Sierra Leone has hosted the first ever Mano River Union Youth Connekt Summit, bringing together young leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners from across the Mano River Union region to promote youth empowerment, innovation, and regional cooperation.

The summit, which opened in Freetown, brought together representatives from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire with the aim of strengthening collaboration among young people and creating opportunities for youth-led solutions to regional challenges.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the gathering focuses on advancing discussions around entrepreneurship, digital transformation, climate action, peacebuilding, civic engagement, and youth participation in development processes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh said the summit represents a shared commitment by Mano River Union countries to deepen regional cooperation and create opportunities for young people.
He expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio, participating delegates, development partners, civil society organizations, government officials, and the media for supporting initiatives aimed at advancing youth development.

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“While our countries may be separated by boundaries, our aspirations for regional integration, innovation, and sustainable development remain our shared responsibility,” Minister Sannoh said.
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Patrick Michaelson Gebrilla emphasized the importance of investing in young people, describing them as key drivers of the region’s future.

He called for increased focus on education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation to equip young people with the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and social development.
The opening sessions featured discussions involving representatives from international organizations, including UN agencies, who reaffirmed their support for youth-centred programmes focused on economic inclusion, leadership development, regional integration, and social cohesion.

Participants welcomed the Youth Connekt initiative as a platform that enables young people across the sub-region to engage in policy discussions, share ideas, and contribute to shaping development priorities.
The summit is expected to further strengthen relationships among youth organizations and stakeholders in the Mano River Union region while promoting innovation and cooperation among young people.