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Economic development

UNIDO and Partners Launch Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training in Sierra Leone

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Government of Japan, has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training at the Freetown Polytechnic's Kissy Campus. This initiative, themed 'Promoting Youth Employment through Automotive Maintenance Skills Training,' aims to equip Sierra Leonean youth, especially women and marginalized groups, with practical, market-driven skills in automotive maintenance and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Centre of Excellence has a capacity to train 400 youth annually, including 200 in technical skills and 200 in entrepreneurship, with a nationally accredited, competency-based curriculum in automotive maintenance and entrepreneurship.
  • The Centre supports local and international instructor training to ensure long-term impact.
  • The initiative is part of President Bio's Youth Employment Scheme and is aligned with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education's dedication to vocational education reform.
  • The Centre is a national hub for innovation, access, and technical excellence, capable of shaping a skilled workforce for Sierra Leone's future.
  • Beneficiaries of the program, such as Foday S. Kamara and Posseh M. Kamara, have shared inspiring testimonies about their transformative journeys, citing improvements in their lives and communities.
  • The Centre is seen as a symbol of Sierra Leone's commitment to inclusive development, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.

Statistics:

  • The Centre has the capacity to train 400 youth annually.
  • 200 youth will be trained in technical skills and 200 in entrepreneurship.
  • The Centre's curriculum is nationally accredited and competency-based.
  • The initiative is part of President Bio's Youth Employment Scheme.
  • The Centre is expected to shape a skilled workforce for Sierra Leone's future.

Sources:

  • Sierra Leone News Agency (14 May 2025)
  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
  • Government of Sierra Leone
  • Government of Japan

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