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Youth

National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair Concludes with Promises of Job Creation and Support for Young Entrepreneurs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Vice President, concluded the three-day National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair, aiming to connect young job seekers and entrepreneurs with employers and experienced entrepreneurs. The fair, held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, brought together over 500 young Sierra Leoneans, 50 companies, and over 200 entrepreneurs, making it a significant platform for job creation and entrepreneurship development. President Julius Maada Bio, in his opening address, emphasized the importance of innovation and focus among young people, highlighting the government's efforts to create jobs and support businesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fair was designed to connect young people with opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss a cohesive and sustainable job-creation strategy.
  • Over 600 young people, 50 companies, and over 200 entrepreneurs participated in the fair, showcasing the country's potential for job creation and economic growth.
  • Since 2018, 24 manufacturing factories have hired thousands of young people, with other sectors such as water processing and packaging also generating jobs.
  • President Bio revealed that Sierra Leone is now exporting vegetable oil, soap, and other essentials to sub-regional markets, indicating a positive economic trend.
  • The government has registered more businesses in the last four years than in any four-year period before, and provided soft SME loans, including MUNAFA loans, to support entrepreneurship.
  • The fair aimed to build a bridge between the government's Human Capital Development investments and job creation, and put young people directly in touch with potential employers.
  • Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized the importance of investing in young people and helping them unleash their full potential in terms of creating and accessing jobs.
  • Development partners, including the World Bank, encouraged commercial banks to provide loans with favorable interest rates to support young entrepreneurs.

Statistics:

  • Over 500 young Sierra Leoneans participated in the fair.
  • 50 companies and over 200 entrepreneurs participated in the fair.
  • Since 2018, 24 manufacturing factories have hired thousands of young people.
  • Sierra Leone is now exporting vegetable oil, soap, and other essentials to sub-regional markets.
  • The government has registered more businesses in the last four years than in any four-year period before.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Labour and Social Security
  • Ministries of Technical and Higher Education, Trade and Industry, and Youth Affairs
  • Office of the Vice President
  • Press Release from the Government of Sierra Leone (date of press release: November 17, 2022)
  • Speech of President Julius Maada Bio (November 15, 2022)
  • Statement of Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh (November 15, 2022)
  • Statement of World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge (November 15, 2022)
  • Statement of Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi, Minister of Youth and Culture from Rwanda (November 15, 2022)
  • Statement of Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohammed Orman Bangura (November 15, 2022)

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