By Temitope Egunjobi
Freetown, 13th July 2026- The Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with UNDP through its Pan-African Timbuktoo initiative and the University of Sierra Leone, has officially launched UniPod Salone, a fully equipped innovation hub, at Fourah Bay College.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the President, Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Sengeh said the core purpose of the space is to drive a fundamental mind shift for students, entrepreneurs, and all Sierra Leoneans.
He explains that the Unipod Salone is meant to provide a solution to problems, and implored that all activities done inside the building should be done with that in mind.
The Chief Minister added that access to technology is no longer the main barrier and that Sierra Leone does not have a connectivity problem. He said that the issues it is facing have to do with mindset, collaboration, and how people leverage the platforms that the government and its partners have provided.
The Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, Associate Professor Andrew CM Baio who opened the program, called the launch a “historic and momentous occasion.” He said the UniPod is far more than a building with computers and 3D printers and is designed as a step in building a full innovation ecosystem.
UNDP Resident Representative Frederick Ampiah said the UniPod was conceived under UNDP’s Pan African Timbuktoo initiative. He noted the initiative has “a broad and ambitious vision” to raise funds and opportunities for African youth.
The Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation Salima Bah said the hub will play a key role in the national innovation ecosystem. She added that it is a long-term investment and promised that intellectual property developed at the UniPod will be protected.
The CEO of Africell also announced that students will access the center using a specialized card and that free WiFi will be provided to support learning and innovation.
The launch brought together Government personnel, UNDP officials, Fourah Bay College management and students. The national innovation hub will provide students and young entrepreneurs with prototyping facilities, mentorship, and investments for their projects.
