By Musa Aiahson Koroma

His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has called for a stronger national focus on skills training and entrepreneurship as key strategies to tackle unemployment and expand opportunities for Sierra Leone’s young people. Speaking at the Presidential Townhall 2026 in Makeni, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the President stressed that education must prepare graduates not only for examinations but for the demands of the labour market.

“Employers today are asking for more than certificates,” President Bio said. “They want graduates who can demonstrate technical skills, vocational training, and practical experience. That is why vocational and technical education must be at the heart of our national agenda.”

He noted that one of the most pressing concerns raised by young people across the country is the difficulty of finding employment after graduation. According to him, the mismatch between academic qualifications and workplace demands has left many educated Sierra Leoneans struggling to secure jobs. “We must ensure that our education system produces graduates who are ready to work, ready to innovate, and ready to contribute,” he added.

The President explained that government has a responsibility to create a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector growth. He pointed out that thriving enterprises are engines of job creation, capable of employing dozens or even hundreds of people depending on their scale. “A single successful business can transform lives and communities,” he observed. “That is why strengthening the private sector is vital to expanding opportunities for our youth.”

Encouraging a shift in mindset, President Bio urged young Sierra Leoneans to embrace entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on government employment. He highlighted opportunities in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and other productive sectors. “Government jobs alone cannot absorb the thousands of graduates we produce each year,” he said. “But with innovation and enterprise, our young people can become job creators instead of job seekers.”

He further acknowledged the talent and qualifications already present among Sierra Leone’s educated youth but observed that access to opportunities remains a challenge. “We must build a fair and inclusive system where merit, innovation, and hard work are rewarded,” he said. “Only then can our young people realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Concluding his remarks, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities through skills development, entrepreneurship, and private sector partnerships. “Education should not simply produce certificates,” he emphasized. “It should produce confident, capable citizens who can seize opportunities, contribute productively to society, and drive our nation forward.”

The Townhall provided a platform for dialogue between the President and citizens, particularly young people. His message was direct: Sierra Leone’s future depends on unlocking the potential of its youth through skills, enterprise, and innovation.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 6th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)