The National Youth Commission (NYC) and the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) on Monday signed a $40 million contract aimed at supporting 8,000 young people across Sierra Leone.

The funds will be allocated to struggling youths to establish Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as part of efforts to reduce poverty and create employment opportunities.

The signing ceremony, held at the NaCSA office on Charlotte Street in Freetown, was attended by NYC Commissioner Ahmed Atata Mansaray Esq., NaCSA Deputy Commissioner Jimmy Batilo Songa, and the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, among other officials.

In his remarks, NaCSA Deputy Commissioner Jimmy Batilo Songa emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating poverty among youths. He stated that the contract demonstrates the government’s readiness to support young people and provide them with opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

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“NaCSA will implement this project and ensure it reaches the intended beneficiaries in both urban and rural areas,” Songa said. He also warned field implementers to execute the project diligently to make the President and the government proud.

National Youth Commissioner Ahmed Atata Mansaray Esq. highlighted the importance of ensuring that the funds are disbursed transparently and reach the targeted individuals. He noted that NaCSA’s involvement in the project is crucial for its successful implementation.

Mansaray revealed that the $40 million initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s promise to create 5,000 jobs for young people. He added that the government, through the Youth Commission, plans to seek additional funding from the World Bank and other partners to expand the program in the future.

The project is expected to provide a significant boost to youth entrepreneurship and economic growth, offering a lifeline to thousands of young Sierra Leoneans struggling to find sustainable livelihoods.