Sierra Leonean Tech Star Creates Power from Saltwater, Eyes $1M Prize

by Chrispus C. Macauley

Sierra Leonean innovator Oswald Abioseh Dundas has unveiled a groundbreaking energy system that generates electricity using saltwater, an innovation capable of providing up to 600 hours of uninterrupted power and offering a sustainable solution to energy challenges in low-access communities.

The 34-year-old founder of Oswald Tech Company has long been a prominent figure in Sierra Leone’s innovation space. His latest invention, which converts seawater or a salt-and-water mixture into electricity, captured national attention when he advanced to the semifinals of the West African Startup World Cup in April 2025. The competition, held in Freetown, featured 30 local startups and was hosted by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation in partnership with the FeliCity Project.

Oswald’s saltwater-powered energy system impressed judges for its environmental impact, scalability, and potential to transform energy access in off-grid communities. As a result of his performance, he will represent Sierra Leone at the Startup World Cup Finale in California on October 17, 2025, where he will compete for a $1 million investment prize and gain access to international mentors and funding networks.

"This innovation isn’t just about energy — it’s about empowerment," Oswald said in an interview. "In a country where many still lack reliable electricity, using something as abundant as saltwater can be a game-changer."

Oswald is no newcomer to invention. In 2012, he built Sierra Leone’s first locally made robot, named Dot.NASA, using scrap materials. The robot, inspired by the sci-fi movie Pacific Rim, marked the beginning of a long journey of local innovation fueled by creativity and resilience.

Innovation runs deep in the Dundas family. Oswald’s grandfather, Alphus Dundas, developed the country’s first eco-friendly stove, the Alphus Stove, back in 1985, setting an early example of sustainable invention.

With a legacy of innovation behind him and the world stage ahead, Oswald Abioseh Dundas is poised to not only spotlight Sierra Leone’s creative potential but also bring lasting solutions to global energy needs.