24/02/2026
3rd Edition of the CEEI Incubation Programme 2026
The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) – Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEEI) is pleased to announce the commencement of the 3rd Edition of the CEEI Incubation Programme 2026, marking three consecutive years of implementing a structured entrepreneurship support programme for student-led startups.
Since its inception, the incubation programme has served as a practical platform for developing entrepreneurial capacity among students of the University of Sierra Leone. The initiative was established to promote innovation, encourage enterprise development, and support students in transforming business ideas into viable ventures. Over the past three years, the programme has contributed significantly to strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem within the institution.
The 2026 incubation cohort consists of 17 selected student entrepreneurs representing a range of sectors including fashion, technology, agriculture, services, and other emerging industries. The selected participants demonstrated strong business potential and commitment during the selection process and will undergo a structured incubation process designed to support the growth and development of their enterprises.
The incubation programme will run for a period of twelve (12) weeks, providing participants with structured training and business development support. Programme activities include entrepreneurship training workshops, mentorship sessions, business model development, financial planning, market validation, and pitch preparation.
Training sessions will be delivered through both in-person and online formats, where student entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to engage with industry-experienced mentors and programme facilitators, receiving practical guidance to strengthen their business ideas and operations.
The implementation of the incubation programme continues to benefit from the support of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), whose grant funding received in 2024 strengthened the operational capacity of the Centre and enhanced programme delivery. This support has enabled CEEI to expand its incubation activities and improve access to technical guidance and mentorship opportunities for student entrepreneurs.
The 3rd Edition of the CEEI Incubation Programme represents an important milestone in the Centre’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship at IPAM. The programme continues to provide a structured pathway for student entrepreneurs to develop sustainable ventures and contribute to economic development in Sierra Leone.
The 2026 cohort is expected to complete the incubation cycle with improved business models, validated market opportunities, and strengthened entrepreneurial competencies necessary for business growth and sustainability.
Mimi Cee Em Prof. Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project SLEEK - Sierra Leone Joyce Abigail Coulson-Olowu William Conteh Blossom Onike Decker