Sierra Leone’s Mohamed Samu Wins 2026 Abdoulaye Touré Agricultural Innovation Award

Sierra Leonean applied entomologist Mohamed Saviour Samu, founder of EntoTech, has won the third edition of the Abdoulaye Touré Agricultural Innovation Award 2026, becoming the first West African to receive the honour, according to information provided about the award.

Samu was among 10 agricultural innovators from across Africa recognised during the sixth edition of the Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA 2026), held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown from October 19 to 21. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, farmers, investors and agricultural technology developers to promote practical solutions to food production challenges. 

Turning Organic Waste into Agricultural Resources

The insect-based fertiliser produced by EntoTech

Through EntoTech, Samu is developing insect-based solutions that transform organic waste into useful agricultural products, including organic fertiliser and protein-rich feed for livestock and aquaculture.

The technology uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to process materials such as food waste, cassava peels and other agricultural residues. The process converts waste that might otherwise be discarded into products that can support farming and animal production.

The innovation addresses two challenges facing agricultural communities: the management of organic waste and the cost of obtaining agricultural inputs.

According to a 2025 report, EntoTech’s production facility near Kambia was producing between 1,000 and 2,500 kilograms of fertilizer monthly at the time, with plans to expand production. The company has since continued developing its production capacity. 

Building a Local Solution for Farmers

Mohamed Samu (middle) and staff holding EntoTech product

Samu’s work is particularly relevant to Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen domestic agricultural production and reduce reliance on imported inputs.

EntoTech says its mission includes producing insect-based fertiliser to improve soil health and alternative protein sources for livestock and fish farming. Its work also promotes a circular economy in which waste becomes a resource rather than an environmental burden. 

Samu has an academic background in agronomy and applied entomology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Njala University and a joint European master’s degree in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain and the University of Padova in Italy. He also lectures in agriculture at Milton Margai Technical University. 

His work previously received national recognition when EntoTech won the President Bio Innovation Award in 2025, securing a US$30,000 grant to support the development of its insect-based agricultural solution. 

Recognition at a Regional Innovation Platform

Mohamed Samu receiving the award

Organised by the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), MITA provides a platform for showcasing agricultural technologies and connecting innovators with potential users, buyers and investors.

The 2026 edition focused on technologies for animal production and integrated crop, livestock and aquaculture systems. The Abdoulaye Touré award recognises innovations that improve agricultural productivity. It also supports solutions to climate-related risks and strengthens agricultural finance and trade.

Samu’s reported achievement places Sierra Leone’s insect-based agricultural innovation in the regional spotlight. Its long-term impact will depend on whether the technology can increase production and reach more farmers. It must also deliver lasting benefits for agricultural productivity and environmental management.