The Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, has challenged students of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) to embrace innovation, acquire practical skills and position themselves as job creators rather than job seekers.

Delivering a public lecture at IPAM’s Main Campus at Tower Hill in Freetown on Monday, Dr. Yumkella encouraged students to take advantage of emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, agribusiness, strategic minerals and digital transformation to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development and strengthen their competitiveness in the evolving global economy.

Speaking on the theme, “Powering Regional Integration through Energy Trade, Strategic Minerals, Agribusiness and Digital Transformation,” he underscored the importance of equipping young people with relevant skills that align with the demands of the modern labour market.

Related News

“I challenge you not to be like us or the generation before us. Learn skills. Artificial Intelligence is the new revolution. Take advantage of it, learn AI skills, be productive and be readily available for the market,” Dr. Yumkella told the students.

He said Sierra Leone and the wider ECOWAS region possess enormous opportunities in energy, strategic minerals and agribusiness, stressing that these sectors can generate employment, attract investment and accelerate economic growth if properly harnessed.

Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation, Dr. Yumkella noted that West Africa has abundant energy resources and said regional power trade is becoming increasingly important in driving sustainable development. He added that enhanced cross-border collaboration would complement Sierra Leone’s progress in expanding access to energy.

Dr. Yumkella also used the lecture to highlight the forthcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS), scheduled to take place in Lungi from 16 to 18 November 2026.

He said the summit will convene ECOWAS Heads of State, policymakers, investors and business leaders to promote regional integration and showcase West Africa as an attractive destination for trade and investment.

The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session during which students engaged Dr. Yumkella on issues relating to youth empowerment, regional development and economic opportunities.

Students also surprised the PI-CREF Chairman with a birthday celebration in recognition of his birthday, observed on 5 July. The President of the IPAM Students’ Union Government presented him with a plaque of appreciation, commending his leadership and continued commitment to empowering young people.