Mallence

 

THE FREETOWN INNOVATION LAB

Freetown Innovation Lab was founded in the aftermath of the 2017 Mudslide, a natural disaster that killed many and left many homeless and orphaned. As a result we initially founded the Female Innovation Lab, to specifically train young women affected by the mudslide on how to build solar powered mobile phone charging stations.

At the FREETOWN INNOVATION LAB some of the greatest minds on the African continent and Sierra Leone come together to create innovations that provide solutions to common problems affecting the Africans.

The current team consist of 26 members, including the CEO, team leader, 5 innovators, 3 engineers, 2 designers, 10 waste collectors , 4 outreach ambassadors, with skills varying from engineering, entrepreneurship, design to recycling.

We believe that African problems should be solved by Africans. Therefore we focus on developing innovations on the continent that transform the lives of ordinary people.

 

PROBLEM

Plastic pollution in Sierra Leone causes loss of life and damage to the environment

SOLUTION

Collecting and recycling plastic waste and turning it into useful products or to develop hybrid power solution to provide electricity

INNOVATIONS

lili antena
helicopter
furni o tires
solar phone charging station
Freetown Innovation Lab is a youth-owned company that solves the challenges of waste management by recycling plastic waste into products of everyday use, such as TV antennae that provide excellent TV reception for low-income households. Units have been sold across Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. In addition to addressing waste management related challenges, this project also aims to ensure that people are able to access information, given that 70% of Sierra Leoneans are illiterate and rely on radio and TV as their main source of information. The company also develops energy solutions such as a hybrid power system of windmill & solar system for remote communities.
Mallence Bart - WilliamsCEO & Founder of Freetown Innovation Lab
Mallence Bart - Williams
A Sierra Leonean social entrepreneur with a BSc in Physics and an MPhil in Energy Studies, he champions a circular economy to tackle social issues by recycling and reusing plastic waste. His innovative solutions span construction materials, renewable energy, and green transportation. Recognized with numerous awards such as African Youth Icon of the Year and UNDP Youth Innovator of the Year, he has positively impacted over 50,000 low-income citizens. Currently, he leads the Tony Elumelu Foundation Hub in Sierra Leone.
Mohamed A KamaraCo-Founder & MD of Freetown Innovation Lab
Mohamed A Kamara

The lilli antenna

Using recycled materials like empty cans, old papers, and coils, Mohamed A. Kamara, Co-founder and Team Lead of the Freetown Innovation Lab, has built and installed over 1,000 Lili Antennae across homes, offices, and businesses in Freetown and beyond. This sustainable solution provides access to all Sierra Leonean TV channels without subscription fees.
The Lili Antenna is endorsed by ministers, celebrities, and low-income earners alike for its high-quality reception, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Affordable and Eco-Friendly
Priced at just Le 60,000, the Lili Antenna not only provides great TV reception but also supports environmental sustainability by recycling waste materials. It’s designed to make homes happier with better TV signals and to help Sierra Leoneans enjoy the Africa Cup of Nations.

Help Sierra Leoneans watch AFCON matches by purchasing and donating Lili Antennae to those in need, ensuring everyone enjoys top-quality TV entertainment.

GET INVOLVED