Francis Stevens George is a Sierra Leonean/ Norwegian entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and author. He has over 25 years of experience building tech startups, innovation management and ecosystem building. Born in Freetown in 1965, Francis grew up surrounded by books and storytelling, which ignited his imagination and love for writing. He holds an Economics and International Relations degree from the London School of Economics, an MBA from the Norwegian School of Management and a Masters in E-enterprise, Innovation and Leadership. – His thesis in 2005 was on using AI to determine appropriate- e-commerce business models.

As the CEO of Innovation SL and Managing Director of GEN Sierra Leone, Francis is dedicated to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sierra Leone. He is deeply committed to supporting high-growth entrepreneurs shaping the country’s future. Through his leadership at Innovation SL, Francis has been instrumental in building platforms such as Freetown Pitch Night and Freetown Innovation Week, which empowers and mentors young innovators.

Francis is also an accomplished author, publishing fiction and academic works, including The Diplomat, Innovation in Africa, Stories from Young African Innovators, and China and Africa Love Affair.

In addition to his work in entrepreneurship and literature, Francis serves as an advisor to the Oslo Freedom Forum, supporting human rights defenders and innovators worldwide.
At the SLinT Tech Expo, Francis Stevens George will bring his extensive experience in ecosystem building and innovation, helping to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone and beyond.