Innovation Wins: MiBuks and Smart College Triumph at OSVP
By Benjamin S. Conteh
Friday | No. 1 Alpha Wurie Drive, Hill Station, Regent, Freetown
The air buzzed with excitement and promise on a vibrant Friday at the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) 2025 National Finals, hosted in the heart of Freetown. Held at No. 1 Alpha Wurie Drive in Hill Station, the event marked a significant celebration of youth innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and impactful ideas designed to tackle Sierra Leone’s most pressing challenges.
From a competitive field of eight bold and brilliant pitches, two outstanding ventures emerged as champions of purpose-driven innovation.
Edward Kamara, Founder of MiBuks, Crowned National Winner
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Edward Kamara, the visionary founder of MiBuks, who was named the 2025 OSVP National Prize Winner. Kamara took home the grand prize of NLe 200,000, in recognition of his groundbreaking work to transform access to education through technology.
MiBuks is a dynamic digital platform that makes textbooks and educational content readily available and affordable to students and underserved communities. In a country where access to quality educational materials remains a significant barrier, MiBuks is bridging the gap by placing knowledge directly in the hands of learners. With its user-friendly interface and expansive digital library, the platform is empowering a generation of students to reach their academic and professional goals.
Richlyn Kainekay Turay Wins Tech Queen Female Innovator Award
Equally inspiring was the recognition of Richlyn Kainekay Turay, founder of Smart College, who clinched the Tech Queen Female Innovator Award, along with a prize of NLe 120,000. Her initiative stands at the intersection of education and technology, reshaping how students access higher education and engage with career-building opportunities.
Smart College offers a tech-enabled platform that supports students with academic resources, career guidance, digital learning tools, and opportunities for growth in an increasingly digital world. Turay’s leadership is a beacon for young women in STEM and entrepreneurship, demonstrating that innovation knows no gender boundaries.
A Celebration of Sierra Leonean Ingenuity and Purpose
The OSVP 2025 National Finals was more than a competition it was a celebration of the ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that defined Sierra Leone’s youth. From digital agriculture platforms and health-tech solutions to climate-smart innovations, the event showcased a new wave of socially-conscious entrepreneurs committed to sustainable development.
These young innovators are not just solving problems they are building futures.
Gratitude to Partners, Supporters, and the Innovation Community
Orange Sierra Leone extends its deepest appreciation to all participants, mentors, judges, supporters, fans, and partners who played a role in this year’s success. Your dedication, time, and encouragement are what make initiatives like OSVP possible. As a proud sponsor and advocate for digital transformation, Orange Sierra Leone reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship and social innovation. We believe in the power of local solutions to drive national progress and we are here to champion those who dare to dream and do. Let’s continue to support and uplift Sierra Leone’s changemakers. Their journey has just begun and the future is bright. Together, we are building a smarter, stronger, and more innovative Sierra Leone.
