Sierra Leonean innovator Oswald Abioseh Dundas has developed an energy system that generates electricity using saltwater. His innovation can provide up to 600 hours of uninterrupted electricity.
Oswald, 34, is no stranger to the innovation space in Sierra Leone. As the founder of Oswald Tech Company, he has developed numerous innovations over the years. In 2012, he built Sierra Leone’s first locally made robot, named Dot.Nasa, using scrap materials. He drew inspiration for the robot from the movie Pacific Rim.
In April 2025, Oswald advanced to the semifinals of the West African Startup World Cup, which was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He stood out among 30 Sierra Leonean startups for his sustainable energy solution, which generates electricity using seawater or a mixture of salt and water.
The West African Startup World Cup was hosted by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, in partnership with the FeliCity Project. It was the first-ever Startup World Cup semifinals held in Sierra Leone.
As a result of his outstanding performance, Oswald will represent Sierra Leone at the Startup World Cup Finale in California on October 17, 2025. There, he will compete with other startup founders from around the world for a chance to win a $1 million investment, along with access to world-class mentors and funding opportunities.
Oswald’s innovative spirit runs in the family. His grandfather, Alphus Dundas, developed Sierra Leone’s first eco-friendly stove, known as the Alphus Stove, back in 1985.
Abou the Startup Worldcup
The Startup World Cup is a global platform that connects startups with investors. Regional winners like Oswald advance to the finals in San Francisco, where they pitch for life-changing investment opportunities and global exposure.
