By Ibrahim Barrie

Graduate unemployment has become one of the most pressing development challenges in Sierra Leone, a combination of skills mismatches, ‘connectorism’, and structural deficiencies in the labor market has created a situation where academic credentials no longer guarantee employment.

This article argues for a shift from a certificate-based education system to a demand-driven skills development approach as the most sustainable pathway to enhance graduate employability, stimulate economic growth, and promote national transformation, through the analysis of current economic realities and successful models, it demonstrates that strategic investment in human capital can transform Sierra Leone’s youth from a development burden into the nation’s greatest asset.

Sierra Leone stands at a critical turning point, despite an increasingly educated youth population, the nation faces a paradox high graduate unemployment amid untapped economic opportunities.

The dominance of connectorism’, where access to employment depends on personal networks rather than merit, continues to marginalize capable young graduates who lack social or political connections, to break this cycle, a fundamental reorientation toward skills development is essential, aligning educational outcomes with market demands will not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen the human capital foundation necessary for Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.

The root cause of graduate unemployment is not a shortage of jobs, but a disconnect between education and employment needs. Skills development initiatives especially those designed with private-sector input can bridge this gap by equipping graduates with relevant, hands-on expertise in emerging sectors such as ICT, engineering, renewable energy, and agro-processing.

A skills-based education system empowers graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers. With competencies in business management, innovation, and digital literacy, graduates can start and manage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that stimulate economic diversification and generate local employment.

A skilled workforce drives higher productivity, enhances service delivery, and improves competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, this not only attracts foreign investment but also fuels sustainable economic growth.

When merit-based skills become the benchmark for employment, the culture of favoritism and influence gradually weakens, employers begin to prioritize ability over affiliation, promoting fairness and efficiency across both public and private sectors.

In a world of rapid technological change, a workforce with transferable and adaptive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital proficiency ensures long-term stability and readiness for future economic shifts.

The transformation toward a skills-based economy demands a collaborative national effort that engages all stakeholders, government, provide strategic leadership, invest in training infrastructure, and expand initiatives such as the Skills development fund, educational institutions, reform curricula to integrate practical learning, career guidance, and industry linkages.

Private Sector participate in curriculum co-design, provide internships, and prioritize merit-based hiring. Students and Graduates take personal ownership of career growth by engaging in continuous learning, mentorship, and practical exposure.

The shift toward skills development is not a luxury it is an economic necessity, it offers Sierra Leone a pathway to dismantle the barriers of connectorism, empower its youth, and convert human potential into measurable national development.

By investing strategically in skills, Sierra Leone can create a new generation of empowered, innovative, and productive citizens who will drive the nation’s transformation, the future of our economy depends not on the number of graduates we produce, but on the relevance and quality of the skills they possess.

The writer is a Policy Analyst & Youth Development Advocate
+232 76 466542 | ib1951410@gmail.com
Guest Writer, Expo Times Newspaper

Ibrahim Barrie is a policy analyst and youth development advocate with a strong interest in education reform, governance, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone, we is passionate about promoting skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment as catalysts for national growth.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 19th November 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)