CALL FOR YOUTH INNOVATORS: UNDP SIERRA LEONE LAUNCHES THE YOUTH MOBILE CIRCULARITY INNOVATION CHALLENGE

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Overview

                                                                                CALL FOR YOUTH INNOVATORS

                            UNDP SIERRA LEONE LAUNCHES THE YOUTH MOBILE CIRCULARITY INNOVATION CHALLENGE

 

Globally, used electronic devices  generation reached 62 million tonnes in 2022, and this is expected to rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030.  Yet less than 1% of the rare earth elements needed for modern technology are recovered from discarded mobile phones. This means valuable resources are being lost, while environmental and health risks continue to grow.

 

Here in Sierra Leone, the amount of  used or discarded electronic devices remains relatively low-about 0.5 kg per person-but the lack of clear systems for collection, transportation, reuse, and recycling is becoming a challenge, especially in urban cities like Freetown, where only 30% of waste is safely managed. Improper handling of old phones, solar batteries, and other devices can release harmful substances into our environment.

 

To turn this challenge into opportunity, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone, is launching the Youth Mobile Circularity Innovation Challenge  under the UNDP-Samsung global partnership  initiative in Sierra leone and Africa the “Youth for Circularity 2030”. This global partnership empowers young people to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by transforming mobile and electronic waste into green jobs, entrepreneurship pathways, and climate‑smart innovation.

 

Are You a Young Innovator that is Ready and Enthusiastic  to Lead this Change?

UNDP Sierra Leone  invites youth‑led entities – including MSMEs, student teams, youth cooperatives, youth associations, and other organized youth groups – to submit Concept Notes for bold, creative ideas that advance mobile circularity in Sierra Leone.

Your idea may focus on:

• Collection, repair, refurbishment, reuse, or recycling of mobile devices
• Safe handling and processing of end‑of‑life mobile devices and components
• Recovery of valuable materials using safe, environmentally responsible methods
• Awareness, behaviour change, and community engagement on responsible device use and disposal
• Enterprise, cooperative, or digital models that support circular innovation

 

Projects should show potential for environmental impact, youth employment, local value creation, and scalability.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your Concept Note using the official template available on the UNDP Sierra Leone website:

https://www.undp.org/sierra-leone

Deadline: 13th March 2026 at 5:00 pm (WAT). Late submissions will not be assessed

Submit electronically to: [email protected]

 

All enquiries should be directed to: Leonard Francis Vibbi, Innovation and Digital Transformation Lead, UNDP Sierra Leone

E-mail: [email protected] . Responses will be posted on the competition webpage.

Be part of the movement.

Turn old mobile devices into new opportunities.

Lead Sierra Leone’s circular future.