By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Youth Affairs in partnership with Africa Governance Institute (AGI), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Office of the First Lady has on Thursday 23rd January, 2024 concluded a three-day Youth Empowerment Program 2025 on the theme: “Empowering Youth to Lead as Resilient Innovators for Stronger Communities.” The event which was held at the Bintumani Conference Centre on Aberdeen in Freetown brought together about 500 young people across the country.
During his speech at the event, Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, Director General and President of the Africa Governance Institute Board expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including Sierra Leone’s First Lady and the Minister of Youth Affairs, for their ongoing commitment to empowering young people in the country. He highlighted that with over 60% of the population under the age of 35, the future of Sierra Leone rests in the hands of its youth.
He pointed out the significant challenges facing young people, such as high unemployment rates, limited access to capital and gaps in skills development. He reiterated the collective responsibility to overcome these obstacles, stating, “We are here to challenge these obstacles and invest in the vision, innovation and resilience of Sierra Leone’s youth.”
“Empowered women uplift entire communities,” Dr. Abdoulie Janneh noted, as he praised the First Lady’s involvement in advocating for this cause. He urged participants to view this moment as crucial in their leadership journey, encouraging them to apply the lessons learned and inspire others in shaping the nation’s future.
Dr. Abdoulie Janneh invoked an African proverb, stating, “If it is the youth that make us, it is the young trees that make a forest,” underscoring the vital role of Africa’s youth in determining the continent’s future.
Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Representative in Sierra Leone stressed the importance of empowering the current generation of young people, noting that they hold the potential to surpass the accomplishments of their predecessors.
According to statistics mentioned by Fredrick Ampiah, individuals aged 15 to 24 make up approximately 74.5% of Sierra Leone’s population, highlighting the urgency of investing in their development. “The future is today and to harness the potential of the youth, we need to empower them,” he stated.
Fredrick Ampiah also shared success stories of youth who have benefited from UNDP programs, including a notable example of a young woman who established her own solar installation business. “These stories illustrate the impact of support and empowerment on individual lives and the economy,” he remarked.
He reiterated the UNDP’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by young people, including the creation of sustainable jobs. Pumping vital resources into programs specifically targeting young women in traditionally male-dominated fields is also a focal point of their strategy.
“Empowerment is not just about providing skills; it’s about changing mindsets, breaking barriers, and creating pathways to success,” Ampiah concluded, calling for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that the youth of Sierra Leone are equipped to lead the nation toward a prosperous future.
Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs, commended the First Lady for her steadfast support, describing her as a “mother figure” committed to fostering positive change.
He highlighted key achievements of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, including the successful implementation of the National Youth Service and the National Youth Policy. He proudly noted that the Ministry had undergone a transparent audit process under his leadership, reflecting a commitment to accountability.
The Minister also underscored the importance of innovative programs such as the loan recovery initiative for 200 tricycles (kekes), which achieved 100% repayment rates. This initiative, he stated, had transformed the lives of young beneficiaries by enabling them to become self-reliant. Additionally, Minister Mohamed Orman Bangura pointed to the launch of 50 fishing boats equipped with modern machinery as a testament to the government’s dedication to creating opportunities for youth in various sectors.
Minister Mohamed Orman Bangura emphasized the critical role of data-driven decision-making, highlighting a recent research project conducted in collaboration with the World Bank, UNDP and local civil society organizations. The study surveyed 2,000 young people nationwide to better understand employment challenges and opportunities. The findings, which will be shared publicly in the coming weeks, aim to shape policies and programs that address the needs of Sierra Leone’s youth.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering young people, stating, “When you give young people a platform to deliver, they will rise to the occasion. Sierra Leone’s youth are not just the future they are the present. Together, we will build a nation where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, commended the collaboration between various stakeholders aimed at empowering Sierra Leone’s youth, emphasizing the transformative potential of young people in building resilient communities. She articulated the program’s theme, “Empowering Sierra Leone’s Youth to Lead as Resilient Innovators,” highlighting the government’s commitment to preparing the youth for national development and global competitiveness.
She outlined key initiatives taken by the Government, including the establishment of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), and the creation of the Ministry of Higher and Technical Education, which are pivotal for enhancing technical and vocational education. “This is part of our President’s promise to the nation,” she said, underscoring the political will behind empowering young people through comprehensive policies and actionable interventions.
Dr. Fatima Bio encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunities provided by the program, noting that the journey of empowerment involves identifying and cultivating the skills necessary for success. “We are here to ensure that our young people are adequately prepared to seize opportunities,” she asserted, urging attendees to engage actively in their development.
Addressing the critical issue of gender-based violence, the First Lady called for a collective effort to promote a culture of respect and equality. “This begins in our homes and schools, and community leaders must speak out against violence to support survivors,” she emphasized, reinforcing the need for safe environments for all youths.
Dr. Bio particularly addressed young women, urging them to become change-makers and ambassadors for positive transformation. “Embrace curiosity, don’t fear failure, and commit yourselves to your dreams,” she encouraged, stressing that their voices and actions are vital in building a better Sierra Leone.
In closing, Dr. Bio emphasized the importance of hope and commitment to the nation. “The future is in your hands,” she declared, urging young people to reject the notion of abandoning their homeland for uncertain prospects abroad. “Sierra Leone is where you have rights and privileges as citizens,” she reiterated, advocating for a sense of pride and responsibility towards their country.
Throughout the three days, participants engaged in breakout sessions and panel discussions on various thematic areas, with the Youth Empowerment Program 2025 serving as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and driving innovative solutions for youth development in Sierra Leone.
