LocationsMeet Emmanuel Lahai, Sierra Leone's young tech innovator connecting buyers and sellers.
August 12, 2024
Emmanuel Lahai, CEO of SEND Me Sierra Leone
Technology is providing an opportunity for young people to be entrepreneurs, solving society’s challenges, and creating jobs for themselves and their peers. Meet Emmanuel Lahai, the 25-year-old CEO of SEND Me Sierra Leone, a young entrepreneur exploring Sierra Leone's digital economy space. With a passion for innovation and a drive to succeed, Emmanuel is just one example of the many talented young people UNDP Sierra Leone is supporting through its various entrepreneurship Programmes.
With UNDP's support through the Growth Accelerator Programme, Emmanuel scaled up his business, leveraging technology to bridge the gap between local businesses and customers.
The UNDP’s Growth Accelerator is an initiative designed to supports viable, innovative, and ambitious youth and women-led Micro Small and Medium Enterprises with transformative economic impactful. It provides access to finance (grants of up to $40,000 per MSME), technical assistance, and business development services.
The Growth Accelerator in Sierra Leone has supported 52 entrepreneurs since its launch in 2022, enhancing the livelihoods of over 6000 and creating over 500 jobs.
Delivery Agents of SEND Me Sierra Leone
Emmanuel credits UNDP Sierra Leone for vital support during a funding drought, helping his startup overcome logistical challenges and slim margins.
“UNDP supported us with training to improve our expertise in business development and a grant of $40,000 dollars, which helped us to propel our business to new heights”, says Emmanuel. He adds, “with the grant and support of UNDP, we could expand our fleet, launch the eCommerce website and also the delivery app”.
Today, SEND Me Sierra Leone has emerged as a transformative force in Sierra Leone's eCommerce and delivery sector, employing 20 youths and supporting over 100 women-led businesses. With close to 5,000 users and over 10,000 deliveries completed, the impact continues to grow.
Abubakarr_Conteh, a Delivery Agent with SEND Me Sierra Leone.
Abubakarr Conteh, is a Delivery Agent with SEND Me Sierra Leone. He decided to leave behind the struggles and harassment of commercial riding and joined SEND Me, six months ago he is happy about the new change in his life.
“For the first time, I have a formal employment with a clear appointment letter, conditions of service, and benefits. It's a relief to have a job where I can work without the pressure of renting a bike or facing harassment on the road. I'm grateful for this opportunity and I'm excited for the future." - Abubakarr Conteh, SEND Me Delivery Service Agent.
Looking into the future
Emmanuel's story is just one example of the impact UNDP is making n Sierra Leone. By supporting young entrepreneurs like Emmanuel, UNDP is helping to build a brighter future for the country - one that's driven by innovation, creativity, and a passion for success.
“It’s been quite a journey, and we are happy that with the help of UNDP, we have been able to propel the business to a new height. Their support gave us the opportunity to prove the viability of our business”. Emmanuel concludes.
UNDP plays a crucial role in supporting youth entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone, providing financial and technical assistance to develop innovative, resilient, and sustainable businesses. Through initiatives like the Growth Accelerator and the Timbuktoo Unipod , UNDP is helping create a more prosperous and digitally connected future for all Sierra Leoneans and Africans.
Watch Emmanuel speak about his business.
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