By: Hassan Osman Kargbo
Dr. Ramatuhai Wurie, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the country’s skills gap and empowering the informal sector. Speaking at the weekly Ministry of Information and Civic Education press briefing, Madam Wurie emphasized the urgent need for skilled labor to drive economic growth and reduce youth unemployment.
“Our strategy focuses on aligning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs with labor market demands, empowering the informal sector, and certifying skilled individuals,” said Wurie, highlighting the initiative’s importance for improving employability among young people. The minister stressed that the informal sector, which provides jobs for a large portion of the population, requires targeted training programs to enhance the skills of its workers.
As part of the plan, the government will implement a certification framework to formally recognize the skills of workers in the informal sector. Many talented individuals lack official credentials, limiting their access to better job opportunities. “Our certification process will help elevate these workers, enabling them to secure more competitive employment,” Wurie explained.
The strategy also includes efforts to improve the overall quality of higher education in the country. Wurie confirmed plans to increase investment in educational infrastructure, enhance teacher training, and foster partnerships with international institutions to align Sierra Leone’s education system with global standards.
The government’s renewed focus on TVET and higher education is seen as a critical step toward addressing the country’s youth unemployment crisis and fostering a skilled workforce that can contribute to national development.
Minister Wurie concluded the briefing by reaffirming her commitment to the successful implementation of the strategy. “Together, we can build a more skilled and resilient workforce that meets the demands of our evolving economy,” she said. Specific programs and timelines for the rollout of the initiative are expected to be announced in the coming months.
