LAUNCH OF INNOVATION SEED FUND: Africell x Oxford University x Fourah Bay College
The Africell Impact Foundation is partnering with the Oxford University Africa Society and Fourah Bay College (FBC), west Africa’s most historic university, to launch the ‘Tech for Good’ category of the 2026 Innovation Seed Fund: a competitive grant initiative at the heart of the annual Oxford Africa Conference.
For the first time, thanks to the Africell Impact Foundation’s sponsorship of the Tech for Good grant, applications in this category are open exclusively to Fourah Bay College students and recent graduates, giving Sierra Leone’s brightest young thinkers unique access to the University of Oxford: the world’s top-ranked university in 2026.
About the Oxford Africa Conference
The Oxford Africa Conference is one of the most prominent convenings on the African calendar. Hosted annually by the Oxford University Africa Society (AfriSoc), it brings together students, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and global leaders for rigorous discussion on Africa’s future and its most pressing challenges. Over the past decade, the Conference has played a formative role in shaping discourse on the continent’s development, spotlighting African leadership and innovation on a global stage. In 2025, the keynote speaker was His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
- Dates: 16-17 May, 2026
- Theme: Anchoring Africa: Grounded Leadership in the Age of Disruption
The 2026 Conference will explore how leadership rooted in evidence, community realities, and pragmatic decision-making can drive durable and meaningful progress across the continent, particularly amid growing global and regional disruption.
What Is the Innovation Seed Fund?
The Innovation Seed Fund (ISF) is a competitive grant initiative at the heart of the Oxford Africa Conference. It supports students and emerging leaders in turning high-potential ideas into real-world impact across research, entrepreneurship, and social enterprise.
For the first time, through the Africell Impact Foundation’s sponsorship of the Tech for Good grant, applications in this category are open exclusively to Fourah Bay College students and recent graduates.
This is a unique opportunity to develop your ideas, compete on a global platform, and receive funding and structured support to bring your project to life.
What’s on offer
Selected projects will receive:
- £5,000 in grant funding to implement the project over a 12-month period, with funds disbursed in installments as you reach predefined milestones.
- Dedicated project support from the Africell Impact Foundation and Africell Sierra Leone throughout the implementation period –– including access to resources, guidance, and critical feedback, delivered in close coordination with FBC.
- Travel and accommodation for three shortlisted finalists (one representative per team) to attend the Oxford Africa Conference and present their proposal in person, funded by the Africell Impact Foundation.*
- Global recognition, including the opportunity to present your ideas before an audience of policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from across the African continent and beyond.
*Subject to the successful issuance of requisite visas.
2026 conference themes
Applications may span a broad range of ideas; however, the strongest submissions will seek to engage with one or more of the Conference’s six thematic panels:
1 – Governance in Africa
Institutions, the rule of law, human security, democratic resilience, and investment in people through education and social development.
2 – Founders in Focus
Building, scaling, and financing businesses across Africa, from fintech and healthtech to entertainment and beauty.
3 – Sustainable Futures
Expanding energy access, scaling infrastructure for underserved communities, and leveraging renewable energy, climate innovation, and green finance.
4 – Arts, Media & Culture
Creative entrepreneurship, global cultural influence, and the infrastructure and financing needed to sustain Africa’s creative industries.
5 – Economic Development
New models of capital mobilization, including venture capital, development finance, and diaspora-led investment.
6 – Technology & Digital Transformation
Digital inclusion, homegrown innovation, AI, and the development of tech ecosystems that address African challenges while remaining globally competitive.
What We’re Looking For
Your proposal should demonstrate a clear and meaningful contribution to Africa’s prosperity and development. Strong applications will ideally:
- Center Sierra Leone, addressing locally relevant challenges and opportunities;
- Engage with one or more of the Conference’s thematic panels;
- Address issues relevant to the telecommunications sector, including (but not limited to) digital inclusion, connectivity infrastructure, mobile technologies, fintech, and the role of ICTs in enabling broader social and economic development.
Who Can Apply
- Nationality: You must be an African national.
- Student status: You must be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student, or a recent graduate (within one year of graduation) of Fourah Bay College.
- Team composition: You may apply individually or in a team of up to three members. All team members must meet the eligibility criteria.
How Applications Are Assessed
All submissions will be reviewed by an Africell judging panel, with support from the Conference organizing committee. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Three finalists will be shortlisted in advance of the Conference. Final selections will be made at the Conference by a judging panel comprising members of the Conference organizing committee, representatives from Oxford University Innovation, and category sponsor representatives.
Key Dates
- Application period: 3–30 March 2026
- Shortlist announcement: Three finalists selected
- Pitch preparation webinar: Date and time to be confirmed
- Conference presentations: 16–17 May, 2026
- Project implementation: 12 months from grant award, with milestone-based disbursements
Why Apply?
The Innovation Seed Fund is more than a grant. It is an opportunity to:
- Develop an idea from concept through to delivery, with structured support, accountability, and dedicated resources;
- Gain hands-on experience in project design, implementation, and execution;
- Present your work at one of Africa’s leading conferences, alongside peers from top global institutions;
- Engage with Africell’s professional network, building pathways to mentorship and future employment opportunities;
- Contribute directly to Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in technology and digital transformation.
This is your chance to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Don’t miss it.