By Mariama Benovia Davies
His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio has underscored the importance of equipping young people with practical skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating a business-friendly environment as key strategies for expanding economic opportunities and addressing youth unemployment in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the PRESIDENTIAL Townhall 2026, held at the UniMak Auditorium in Makeni and organized by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, President Bio emphasized that while access to education remains a national priority, education must also prepare young people to compete successfully in an evolving labour market.
Addressing participants, the President noted that one of the most pressing concerns raised by young people across the country is the availability of employment opportunities after completing their education. He explained that today’s job market demands more than academic qualifications, requiring graduates to possess technical skills, vocational training, and practical experience alongside their formal education.
President Bio stressed that vocational and technical education plays a critical role in preparing young people for employment by providing them with industry-relevant skills. He observed that employers increasingly seek individuals who are already equipped with the competencies needed to perform effectively, making skills development an essential pathway to improving employability.
The President further highlighted government’s responsibility to foster an enabling environment that encourages business growth and private sector investment. He explained that thriving businesses create employment opportunities, noting that a single successful enterprise can employ dozens or even hundreds of people depending on its scale. Strengthening the private sector, he said, remains vital to expanding job creation and driving sustainable economic growth.
Encouraging a shift in mindset among the nation’s youth, President Bio urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on government employment. He pointed to opportunities in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and other productive sectors, emphasizing that with the right training, innovation, and support, young Sierra Leoneans can become job creators instead of job seekers.
The President also acknowledged that many educated Sierra Leoneans possess the knowledge, talent, and qualifications necessary to contribute meaningfully to national development. However, he observed that access to opportunities remains a challenge for many. He called for a fair and inclusive environment where merit, innovation, and hard work are rewarded, enabling more young people to realise their full potential.
Concluding his address, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities through skills development, entrepreneurship, and private sector growth. He emphasized that education should not simply result in the acquisition of certificates but should empower young people with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to contribute productively to society, seize emerging opportunities, and play a central role in Sierra Leone’s continued development.
