The Freetown Innovation Week was a three-day event held from the 16th – the 18th of May 2023 at the Empower Africa office at the FCC Building in Freetown. The event aimed to foster innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. It provided a platform for networking, showcasing innovative ideas and startups, and offering valuable training and mentorship opportunities. The event encompassed various activities such as keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and a startup pitch competition.
During the semi-finals of the startup pitch competition, Mavis, Aurora’s Programme Manager, served as one of the judges. The competition showcased promising startups and their innovative business ideas, allowing them to gain exposure and secure potential investments. One of the competition’s winners, Franklyn Momoh, received sponsorship from Mercury. Franklyn Momoh’s business, as described on the Freetown Innovation Week website: ,,Franklyn Momoh is the CEO of BeenFrank, and is passionate about creating unique clothing from old thrift garments. The desire to make unique and sustainable clothing made him start his fashion label. BeenFrank is a fashion label that offers Sierra Leoneans distinctive and sustainable clothing that resonates with their values and helps to mitigate climate issues. ”
Aurora Foundation proudly sponsored the first Freetown Innovation Week and is committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.
