By Mohamed Lamin Banya
The Director of Climate Change at the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), Ing. Fuad Yusuf-Bangura, has called on young innovators and entrepreneurs to see climate change as an opportunity for economic growth rather than only an environmental challenge.
He made the statement on 4 June 2026 during Freetown Innovation Week at Hill Station, speaking under the sub-theme “Climate Innovation and Sustainable Cities.”
Ing. Yusuf-Bangura said climate change should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of environmental risk, but also as a platform for investment, innovation, and job creation.
He cited recurrent flooding in Freetown as an opportunity for developing flood prediction systems, drainage monitoring tools, and climate risk technologies. He also highlighted waste management as a potential sector for recycling and circular economy enterprises, while renewable energy gaps could be addressed through solar mini-grids and clean energy investments.
The Director noted that Sierra Leone is well-positioned to benefit from the global green economy, pointing to its renewable energy potential, expanding digital infrastructure, and youthful population.
He further emphasized that climate resilience and economic development are interconnected and should be treated as a single agenda.
To unlock these opportunities, he outlined priorities including strengthening climate innovation ecosystems, expanding access to green finance, digitising urban systems, and building skills for green jobs.
Ing. Yusuf-Bangura concluded by urging a shift in mindset, saying climate action should be seen as an investment opportunity capable of driving innovation, employment, and inclusive growth.
