His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has launched a Youth Empowerment Promotion and Livelihood Programme in Sierra Leone, targeting over 2,700 young people. The initiative focuses on empowering youth in transportation, fishing, farming, and business sectors. It also includes grants for 40 female youth-led organizations.
The programme provides 200 tricycles to improve mobility and small-scale transportation and 50 local fishing boats with modern accessories to support coastal communities. Grants are offered to female-led organizations to promote gender equality in economic participation. Additionally, there are business start-up grants for 864 rural youth and farm placements with training for 200 youths in aquaculture, poultry, and animal husbandry.
President Bio emphasized his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises by addressing the aspirations of Sierra Leone’s youth. He stated that empowering this demographic is crucial for sustainable development. “The present set of young people in Sierra Leone have demonstrated that investing in their education will lead to the transformation of our country into a paradise,” he said.
He assured that the programme is part of the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and not merely a political tool. “My government’s actions are not intended to win votes from young people but rather to ensure you have access to opportunities and resources that are your rights,” he affirmed.
Fredrick Ampiah from the United Nations Development Programme praised President Bio’s leadership in youth empowerment, calling it a tangible demonstration of commitment. Nadia Rasheed from the United Nations Population Fund expressed support for the programme, reiterating international partners’ commitment to youth development.
Minister of Youth Affairs Mohamed Orman Bangura thanked President Bio for supporting youth empowerment efforts. He announced mobilizing $1 million through strategic collaborations and highlighted engagement under the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP).
First Lady Fatima Bio introduced President Bio at the event, commending his dedication to youth empowerment.
The event concluded with reaffirmations of government commitment towards empowering young people as part of Sierra Leone’s sustainable development goals.
