Sierra Leone’s Next Generation of Creative Entrepreneurs

Blog Sierra Leone’s Next Generation of Creative Entrepreneurs

With 60% of its population under the age of 25, Africa is rapidly becoming a hub of innovation amongst creative entrepreneurs.

Fueled by a dynamic pool of fresh minds equipped with digital skills and an unyielding determination to address local and global challenges, Africa’s young entrepreneurs are not only reshaping industries but also fostering economic growth and positioning the continent as a vital player in the global startup ecosystem.

"I see my journey as a blueprint to show others that with determination and hard work, they too can achieve their dreams" - Nito

In Sierra Leone, this entrepreneurial revolution is gathering momentum, powered by ambitious youth striving to transform their nation. Across the country, young innovators are channeling their energy and creativity to spark growth in diverse sectors, from technology to fashion, agriculture, and the arts. Their efforts are not just reshaping the economy but also redefining the nation’s identity.

Sierra Leonean Photographer - Hassan "Nito" Bangura
One standout figure in Sierra Leone's entrepreneurial landscape is Hassan Bangura, founder of Nito Photography a pioneer in the redefinition of wedding and portrait photography in Sierra Leone. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after photographer is a testament to his dedication and passion for the craft. Bangura's work is characterized by a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, capturing the essence of his subjects with authenticity and artistry.

Through his studio, Bangura has redefined creativity, blending artistic expression with entrepreneurial acumen. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “My success has expanded my vision beyond personal achievements; it has ignited a passion to inspire and empower young people. I see my journey as a blueprint to show others that with determination and hard work, they too can achieve their dreams. By integrating mentorship and training into my work, I aim to create opportunities for young people to explore their creative talents, particularly in photography, technology, and communications. My long-term goal is to establish platforms where youth can learn, collaborate, and thrive, contributing to Sierra Leone’s development in meaningful ways.”

"There’s immense energy, creativity, and drive among Sierra Leonean youth " - Ibrahim Hamid Koroma (WiZIK)

The entrepreneurial spirit among Sierra Leone’s youth is visibly reshaping the nation & economy, with startups driving innovation and economic growth. Young entrepreneurs are venturing into diverse fields such as technology, agriculture, and fashion, leveraging creativity and resilience to address local challenges. With a renewed sense of purpose and an infectious energy driving change, there’s a noticeable resurgence of hope, optimism, and vitality among the youth population. Ibrahim Hamid Koroma, popularly known as Wizik, is an exciting young filmmaker and cinematographer who has thrived in the arts sector.  Koroma’s journey into filmmaking began in 2016, driven by an innate curiosity and relentless self-education through online resources like YouTube.

 

Kolonko - an experimental film by WiZIK (2024)

 

Koroma shares insights on how the youth have boosted the nation’s progress. “If I’m being brutally honest, I would say our contributions, when examined from an outside perspective, might seem slow or minimal. We are still in the foundational stage of development, and there’s not yet much tangible progress to showcase. However, from within, a lot is happening. There’s immense energy, creativity, and drive among Sierra Leonean youth, and while it may not yet be evident externally, the groundwork being laid is significant. What makes me truly optimistic is that we, the youth, are not backing down. Despite challenges, we are tirelessly working toward greatness, striving to create opportunities, and positioning ourselves as mentors and motivators for the next generation. This effort is about more than personal success; it’s about ensuring the next wave of youth has something solid to build upon.”

The youth in Sierra Leone are driven by a hunger for recovery. They are leading a significant transformation, leveraging their entrepreneurial drive to innovate, uplift industries, and revitalize the nation’s economy. They embody the potential of a generation determined to build a brighter future. Through their tenacity and vision, young creatives like Koroma and Bangura are not only inspiring their peers but also position Sierra Leone as a rising force in Africa’s dynamic creative entrepreneurial landscape.

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Zainab Kanu

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