Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: The Story of Joyce Abigail Coulson-Olowu
At the heart of IPAM’s Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEEI) stands a dynamic force of transformation, Joyce Abigail Coulson-Olowu. As the Hub Coordinator, she is shaping the future of entrepreneurship education and pioneering an ecosystem where young innovators thrive, businesses emerge, and ideas transform into tangible solutions. Her leadership at the CEEI embodies vision, resilience, and passion, qualities that have positioned the hub as a beacon of entrepreneurship within and beyond IPAM.
Laying the Foundation for an Entrepreneurial Culture
Joyce played a foundational role in the conception, strategic direction, and operationalization of the IPAM CEEI. Before SLEDP’s intervention, the vision for the hub was clear, but resources were limited. Through determination and strategic partnerships, she and her team laid the groundwork for what would later become a fully equipped innovation hub, thanks to SLEDP’s support. Her contributions to concept development, strategic planning, and collaboration with key local and international partners helped shape a center that serves as a catalyst for business creation and skill development.
Transforming Ideas into Impact
As a Startup and Incubation Manager, Joyce spearheaded initiatives such as Pitch Nights and facilitated high-impact collaborations. She has represented the hub at key entrepreneurship programs and played a pivotal role in creating an environment where students and young professionals can ideate, innovate, and scale their ventures.
Her passion for entrepreneurship extends beyond theory, she believes in real-world application and practical skill-building. Seeing her students confidently articulate their business ideas and strategies has been a defining moment in her career.
“Being a role model in this space is both a privilege and a responsibility. My work goes beyond teaching; it is about shaping mindsets, instilling confidence, and cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit that drives lasting change.”
The Evolution of IPAM’s Innovation Hub: The SLEDP Impact
The transformation of the IPAM CEEI was made possible by the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). The funding enabled the center to transition from a concept to a fully functional innovation hub, complete with smart technology upgrades, including Mac desktops, laptops, TVs, and high-speed internet.
Business clinics and structured training programs have empowered students and professionals with market-driven skills, while hackathons and pitch competitions have encouraged real-world problem-solving and innovation. International best practices in entrepreneurship education have also upskilled lecturers through partnerships with Corporate Turnaround International (CTI) Ltd and other ecosystem actors
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Today, the co-working space is a thriving hub, serving over 100 active students, while more than 1,000 individuals have benefited from its programs.
Building an Ecosystem of InnovatorsUnder Joyce’s leadership, IPAM’s incubation program has nurtured multiple startups, including natural hair care brands, food production ventures, digital platforms, and tech-driven solutions. Some of the standout ventures include Naps Natural Hair Butter, Rian’s African Food, Sierra Translate Hub, Kam Rent Ya, Ideal Technologies, and Cute Things Collection. Others, such as Bullom Innovation Hub and Justice 4 All, are tackling social challenges through entrepreneurial solutions.
A major transformation has been the shift in student mindsets, with many now focusing on solving social problems and commercializing their solutions. Through collaborations with organizations like Innovation SL, Creative Hub Africa, JIT Capital, and Invest Salone, the hub has expanded its reach and impact.
Achievements and Future Vision
Since its upgrade, the hub has gained increased visibility, leading to stronger partnerships and targeted programs, including business clinics and digital marketing courses. Over 300 youths have been empowered within a month through skill-building initiatives. The hub also pioneered the IPAM Complaint Box and supported students in competing for internationally recognized awards.
Looking ahead, Joyce envisions national expansion of the CEEI model, supporting 10,000 businesses, transitioning 1,000 women from the informal sector into structured entrepreneurship, and addressing global challenges like climate change through innovation. She also aims to strengthen mentorship programs and foster collaborations with international organizations and industries.
Words of Inspiration
Joyce’s journey is a testament to the power of intentionality, resilience, and action. She believes that for women to drive change, they must first build themselves and then uplift others. “Be intentional about the impact you want to create and position yourself as a valuable contributor to society. If you have taken steps to develop yourself, now is the time to extend that growth to others. We can only compete and drive change by accelerating our efforts and taking decisive action, starting today.”
Her leadership at IPAM’s Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is not just about creating businesses, it’s about shaping the next generation of changemakers who will redefine Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial landscape.
