From 3 to 5 December 2025, Aurora Foundation team joined partners, entrepreneurs, and change-makers at the 2025 Opportunity Salone Knowledge Sharing Event, hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with funding from the European Union, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown. The three-day event brought together national and international stakeholders committed to advancing inclusive, resilient, and employment-centred market systems in Sierra Leone.
The event welcomed twenty-six small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the cassava, vegetable, and palm oil value chains, alongside youth groups, women-led enterprises, persons with disabilities, and community stakeholders. Six businesses supported by Aurora Foundation were in attendance: Bokatala, Sierra Bo Gari, Come and See, Conteh Industries, Afro Palm Investment, and Bo Vegetable Enterprise.This diverse participation reflected a shared commitment to inclusive economic growth and meaningful collaboration.
Throughout the event, all twenty-six SMEs showcased their products and innovations through a runway-style presentation. Each enterprise demonstrated its unique value, creativity, and market potential, while engaging directly with potential investors and partners. Aurora Foundation, together with other accelerators such as Muzambringa and Innovation SL, participated in the business clinic, offering accelerator support and guidance to potential entrepreneurs throughout the three-day exhibition.
Panel discussions explored women’s leadership in agribusiness, sustainable climate-resilient practices, and SME participation in labour-based feeder road maintenance. Participants also benefited from business clinics, mentorship sessions, exhibitions, and an interactive leadership and enterprise session. Key topics included customer engagement, staff development, financial discipline, branding, and collaboration as drivers of long-term business growth.
A major highlight of the programme was the Dragons Den Challenge, which assessed SMEs on export readiness and market competitiveness. Nine enterprises advanced to national and ECOWAS regional markets and were awarded one year of technical support and mentorship to strengthen their growth and market positioning.
The closing ceremony recognized the contributions of government institutions, business support organizations, facilitators, and the Opportunity Salone project team, with special appreciation extended to the European Union for its sustained partnership. In celebration of excellence and impact, thirty-two Movers and Shakers Awards were presented across six categories: Luminary, Catalyst, Entrepreneurs Ally, Going the Extra Mile, Trailblazers, and Market Systems Awards, honoring exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to inclusive market systems in Sierra Leone.
