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President Julius Maada Bio has outlined youth employment and skills development as central pillars of his government’s strategy to address unemployment and drive economic growth in Sierra Leone.
Delivering his address at the State Opening of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament, the President emphasised that technical and vocational education remains critical in equipping young people with practical skills needed in the labour market.
He pointed to several flagship initiatives, including the WokDonCam Project, the BEAR III Programme, the Recognition of Prior Learning Programme, and the Excellence Skills Academy, all designed to link training directly to employment opportunities.
According to President Bio, these programmes are already producing results. At the Excellence Skills Academy, 26 out of 41 trainees have secured employment with China Railway Seventh Group, demonstrating what he described as a growing alignment between skills training and industry demand.
The President also highlighted Sierra Leone’s introduction of the Commonwealth’s first National Micro-Credential Framework for technical and vocational education. The system is intended to allow employers to formally recognise practical skills acquired through different training pathways, improving job prospects for young people.
In addition, partnerships with institutions such as Orange Sierra Leone and international universities are expanding access to scholarships, research opportunities, and lecturer development, further strengthening the country’s human capital base.
President Bio stressed that tackling youth unemployment requires sustained investment in skills development systems that are responsive to market needs. He noted that building a workforce equipped with relevant competencies is essential for creating jobs, supporting enterprise, and driving long-term national development.
The focus on youth employment forms part of the government’s broader human capital development agenda, which the President described as vital to unlocking Sierra Leone’s economic potential and ensuring inclusive growth.
