Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh has reiterated the country’s strong commitment to collaborating with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in education and technological development during the World Governments Summit (WGS 2024) in Dubai.

Sengeh emphasized the shared values between Sierra Leone and the UAE, particularly regarding youth development. He stressed the importance of further collaboration, especially in education, to exchange expertise and enhance skills essential for sustainable governance.

The Chief Minister commended the WGS 2024 for providing a platform for global leaders to share insights and shape future governance models across various development and governance sectors. He outlined Sierra Leone’s “Big Five” agenda, aiming to transform the nation into a middle-income country by 2035. This ambitious plan focuses on food security, human capital development, youth employment, public service reform, and technology and infrastructure.

Sengeh highlighted the crucial role of investing in human capital and empowering youth as drivers of progress. He announced plans to employ 500,000 young people under the National Development Plan, demonstrating the government’s commitment to youth inclusion.

The Chief Minister pointed to the significant strides made in education over the past five years, resulting in over a million additional learners enrolled in schools. He highlighted the increase in enrollment ranging from 38% to 70% in junior and senior secondary schools, along with the development of early childhood education programs. However, he acknowledged the need to strengthen digital infrastructure to support Sierra Leone’s economic goals, aligning with the national agenda to leverage technology for growth.

Sengeh concluded by expressing his appreciation for the UAE’s leadership and commitment to collaborating with Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence that continued partnership in education and technology would contribute significantly to the nation’s economic transformation and long-term prosperity.