Commentary

The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, has announced key initiatives by his ministry aimed at strengthening the middle level manpower and promoting youth skills acquisition across Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the Bo Civic Day Series, on October 14, 2025,

Minister Sannoh disclosed that his ministry’s ongoing programs are guided by findings from the Status of the Youth Report, which provides evidence-based insights into youth development priorities nationwide.
He emphasized that they are now focused on implementing bankable projects designed to expand opportunities for young people.

Working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Youth Minister noted the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) Policy, which encourages young Sierra Leoneans to acquire at least one practical skill. “The only way you can be employable is when you learn something,” he said, urging young people to embrace skill-based education.

Minister Sannoh highlighted several strategic projects promoting education and technical training. He announced that 1,500 bike riders across six districts have been identified to benefit from a UNDP-supported skills training scholarship program.

He also revealed that a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Milton Margai Technical University will support the rollout of 21 short courses in areas such as carpentry, hairdressing, masonry, and photography,all tailored to enhance youth employability.

Additionally, Minister Sannoh announced that the ministry will award 500 scholarships to outstanding WASSCE students nationwide to pursue studies in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at three top international universities.

The Youth Minister reiterated his passion for empowering the country’s youth through education and skills development. “We want to roll out as many skill programs as possible, because the only way we can develop this country as young people, who make up the majority, is through skills acquisition,” he concluded.
Credit: Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr