EMPOWERING SIERRA LEONE’S FUTURE: CEEI WELCOMES VISIONARY ADVISORS TO STRENGTHEN YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION

The Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEEI) at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, proudly announces the appointment of three distinguished advisors to its board: Mr. Sidi Saccoh, Madam Sunah Keili, and Dr. Yakama Manty Jones. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for entrepreneurship and innovation in Sierra Leone, signalling a new era of youth-driven transformation, strategic guidance, and global relevance.

The CEEI Mission: Empowering the Next Generation
Located at IPAM, the business arm of the University of Sierra Leone, CEEI is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurs and innovators, particularly among the youth. Through a blend of Entrepreneurship Weeks, boot camps, digital marketing training, and hackathons, CEEI provides practical tools, mentorship, and a launchpad for student-led ventures. Its involvement in the Erasmus+ SLEEK Project further demonstrates its commitment to modernizing entrepreneurial education and strengthening industry-academic linkages.

Meet the Advisors: Catalysts for Change

Sidi Saccoh: Building Ecosystems, Inspiring Growth
A seasoned operations and business strategy executive, Sidi Saccoh brings over a decade of experience spanning Africa, the Middle East, and the UK. His expertise in lean startup methodologies, investment facilitation, and program design has made him a trusted partner for organizations seeking sustainable growth. As a former student entrepreneur, Sidi’s journey resonates deeply with the mission of CEEI:
“As a former student entrepreneur, this was the kind of structure I had once wished for something that provided real tools, support, and guidance to help students build solutions and create jobs. Today, CEEI is doing just that… It’s quickly becoming a hub for practical learning and a launchpad for student-led ventures and skills development.”
Sidi’s leadership in bringing the Hult Prize to Sierra Leone and his global engagement as a tech ecosystem builder underscore his commitment to creating opportunities for young innovators.

Sunah Agnes Keili: Trailblazer in Youth Empowerment
Sunah Keili is a formidable force in business development, social advocacy, and youth entrepreneurship. As the founder of Skool Grind SL, she has revolutionized support for young entrepreneurs aged 13 to 25, bridging critical gaps in foundational support and incubation. Her accolades, including the African Innovation Prize and IVLP Fellowship, highlight her impact:
“CEEI is already proving to be that space. It is student-focused, practical and intentional. I am excited to serve… I will keep showing up wherever I can to make the path a little clearer, the systems a bit stronger, and the future more possible.”
Her advocacy for women’s empowerment and inclusive growth continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers.

Dr. Yakama Manty Jones: Champion of Portfolio Careers and Lifelong Learning
With four degrees in economics and finance, international consulting experience, and a passion for education, Dr. Yakama-Jones embodies the spirit of portfolio careers balancing roles in academia, consulting, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Her philosophy:
“With the right skills and knowledge mix, people would have more to offer in the job market and can tap into multiple opportunities. The long run impact would be more people employed, being productive and contributing to economic growth.”
Her leadership demonstrates how diverse skillsets and continuous learning are vital for national development and youth empowerment.

Sierra Leone’s Moment: Young Leaders at the Helm
The appointment of these advisors is more than a ceremonial gesture; it is a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s future. By placing young, talented leaders at the heart of entrepreneurship development, CEEI is:
• Bridging the skills gap with practical, hands-on programs.
• Fostering inclusive innovation by empowering women and marginalized groups.
• Creating ecosystems where student ventures can thrive and scale.
• Demonstrating resilience by adapting to global trends and local realities.
Global Perspective: Sierra Leone in the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Indexes
Globally, countries are measured by their entrepreneurial ecosystems through indexes like the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) and the Global Innovation Index (GII). These benchmarks assess factors such as startup skills, opportunity perception, technology absorption, and support infrastructure.
• Sierra Leone has historically ranked lower on these indexes, often due to challenges in access to finance, skills development, and institutional support.

CEEI’s model: focusing on youth, inclusion, and practical learning; directly addresses these gaps, positioning Sierra Leone to improve its standing and serve as a model for other developing nations. By nurturing young leaders and integrating global best practices, Sierra Leone is poised to climb the innovation ladder, attract investment, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s entrepreneurial renaissance.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Africa and Beyond
The CEEI at IPAM, under the guidance of its new advisors, is charting a bold course for Sierra Leone. By elevating young, visionary leaders, the Centre is not only strengthening its own programs but also setting a precedent for how African institutions can drive sustainable, inclusive growth through entrepreneurship and innovation.
As Dr. Yakama-Jones aptly notes:
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
With this spirit, Sierra Leone’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are shaping the present, building systems, and inspiring a nation.

Disclaimer & References
This article is based on information and insights gathered from previous interviews conducted by our Editorial team, as well as published profiles and features, including those from Ariana Diaries Blog and the official About pages of the advisors.

References include:
• Ariana Diaries Blog: “Sunah Agnes Keili: An Entrepreneurial Trailblazer to Watch in 2024”
• Ariana Diaries Blog: “Meet Yakama Manty Jones-A Young Leader, Inspiring Portfolio Careers”
• Official About page of Sidi Saccoh
• Global Innovation Index 2023; Global Entrepreneurship Index 2023

This is not a sponsored post. The content is intended solely to recognize and celebrate the outstanding talent, leadership, and support provided by the newly appointed advisors to the CEEI Board at IPAM. All views expressed are for informational and recognition purposes only.