Sierra Leonean logistics and technology startup Send Me has won the Startup World Cup Regional Semi-Finals at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, securing a place in the global Grand Finale in Silicon Valley, where finalists will compete for a US$1 million investment prize.
The achievement marks a major milestone for the company and its founder, Emmanuel Lahai, who described the moment as a “full-circle experience.”
In 2021, Lahai registered for the Africa Tech Festival but was unable to attend due to financial constraints, despite launching a crowdfunding campaign. Four years later, he not only attended the event but also spoke on stage and ultimately won the pitch competition.
The Africa Tech Festival opened with Founders Day, gathering innovators, entrepreneurs and investors from across the continent.
During the event, delegates participated in sessions led by industry figures including Klyne Maharaj and Hanim Dogan, who offered guidance on joining the Baobab Network and navigating successful startup exits.
Attendees also joined discussions featuring prominent African technologist Strive Masiyiwa, who outlined new partnerships and artificial intelligence initiatives across the continent.
Throughout the festival, participants engaged with a wide range of ecosystem leaders, including Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, Nakami W., Ogugua Osakwe-Adegbite, Janade Du Plessis, Johan Bosini and Eric Osiakwan, who shared insights on unlocking capital and building high-quality startups.
Send Me also took part in the exhibition sessions, meeting representatives such as Benjamin Bonnell and Julie Neogy from Expand In Africa, as well as Pierre Jallow of Remode.
A key highlight was a masterclass led by Zachariah George, focusing on investor research, revenue quality, exit strategies, investor–LP dynamics and unit economics.
On the festival’s final day, a session titled “From Idea to Exit” by Edmund Higenbottam preceded the pitch competition. Among the shortlisted African startups, Send Me emerged as the overall winner, earning praise for its innovation and impact.
Participants described the networking opportunities as a rare chance to meet individuals they had followed online for years.
Send Me’s upcoming appearance at the Silicon Valley Grand Finale places Sierra Leone on a prominent global stage, marking a significant moment for the country’s growing technology ecosystem.
