All Summits
3rd Annual Edition

YAH Youth Summit
2025

"Igniting possibilities in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship"

November 15, 2025
Fachima Complex Hall, Koidu City
150+ Attendees
150+ Young People
5 Guest Speakers
5 Sessions
1 Powerful Day
About This Summit

A Generation Rising Together

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.

YAH Youth Summit 2025 — attendees gathered at Fachima Complex Hall
The Voices

Featured Speakers

The leaders and changemakers who took the stage in 2025.

Mohamed Samu
Keynote

Mohamed Samu

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.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship
His Worship Mayor Komba Sam
Speaker

His Worship Mayor Komba Sam

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.

Youth Empowerment & Governance
Osman Yaah
Speaker

Osman Yaah

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.

Climate-Smart Agriculture
Rebecca Yei Sam
Speaker

Rebecca Yei Sam

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.

Women & Youth in Leadership
Tamba Songu Mbriwa
Speaker

Tamba Songu Mbriwa

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.

Global Business & Mentorship
The Programme

Day Highlights

Opening Keynote

Mohamed Samu opened the day with a powerful address on innovation, resilience, and the role of young people in shaping Sierra Leone's future.

Agriculture & Innovation Panel

A deep-dive panel on climate-smart agriculture and youth-led innovation, exploring how technology can transform livelihoods in Kono District.

Governance & Leadership Talk

Mayor Komba Sam and Hon. Rebecca Yei Sam shared their journeys in public service and urged young people to participate in civic life.

Entrepreneurship Masterclass

Tamba Songu Mbriwa led an interactive masterclass on building businesses with global reach, drawing from his own journey from Kono to the world stage.

Networking & Mentorship

Structured networking sessions gave attendees the chance to connect with speakers and peers, forging relationships and mentorships that outlast the event.

Closing Ceremony

A unifying close with collective commitments, a group photo, and the official summit pledge — sending 200+ young people home energised and ready to act.

In Pictures

Photo Gallery

16 moments that captured the energy and spirit of Summit 2025.

Voices

What Participants Said

"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."

Summit Participant Young Entrepreneur · Koidu City

"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."

Summit Participant University Student · Kono District

"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."

Guest Speaker Innovator & Entrepreneur · Sierra Leone
What's Next

Summit 2026 Is Coming

The story continues. Join us for the 4th Annual YAH Youth Summit.

Summit 2026 All Summits