As Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated, the TAF Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mustapha Njie has thrilled IPAM students who were amazed to meet someone with such a brilliant mind.
The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) at the University of Sierra Leone on 13th November 2023 celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) with an impactful event at the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEEI).
In the heart of Global Entrepreneurship Week, excitement reverberated through the corridors of IPAM as the CEO of TAF took center stage, captivating the students with ambitious plans. Amidst the fervor, the students found themselves in awe of a visionary leader whose goal is nothing short of extraordinary – the construction of more than one thousand houses.
As CEO Njie unfolded his vision, the air in the room crackled with anticipation. The students, usually engrossed in textbooks and theories, were now face-to-face with a real-world architect of dreams. The prospect of someone with such grand aspirations left them both inspired and intrigued.
The unexpected encounter with a leader on a mission to reshape the skyline ignited a spark among the IPAM students. They found themselves contemplating the possibilities of their own entrepreneurial journeys, fueled by the belief that with determination and innovation, they too could leave an indelible mark on the world.
Global Entrepreneurship Week, organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), is a worldwide initiative aimed at empowering individuals facing structural barriers and aspiring to launch their startups. With participation from 200 countries and approximately 40,000 events globally, GEW 2023 will surely leave an indelible and lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Distinguished guests and students gathered at the event, which kicked off with a public lecture titled: “From Idea to Startup: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey” delivered by Mustapha Njie, the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa Global Limited. With over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, Njie shared insights, wisdom, and inspiration to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
Adding to the dynamic line-up of speakers was Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, Mr. Chukwu-Emeka Cheze, renowned for his substantial contributions to the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. His public lecture echoed with the audience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the entrepreneurial path.
Mr. William Conteh, the head of the IPAM Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the anticipated milestone GEW 2023 represents in the development of entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone. The event not only celebrated achievements but also laid the foundation for future entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizing the crucial role of education in shaping the next generation of business leaders.
The festivities continued with a robust panel discussion on “Challenges and Opportunities for Local Small Businesses.” This engaging discourse delved into the intricacies of the entrepreneurial landscape, providing valuable insights for attendees seeking to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities in the business world.
The Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEEI) at IPAM, a strategic partner with Innovation SL, has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and instilling an entrepreneurial culture within the University of Sierra Leone. Serving as a business incubator, CEEI supports students in developing their entrepreneurial initiatives during their tenure in university.
Notably, prominent figures from Sierra Leone and Africa’s private sector, including the World Bank Country Manager, the DVC IPAM-USL, MD Innovation Sierra Leone the CEO of Owl Newspaper, Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, were present at the event. The entrepreneurial spirit ignited at GEW 2023 not only celebrated achievements but also laid the foundation for future business leaders, emphasizing the crucial role of education in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone.
The event was chaired by Dr. Ezekiel Duramany- Lakkoh, Dean faculty of Accounting and Finance.
