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The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has disclosed her participation in a high-level policy dialogue aimed at strengthening the link between skills development and industrial growth in Sierra Leone.
According to a statement from the Minister, the engagement was chaired by the Chief Minister and brought together Cabinet colleagues, private sector leaders, youth groups, and development partners, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and representatives from the Japan government.
“Yesterday, I participated in a high-level dialogue chaired by the Chief Minister, alongside colleague Ministers, private sector leaders, youth groups, and partners from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Government of Japan,” Minister Wurie stated.
She described the meeting as a timely platform for policy dialogue and strategic alignment, noting that discussions focused on practical ways to connect skills training with industrial expansion.
Key issues addressed included identifying priority reforms in industrial policy and skills development, improving linkages between education, industry, and employment, and expanding cooperation in investment, technology transfer, and private sector engagement.
The Minister further highlighted efforts to scale up industry-led Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) models, drawing lessons from Japan-supported initiatives, particularly in automotive skills training, to boost youth employment and support small and medium-sized enterprises.
“These efforts are already taking shape through concrete investments,” she said, pointing to ongoing collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and Japan.
She revealed that a Centre of Excellence in Automotive Training has been launched, while plans are underway to establish a similar Centre of Excellence in Carpentry.
“These initiatives are designed to strengthen TVET systems, equip young people with industry-relevant skills and support job creation and industrialization,” she added.
Minister Wurie reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to ensuring that skills development remains aligned with the needs of the economy.
“At the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, we remain committed to ensuring that skills development is demand-driven, industry-aligned, and responsive to the needs of our economy,” she stated.
She emphasized that such partnerships are critical to unlocking opportunities for young people and advancing inclusive industrialization in Sierra Leone.
“Partnerships such as these are essential to unlocking opportunities for our young people and accelerating inclusive industrialization,” the Minister concluded.
