By MillicentSenava Mannah
Organizers have announced that the next edition of Sierra Leone’s leading science and leadership event, the National Science and Leadership Festival (SciLeadFest2026), will take place from January 14 to 16, 2026 in Kabala, Koinadugu District.
The announcement, made on Monday, marks the return of the festival after a two-year break. SciLeadFest is co-hosted by the U.S. and Sierra Leone-based non-profit Project 1808, Inc., and Koinadugu College, one of the organization’s flagship initiatives. The event will once again be held at the Red Cross Compound campus of Koinadugu College.
SciLeadFest brings together scientists, policy makers, students, innovators, and community members to explore the intersection of science, leadership, and culture. In addition to academic and scientific sessions, the festival features cultural performances and discussions on psychosocial wellbeing, offering a holistic approach to development through STEEAMM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Environment, Arts, Mathematics, and Medicine.
This will be the eighth edition of the festival. Previously held annually, SciLeadFest transitioned to a biennial format following the 2024 edition, which attracted more than 500 participants from across Sierra Leone and abroad—including guests from the United States, the Middle East, and several African countries.
Participants can expect a wide range of presentations and panel discussions on topics including biology, chemistry, agriculture, environmental protection, climate change, arts and culture, as well as information and communication technology (ICT), governance, leadership, behavioral sciences, and journalism. Students of all levels will also engage in hands-on experiments using both basic and advanced scientific tools.
This year’s theme is: “#STEEAMM and Leadership: Breaking Barriers – Building on the African Cultural Foundation for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Research and Development in Sierra Leone and Africa.”
In a statement unveiling the date, Prof. Alhaji Umar Njai, Founder and Chief Strategist of Project 1808, promised a “bigger than ever” experience in 2026.
“Science and technology are fundamental to advancing quality of life in all societies,” Prof. Njai stated. “Translating ideas into practice in communities requires effective and visionary leadership, and the domestication of modernization through the empowerment of indigenous cultural systems.”
He emphasized that the festival is an effort to democratize and decolonize science and leadership, aligning with Project 1808’s mission to cultivate transformational leaders capable of tackling the pressing challenges facing Sierra Leone and the African continent.
Organizers are now inviting volunteers, innovators, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, and community champions to participate and support the event.
For more information and updates, interested individuals can follow Project 1808’s official platforms.
