Minister Sannoh Outlines Ambitious Youth Empowerment Vision at SEND Sierra Leone 2024 Annual Programme Report Launch.

The Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, unveiled his ministry’s bold new strategic vision on Wednesday at the launch of SEND Sierra Leone’s 2024 Annual Programme Report, held at City Hall in Freetown under the theme “Strengthening Accountability, Deepening Impact.”

In his address, Minister Sannoh introduced a three-year strategic plan titled “Youth in Entrepreneurship”, set to run from June 2025 to June 2028. The plan aims to promote self-reliance, job creation, and youth-led development across Sierra Leone. “This agenda will empower young people to create jobs for themselves—their future is in their own hands,” he affirmed.

The strategy is anchored on four pillars: agriculture and agribusiness, climate change policy and adaptation, skills development and technical education, and technology and innovation.

Placing agriculture at the heart of youth empowerment, the Minister emphasized its potential to drive economic transformation. “We are going to make agriculture sexy,” he declared, as he outlined plans to revamp the agricultural value chain and promote value addition. He further announced the establishment of technical and vocational training centres in every district, with a focus on agriculture-driven skills, such as operating tractors, harvesters, and dryers.

The event was graced by key stakeholders, including representatives from the German Embassy, members of SEND’s Board of Directors, and officials from various ministries. Speakers commended SEND Sierra Leone’s commitment to accountability and community-driven development.

The programme concluded with a dynamic panel discussion on “Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusive Development,” followed by the official presentation of the 2024 Annual Report, which highlighted the organisation’s achievements, impact, and lessons learned.

Koroma Mabinty

SLENA Correspondent

📧 koromamabinty962@gmail.com | 📞 ‪+232 78 078417‬