Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh has emphasized the government's dedication to generating employment opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans. During the Civic Day USA Edition in New York, Sannoh outlined the government's strategy to tackle youth unemployment and promote participation in national decision-making. The minister highlighted that individuals under 35 comprise approximately 75% of Sierra Leone's population, making youth engagement in governance a top priority.
The 500,000-job pledge is part of the government's Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030. Sannoh revealed that the government is collaborating with the World Bank on initiatives targeting over 70,000 young people through cash transfers, skills training, and employment opportunities. These programs focus on areas such as agriculture, climate change, technical skills, technology, and entrepreneurship.
To make skills development more accessible, the government plans to expand practical skills training in local languages, including Mende and Temne. This expansion will focus on areas like agriculture, carpentry, and construction. The approach aims to create opportunities for young people to participate more meaningfully in economic activity.
Youth employment and participation were key topics at the New York Civic Day, which brought together government officials and Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora. The event provided a platform for discussions on national development and the role of young people in shaping the country's future.
Minister Sannoh's remarks underscore the government's commitment to addressing the challenges facing young people in Sierra Leone. The minister's engagement with the diaspora community highlights the importance of collaboration and support in achieving the government's development goals.
The government's initiatives to promote youth employment and participation are crucial in the context of Sierra Leone's demographic profile. With a large proportion of the population under 35, the government's efforts to create opportunities for young people will have a significant impact on the country's development trajectory.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs is working to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the economy. By providing practical skills training and employment opportunities, the government aims to empower young people to contribute to Sierra Leone's growth and development.
Key points
- The government aims to create 500,000 sustainable jobs for young people as part of its Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030.
- The government is working with the World Bank on initiatives targeting over 70,000 young people through cash transfers, skills training, and employment opportunities.
- The government plans to expand practical skills training in local languages, including Mende and Temne, focusing on areas like agriculture, carpentry, and construction.
