Ten Agricultural Youth Groups Compete in NaYCoM’s Eastern Regional Innovation Challenge

In support of President Julius Maada Bio’s call to “feed Sierra Leone,” the National Youth Commission (NaYCoM) Eastern Region, with backing from its National Headquarters, has organized a one-day innovation-driven competition for Agricultural Youth Groups.

The event aimed to select regional winners who will represent the Eastern Region at the upcoming national finals later this year.

The competition took place at the NaYCoM Regional Headquarters in Kenema and brought together youth innovators, stakeholders, and senior commission officials, including Mr. Yusuf Kamara, Director of Research, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation; Mr. Mohamed Sesay, Regional Coordinator; and the Regional Administrative Officer, among others.

A total of ten Agricultural Youth Groups including women-led teams, men’s groups, and participants with physical disabilities qualified for the regional contest. Each group showcased technological innovations focused on fabricating value chain equipment for key crops such as cassava, palm oil, and vegetables.

Welcoming participants, Regional Coordinator Mohamed Sesay congratulated them for reaching the regional stage after a competitive screening process. He assured all teams that the judging process would be free and fair, emphasizing transparency.

“After today, the judges will compile and publicly display the results here. The winners will represent the Eastern Region in the national finals in Freetown,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Yusuf Kamara explained that the assessment would focus on innovation and originality, technical feasibility, economic viability, impact, and presentation skills.

“We’re looking for creativity, sustainability, and real community impact. The winning projects must demonstrate both technical and economic potential,” he stated.

He added that similar regional competitions will be held across the country, with top teams advancing to Freetown for the grand finale, where national winners will be crowned.

The event reaffirmed NaYCoM’s commitment to empowering young innovators in agriculture and promoting technological solutions that support Sierra Leone’s drive toward food self-sufficiency and youth empowerment.