The 3rd Kono District Youth Empowerment Summit was successfully held on Saturday, 15th November 2025, bringing together young people, community stakeholders, development actors, and young leaders to address key issues affecting youth in Kono District and Sierra Leone at large.
The summit attracted over 150 delegates, with strong representation from schools, youth-led organizations, and community groups across the district. With powerful keynote presentations, a highly engaging panel discussion on the rising abuse of Kush drug, interactive sessions, and open dialogue, the summit created a platform for learning, inspiration, and action.
The event also showcased the growing impact of Young Access Hub through its ongoing projects — ICT Skills Training Project, Annual Kono District Youth Empowerment Summit, and the EmpowerYouth Challenge Project.
Despite challenges related to limited sponsorship and tight timelines, the summit achieved its objectives and set the tone for an expanded, multi-day 4th edition in 2026.
The leaders and changemakers who took the stage in 2025.
Innovator | Applied Entomologist
Applied entomologist and founder of Entotech Innovations. 2025 winner of President Bio's Big Five Investment Innovation Award. Erasmus Mundus graduate and Mandela Washington Fellow.
Mayor — Koidu New Sembehun City Council
Historic two-term mayor serving 169,000+ residents since 2018. Holds advanced degrees in Business Administration and Economics, championing youth empowerment and community transformation.
Innovator and Entrepreneur
Co-founder of Auto-Smart Irrigation & Energy Company Ltd and award-winning innovator. Winner of President Bio's 2024 Innovation Award ($30,000), transforming agriculture through climate-smart technology.
Honourable Member of Parliament
First woman elected to represent Kono District in Parliament (2018, 2023). Chairperson for the Labour Committee in Parliament, championing women's empowerment and youth participation.
Entrepreneur | Gemmologist | Business Consultant
CEO of Legacy Group of Companies with global business reach from Asia to Europe. Master's in Gemology, passionate mentor for young entrepreneurs.
Mohamed Samu opened the day with a powerful address on innovation, resilience, and the role of young people in shaping Sierra Leone's future.
A deep-dive panel on climate-smart agriculture and youth-led innovation, exploring how technology can transform livelihoods in Kono District.
Mayor Komba Sam and Hon. Rebecca Yei Sam shared their journeys in public service and urged young people to participate in civic life.
Tamba Songu Mbriwa led an interactive masterclass on building businesses with global reach, drawing from his own journey from Kono to the world stage.
Structured networking sessions gave attendees the chance to connect with speakers and peers, forging relationships and mentorships that outlast the event.
A unifying close with collective commitments, a group photo, and the official summit pledge — sending 200+ young people home energised and ready to act.
16 moments that captured the energy and spirit of Summit 2025.
"Hearing from Mohamed Samu showed me that innovation is possible right here in Sierra Leone. I left the summit with a clear plan for what I want to build next."
"The summit made me feel seen. I connected with people who think like me, and I now have a mentor who is helping me take my business idea seriously."
"The passion and drive in that room was extraordinary. These young people are not waiting for opportunity — they are creating it. YAH is doing essential work."
The story continues. Join us for the 4th Annual YAH Youth Summit.