On October 1, 2026, Guinean Youth and Sports Minister Lansana Béa Diallo addressed the issue of low wages for young workers in the private sector at the Grand forum "Jeunesse et avenir" organized by the Comité stratégique de Simandou. He expressed his concerns about the exploitation of young employees, citing the example of a security company where young workers earn 600,000 francs guinéens per month while generating 2.5 million francs guinéens in revenue for the company.
Minister Diallo described the situation as a "scandal" and emphasized the need for a fairer distribution of wealth created by the young workers. He urged entrepreneurs to reconsider their remuneration policies, suggesting that they should allocate 90% of their revenue to workers and keep only 10% for themselves. According to him, the current situation is unacceptable and requires government intervention to protect workers' rights.
The minister revealed that he is frequently approached by young people complaining about low wages and called for collective responsibility to address the issue. He emphasized that the government, private sector, and partners must work together to create opportunities for young people. Minister Diallo also shared his personal experience of donating 80% of his earnings, citing that he does not need to accumulate wealth.
Minister Diallo stressed that Guinea's mineral resources should be used to develop the country's human capital. He believes that investing in education, training, and youth development is crucial for the country's growth and prosperity. The minister also encouraged companies to be more open to hiring young people, even if they lack experience or have imperfect CVs.
He urged companies to offer internships, mentorship programs, and job opportunities to young people, emphasizing that they should be given a chance to prove themselves. Minister Diallo also highlighted the importance of connecting education and training programs to the needs of the economy.
The minister's comments were made in the context of the Simandou 2040 vision, which aims to develop Guinea's economy and create opportunities for its youth. He emphasized that collective responsibility is essential to achieving this vision and that the government, private sector, and partners must work together to create a brighter future for young people.
Minister Diallo concluded by emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing youth employment, including investment in education, training, and entrepreneurship. He expressed his hope that Guinea's mineral resources will be used to create a prosperous future for its citizens, particularly the youth.
Key points
- The Guinean government plans to regulate low wages for young workers in the private sector.
- Minister Lansana Béa Diallo urges companies to offer more job opportunities to young people.
- The Simandou 2040 vision aims to create opportunities for Guinea's youth and develop the country's economy.
