MTHE, GPE Deepen Collaboration to Strengthen Technical and Higher Education in Sierra Leone.

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) convened critical discussions with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) on February 25, 2026, launching a strategic push to revolutionize technical and vocational training nationwide.

Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie led the high-level engagement at the Sababu Building, presenting an ambitious reform agenda designed to transform Sierra Leone's education landscape. The talks centered on expanding access to market-relevant skills training while ensuring educational outcomes directly fuel national development priorities.

Dr. Wurie articulated a bold vision for education transformation. "Building on foundational learning requires equipping teachers and students with digital competencies, green skills, and technical expertise demanded by today's evolving economy," she stated. The Minister outlined comprehensive reforms, including the strategic revival of technical schools and a concerted campaign to rebrand vocational education as a prestigious, viable alternative to traditional academic routes.

Central to the Ministry's strategy is forging direct connections between training programs and labor market demands. Structured apprenticeship schemes and intensified private sector partnerships form the cornerstone of this approach. Ambitious plans are underway to elevate government technical institutes into community technical colleges with university linkages, establishing clear academic and career progression pathways for students.

On institutional reform, Dr. Wurie announced modernization initiatives featuring comprehensive education data systems and performance monitoring dashboards. She emphasized sustainable higher education financing through a dedicated Technical and Higher Education Fund incorporating performance-based incentives to drive institutional quality and accountability.

"These reforms specifically target Sierra Leone's youthful demographic, equipping them with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurial ventures, and meaningful national contribution," the Minister affirmed.

Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Abdul Senesie urged GPE to strengthen support across the foundational and vocational education spectrums. He advocated for sustainable social financing mechanisms covering routine educational activities, citing Morocco's successful model as a potential blueprint. "Early and sustained investment in basic education cultivates tomorrow's innovators," Senesie highlighted.

Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer Sia Fasuluku expressed confidence in dramatically reducing learning poverty, confirming ongoing initiatives to guarantee every Sierra Leonean child access to quality education.

Senior Education Specialist Jennifer Hofmann, representing GPE, revealed the organization's Strategic Plan 2030 now prioritizes skills development and TVET following advocacy from Sierra Leone and fellow partner nations. The enhanced framework supports out-of-school youth training, life skills development, and diversified learning pathways.

"This alignment perfectly complements the Ministry's inclusive, quality education vision," Hofmann confirmed, signalling strengthened collaboration between Sierra Leone and international education partners in the journey toward educational excellence and economic empowerment.

Correspondent-Richard Williams

Ministry of Technical and Higher Education

Tel: +23203086143