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The Deputy Executive Director of the National Investment Board (NIB), Ms. Fatima Mahawa Sandi, has called for increased investment in youth-led agribusiness initiatives as a pathway to job creation and inclusive economic growth in Sierra Leone.
She made this appeal while moderating a high-level panel discussion themed “Investing in Youth Agribusiness for Jobs and Inclusive Growth” during the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue (CRET) 2025.
The dialogue, held under the overarching theme “Mobilising Investments for Climate Action, Food Security, Clean Cooking, and Just Energy Transition for All,” convened key policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, and young agripreneurs. Discussions focused on sustainable investment strategies that can strengthen food systems, boost innovation, and create employment opportunities for the country’s youth.
In her address, Ms. Sandi underscored that Sierra Leone’s youth are its most valuable asset and that empowering them through agribusiness is vital for achieving long-term economic resilience.
“Targeted investments in youth-led agribusiness can unlock innovation, value addition, and competitiveness within the agricultural sector,” she stated.
“Together, we can shape a future where young people are not merely beneficiaries of agricultural development, but leaders of it,” she added.
The panel engaged in insightful discussions on access to finance, skills development, and public-private partnerships as key drivers of youth entrepreneurship in agriculture.
The NIB’s strong participation at CRET 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to promoting investment-led solutions that support sustainable growth and align with Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
