By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – February 2, 2026: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaboration with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Council (NSTIC), has reviewed progress on five nationally funded research and innovation projects supported by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACT), as the initiatives near completion.
The review session, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, brought together senior officials, researchers, and principal investigators to assess outcomes from projects implemented across universities and colleges in Sierra Leone over the past two years.
Opening the session, Director of Science Education at MTHE, Fatmata Kaiwa, explained that the ACT grant was secured through NSTIC to support five projects distributed across two major universities and other tertiary institutions, including a youth-led technology initiative. She emphasized that the program deliberately promoted youth participation in science and innovation, ensuring research was not confined to senior academics alone.
Kaiwa noted that the projects had already undergone international evaluation by the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Accra and were now subject to a final local assessment ahead of a second AAU review. The presentations, she said, were intended to give the Ministry direct insight into progress, challenges, and impact.
Key Research Highlights
Dr. Darlinda Jiba presented findings on CPA, a serious fungal lung infection often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB). Out of 400 patients assessed across regional hospitals, 63 tested positive for aspergillosis—representing 15.8 percent of patients receiving TB treatment. Jiba warned that misdiagnosis leads to inappropriate treatment, higher mortality, and unnecessary drug side effects. The study also trained healthcare workers to better recognize fungal infections, though challenges remain with limited chest X-ray access, power supply issues, and the high cost of antifungal medication.
Technical lead Emmanuel Kamanda showcased an artificial intelligence learning platform designed for low-connectivity environments. The system offers personalized learning, offline functionality, exam preparation tools, and gamified features. Piloted in more than 20 schools, discussions are underway with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and development partners to scale the initiative nationally.
Engineer Sheriff Kamara presented the Cook Quick Stove, an improved clean-cooking design aimed at reducing fuel consumption, improving safety, and lowering smoke emissions. Developed with user feedback from rural and urban communities, the stove adopts a bottom-up approach to encourage acceptance and long-term use.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended the researchers for tackling real national challenges through science, technology, and innovation. She described the CPA findings as a strong case for in-service training and closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health, as well as advocacy at continental level through Africa CDC.
On the Cook Quick Stove project, Dr. Wurie praised its potential health, environmental, and economic benefits, particularly for women most exposed to cooking smoke. She stressed the need to move beyond research into commercialization and industrialization, noting that the Ministry is working with partners, including UNESCO, to develop a national research and innovation policy.
Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr. Josephus Brimah, described the presentations as timely and impactful, emphasizing that research, teaching, and community service must translate into practical solutions for national development.
The review concluded with renewed commitment from MTHE and NSTIC to support researchers in securing further funding, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that scientific evidence informs policy, practice, and innovation in Sierra Leone.