Youth Minister Sannoh Reaffirms 500,000 Jobs Target, Highlights Expanded Youth Programmes
Sahid Bangura Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating 500,000 sustainable jobs for young people, while highlighting new programmes targeting more than 70,000 youths.
Sannoh made the disclosure during the Civic Day USA Edition in New York, where he outlined the Government’s approach to youth employment and participation in national decision-making.
He said people under the age of 35 make up approximately 75 per cent of Sierra Leone’s population, making youth participation in governance and decision-making a key priority.
According to the Minister, the 500,000-job commitment forms part of the Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030.
He said the Government is also working with the World Bank on programmes targeting more than 70,000 young people through cash transfers, skills training and employment opportunities.
Sannoh said the youth programmes are focusing on areas including agriculture, climate change, technical skills, technology and entrepreneurship.
He also disclosed plans to expand practical skills training in local languages, including Mende and Temne, particularly in areas such as agriculture, carpentry and construction.
The Minister said the approach is intended to make skills development more accessible while creating opportunities for young people to participate more meaningfully in economic activity.
Youth employment and participation formed part of the wider national development discussions at the New York Civic Day, which brought together government officials and Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora.