By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable industrialization and expanding youth employment through strengthened international partnerships.
Speaking at a high level ministerial roundtable held at the New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, Dr Sengeh described Sierra Leone as a country with significant potential to transform its youthful population into a powerful engine for economic growth and innovation.
The roundtable, focused on partnerships for sustainable industrialization and youth employment, brought together government officials, development partners, and international stakeholders to discuss strategies for achieving long term economic development. Dr Sengeh emphasized that collaboration remains central to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, which promotes industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
He linked the discussions to the government’s Big Five Game Changers agenda, particularly in the areas of human capital development and job creation. According to him, aligning education, skills training, and employment opportunities is critical to addressing the country’s labor market demands.
“With a median age of about 19.5 years, Sierra Leone’s population presents both an opportunity and a challenge,” he said. “We must ensure that our young people are equipped with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Dr Sengeh reiterated the government’s ambition to create 500000 jobs within five years, noting that this goal will require coordinated efforts across sectors. He stressed the need to strengthen systems that support youth productivity, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The roundtable builds on earlier high level engagements initiated during TICAD 9, including discussions between the Chief Minister and Yuko Yasunaga, Deputy to the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. It aims to deepen cooperation between Sierra Leone and key partners such as Japan, UNIDO, and other development institutions.
Key areas of focus include identifying priority reforms in industrial policy, strengthening linkages between education and industry, and expanding cooperation in investment and technology transfer. Participants also explored ways to scale industry led technical and vocational education and training models, drawing lessons from Japan supported initiatives such as automotive skills training.
Also speaking at the event, Japan’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, commended the government and its partners for convening the dialogue. He highlighted Japan’s ongoing support in areas such as technical training, information and communication technology, and small business development. According to him, these initiatives are already contributing to job creation and innovation, particularly among young people and women.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana, also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities. She called for improved policy coordination, stronger links between training institutions and industry, and clearer pathways from skills development to employment.
The roundtable is expected to produce a joint communiqué outlining shared priorities and a roadmap for advancing industrial and skills development policies. It will also identify key sectors for investment and workforce development.
In his closing remarks, Dr Sengeh stressed that industrial growth and skills development must go hand in hand. He noted that sustained partnerships and coordinated action will be essential in achieving Sierra Leone’s ambition of becoming a middle income country.
