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A four-year initiative aimed at empowering Sierra Leonean youth through digital technologies was officially launched on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The project, named READY Salone, seeks to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation among the nation’s youth, with a particular focus on women.
The project was unveiled during a ceremony at the Foreign Service Academy in Freetown, presided over by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, and attended by key stakeholders, including Ministers of Youth Affairs, Trade and Industry, Communication and Innovation, youth innovators, and representatives from the University of Sierra Leone.
Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), READY Salone aims to create economic opportunities for 3,000 young people and enable 250 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to access new markets.
Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh highlighted the project’s potential to transform the digital landscape for Sierra Leone’s youth. “This initiative reflects years of collaboration and commitment. Together with our partners, we are ready to deliver on the promise of empowering our youth and enabling them to seize digital economy opportunities,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasized the transformative power of digital technologies. “READY Salone is about igniting the entrepreneurial spark in young people, helping them build businesses, create jobs, and drive positive change in their communities,” she said.
The project’s four intervention areas focus on enhancing youth capacity in digital technology, improving the competitiveness of young entrepreneurs, strengthening the services of business support organizations and tech hubs, and shaping inclusive policies for the digital economy.
Resident UN Coordinator Seraphine Wakana noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Pact for the Future, underscoring digital transformation as a driver of inclusive growth and job creation. “This launch demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to improve the lives of its people, particularly the youth,” she remarked.
The project marks a significant step forward for Sierra Leone’s digital economy, fostering innovation and addressing barriers to youth participation. With applications already underway, stakeholders are optimistic about the impact READY Salone will have on the country’s future.
