From humble beginnings to a force of empowerment: the inspiring journey of Apex Multimedia.
August 14, 2024
![Ambassador Alusine Bangura a man wearing a blue shirt](/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-08/img_1639.jpg)
Ambassador Alusine Bangura, Founder of Apex Media
Ambassador Alusine Bangura, aka Lulu, is a young entrepreneur from Sierra Leone who turned his passion into a thriving media company, Apex Multimedia. With just one laptop, Lulu started his business, driven by a desire to make a difference.
In 2020, Lulu was identified through the UNDP’s Accelerator Lab (AccLab) grassroots solutions mapping . He presented an idea of setting up an enterprise in Makeni, in the Bombali District. The AccLab supported him to fine tune his idea into the marketing communications company , Apex Multimedia.
Through hard work and determination, Apex Multimedia grew into a leading media company in just four years, providing services like video production, animation, and corporate branding, Photography and Documentaries “Today we are one of the leading media companies here in the northern part of Sierra Leone”, Lulu says with pride.
With the support of the UNDP Sierra Leone Apex Multimedia offers training and mentorship programs, equipping young individuals with the skills and confidence to succeed in the media industry. In 2023, Apex Multimedia received a $32,000 grant to expand their training programme, reaching 300 young people in Sierra Leone.
![UNDP Sierra Leone Team at Apex Multimedia Recently. a group of people posing for a photo](/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-08/apex-12.jpg)
UNDP Team in a group photo with Apex Multimedia staff in Makeni after a visit.
But Lulu's greatest achievement is empowering other young people in his region."It's not about making money and putting it in the bank," he says. "It's about creating an impact and seeing that impact reflect on the people we have trained."
“Today we are one of the leading media companies here in the northern part of Sierra Leone”, Lulu says with pride.
![A class in session at Apex Multimedia a group of people in a room](/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-08/apex-p5.jpg)
A class in session at Apex Multimedia in Makeni.
One such success story is Abu Bakar Dumbuya, a former student who is now thriving in the media industry. "He's taking care of training other young people and has gained employment at Apex, and that's the biggest happiness for me," says Lulu.
![Abu Bakar Dumbuya a man sitting at a table using a laptop](/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width/public/2024-08/1_3.jpg?itok=8fYg8hyu)
"Knowing that we're contributing to other people's lives, not just our personal benefit."Lulu's story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and dedication. He proves that with persistence and the right support, anyone can turn their ideas into reality and make a meaningful impact.
About the UNDP Acclab.
The UNDP’s Acclab 90 labs in 115 countries, including Sierra Leone, the AccLab operates as a learning network designed to identify, test, and scale innovative grassroots solutions to complex development challenges. These labs work closely with local communities to understand their unique contexts and develop sustainable solutions that can have a global impact.
"It's not about making money and putting it in the bank," he says. "It's about creating an impact and seeing that impact reflect on the people we have trained."Ambassador Alusine Bangura