Sierra Leone’s presidential spokesman, Alhaji Alpha Kanu, has reiterated President Maada Bio’s promise to create 500,000 jobs for young people during the “Good Morning Salone” program on Radio Democracy.

Alpha Kanu emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and highlighted the importance of skill enhancement.

In the interview, the presidential spokesman encouraged young people to pursue technological and agricultural training, noting that these skills are highly marketable in today’s job market. He stated that the government is willing to support skills development among the youth.

Kanu outlined that the government aims to establish the right environment and actively seek opportunities for youth employment in both the public and private sectors. This includes initiatives in public works, food production, ago-processing, the creative industry, as well as digital and green jobs.

Alpha Kanu further emphasizes the president’s commitment to improving livelihoods and job creation for Sierra Leoneans. “The focus of the president is on human capital development; beyond that, in 2023, it is food security,” he stated. According to the spokesman, the prices of food and other commodities, as well as the cost of accessing schools, have improved significantly in recent years.

Kanu also noted an increase in the availability of locally produced rice in the market. “The government’s goal is for citizens to eat what they grow, which is why rice importation has been reduced.”

According to Alpha Kanu, the economy is stabilizing, with impacts measurable by the World Bank and IMF. Back in October 2023, inflation was at 54.5%, and by December 2024, it had reduced to 13.7%. This indicates that the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Sierra Leone are effectively managing economic challenges.