovations
17 youth-led teams presented solutions for electronic waste management at the Youth for Circularity 2030 Innovation Challenge.
17 youth-led teams presented innovative solutions to Sierra Leone's electronic waste problem on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The Youth for Circularity 2030 Innovation Challenge, held at the University Innovation Pod at Fourah Bay College, aimed to foster sustainable e-waste management and create economic opportunities for young people.
The event, organized by UNDP Sierra Leone, saw participation from government officials, academics, and development partners. UNDP Sierra Leone Country Representative Fredrick Ampiah encouraged innovations that contribute to community development, promising finalists laptops and devices to support their work. Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, highlighted the potential of discarded electronics as economic resources through recycling and reuse.
Winifred Doe of Female Innovation Lab showcased "Second Life Tech," an initiative empowering women to repurpose mobile phone components into educational materials and teaching recycling skills. The competition attracted 39 concept submissions, with 29 meeting eligibility requirements.
Why it mattersYoung innovators in Sierra Leone are developing solutions to manage electronic waste and create economic opportunities.