In the heart of Sierra Leone’s capital, something remarkable is happening – out of waste, a new kind of hope is being built.
This InnovImpact Incubator Demo Day, we’re proud to feature Freetown Innovation Lab, a team turning one of the city’s biggest challenges – plastic and construction waste – into a foundation for change.
The Vision: Trash for Cash, Homes for All
At first glance, waste may seem like a burden. But for Mohamed A. Kamara and the team behind Freetown Innovation Lab, it’s an opportunity – a resource to be reclaimed, revalued, and reinvested in community well-being.
Their Trash-for-Cash system works in partnership with slum communities to collect, sort, and purchase waste, which is then upcycled into:
- Eco-friendly construction materials
- Furniture and bins for schools and public spaces
- Affordable housing solutions for underserved communities
This is circular economy in action, designed by and for the people who need it most.
Real Numbers, Real Impact
Freetown Innovation Lab has already:
- Recycled 120 tons of waste
- Employed 17 full-time staff and 50+ community waste collectors
- Positively impacted over 5,000 beneficiaries across Sierra Leone
Their model not only improves sanitation and environmental outcomes – it creates jobs, boosts local economies, and addresses Sierra Leone’s growing housing crisis head-on.
What Sets Them Apart
While many talk about sustainability, Freetown Innovation Lab lives it – locally, tangibly, and inclusively. They don’t parachute in solutions; they co-create them with the very people affected.
“We collaborate with slum communities… and recycle the waste into products used in underserved communities, schools, and public spaces.”
Join us for the InnovImpact Incubator Demo Day to hear directly from Freetown Innovation Lab. See how one team is taking on waste – and building dignity, resilience, and opportunity in its place.
📅 Date: 12 July 2025
🕘 Time: 9 PM GMT+8
