The Ministry of Youth Affairs has intensified preparations for the upcoming Mano River Youth Connect 2025, scheduled to take place in Freetown from October 30th to November 1st.

As part of national coordination efforts, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, has today held a strategic meeting with the Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, at NaCSA House. The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration to ensure Sierra Leone delivers a successful event as host nation.

Minister Sannoh described the conference as a landmark opportunity for Sierra Leone to highlight its youth empowerment achievements and promote cross-border cooperation.
*“This platform is about showcasing the innovation, resilience, and aspirations of our young people while advancing regional solidarity among Mano River Union countries,”* he said.

Director of Programmes at the Ministry, Mr. James Bondeva Sandi, noted that the event aligns with the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda under UN Resolution 2535, stressing that youth must be seen as partners in development and peacebuilding.

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During the meeting, the Ministry formally requested NaCSA’s inclusion on the event’s technical committee, citing the Commission’s key role in social protection and youth-focused programming. Commissioner Ndomahina welcomed the proposal, reaffirming NaCSA’s commitment to supporting government’s youth agenda under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

The Mano River Youth Connect 2025 will bring together youth leaders, policymakers, development partners, and civil society actors from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, with discussions centered on empowerment, innovation, and regional cooperation.