EU and Government of Sierra Leone Reaffirm Commitment to Youth Empowerment

The event brought together around 150 young people from across Sierra Leone, government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, youth-led groups, and members of the diplomatic community to discuss youth empowerment, employment, innovation, education, migration, agribusiness, and skills development. It provided an opportunity for young people to engage directly with policymakers and contribute ideas on strengthening youth participation in national development.

Welcoming participants, Stéphane Meert, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, commended the active participation of youth-led organisations and reaffirmed the European Union's longstanding commitment to supporting young people in Sierra Leone.

EU in Sierra Leone

"Young people are Sierra Leone's greatest asset. Their energy, creativity and determination are essential to the country's future. The EU and its Member States remain committed partners, working with the Government of Sierra Leone and others to support human capital development and expand opportunities through education, skills development, entrepreneurship, job creation and decent employment," said Mr Meert.

On business and investment, he highlighted the EU's Global Gateway strategy as a key instrument for supporting sustainable private sector investment in Sierra Leone, noting that the launch of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone (EuroCham) will help strengthen business links and foster greater commercial engagement between the two partners.

The Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Sannoh, highlighted the Government of Sierra Leone's commitment to empowering young people through programmes implemented in partnership with the European Union and other development partners. He noted that this cooperation has contributed to several youth-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding access to opportunities.

Mr Sannoh encouraged young people to embrace innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as pathways to success. He also underscored the importance of the National Youth Service (NYS) as a government initiative that continues to provide employment opportunities, practical work experience, and skills development for graduates and other young Sierra Leoneans.

EU in Sierra Leone

He further encouraged young people to remain focused on their aspirations, make productive use of available opportunities, and avoid risky activities, including irregular migration, locally referred to as "temple run".

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie Phd., stressed the importance of placing young people at the centre of decision-making and national development. She noted that effective policies must be informed by the voices and lived experiences of those they are designed to serve.

Dr Wurie also highlighted the importance of education, innovation, and creativity in driving national development, and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical, market-relevant skills. She encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities offered by technical and vocational institutions across the country in order to improve their prospects and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone's development.

A key highlight of the event was a round-table discussion involving ministers and young participants from different parts of the country. During the interactive session, participants raised challenges affecting youth development, including unemployment, limited access to opportunities, and the need for greater investment in education, skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Young people also proposed practical recommendations for improving youth policies and expanding employment opportunities.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment by both the European Union and the Government of Sierra Leone to strengthen cooperation in support of youth development. Musical performances by local artists and poetry performers also celebrated the creativity, talent, and dynamism of Sierra Leonean youth.

As the European Union and Sierra Leone mark 50 years of partnership, the event underscored the central role of young people in building a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for the country.