By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has welcomed the approval of Sierra Leone as a beneficiary under the Global Goals 2030: Africa Scholarship Programme, a major international initiative aimed at expanding access to quality higher education for young Africans.
In an official press release issued on December 19, 2025, the Ministry confirmed receipt of an approval letter referenced GG30/EA958, which authorizes partially funded scholarships for eligible Sierra Leoneans to pursue internationally recognized academic programmes. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the country’s drive to invest in human capital development, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
According to the Ministry, the scholarship programme aligns with Sierra Leone’s National Development Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of education, innovation, financial inclusion, governance, and private sector development.
Under the Global Goals 2030: Africa Scholarship Programme, several undergraduate and postgraduate courses have been approved and made available to Sierra Leonean applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. The approved programmes are offered through reputable institutions in the United States and are delivered via online asynchronous learning platforms, making them accessible to students within Sierra Leone.
The approved courses include:
- BSc in Computer Science (100 slots) – Florida Memorial University, USA
- BSc in Cyber Security (100 slots) – Florida Memorial University, USA
- BSc in Information Systems (50 slots) – California Institute for Applied Financial Sciences, USA
- BSc in Finance (50 slots) – California Institute for Applied Financial Sciences, USA
- MSc in Business Administration (100 slots) – California Institute for Applied Financial Sciences, USA
All programmes will be delivered online, with examinations and assessments also conducted online, providing flexibility for working professionals and students across the country.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs noted that the selected programmes are strategically aligned with Sierra Leone’s development priorities, particularly in technology, innovation, financial systems, governance, and private sector growth. The initiative is expected to equip young Sierra Leoneans with globally competitive skills and competencies that will enhance employability and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“This approval represents a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to access quality education that meets global standards,” the Ministry stated. “It also reinforces Sierra Leone’s growing recognition as a partner country in prestigious international development initiatives.”
The Ministry clarified that the scholarship is partially funded. Successful applicants will be required to contribute up to 10 percent of the total programme cost, which will be charged by the host universities. The remaining 90 percent of the tuition cost will be covered by Global Goals 2030, significantly reducing the financial burden on beneficiaries.
This cost-sharing arrangement is intended to promote ownership and commitment among beneficiaries while ensuring broad access to the programme.
Interested and qualified Sierra Leonean youths are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity by submitting their applications online. Applicants are required to provide all supporting documents, including:
- A recommendation letter
- A motivation letter
- WASSCE results
- A valid National Identification Card or passport bio page
- Relevant academic transcripts for applicants seeking admission into the Master’s programme
Applications must be submitted via the official Ministry email: info@moya.gov.sl.
The deadline for submission of all applications has been set for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The Ministry also advised applicants who had submitted applications through a previous portal to resubmit their documents using the newly provided contact details.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, expressed appreciation to the Global Goals 2030 initiative for recognizing Sierra Leone as a beneficiary country under the scholarship scheme. The Ministry described the programme as a valuable contribution to national capacity building and long-term development.
Qualified and interested youths across the country have been urged to apply promptly and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
For further information, applicants are advised to contact Mr. Henry King of the Ministry of Youth Affairs via email at henry.king@moya.gov.sl or by phone on +232 80 691447.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-focused initiatives that expand access to education, promote innovation, and empower the next generation of leaders to drive Sierra Leone’s development agenda forward.
