By Thaimu T Kamara
The European Union (EU) in Sierra Leone, in collaboration with key government institutions and development partners, hosted a Youth Engagement and Music Event at the Family Kingdom Resort in Freetown on Friday, July 17, bringing together government officials, youth leaders, civil society organizations, and young people from across the country to discuss youth empowerment, employment, innovation, and skills development.
The event attracted several high-profile personalities, including the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, and the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie. Representatives of the European Union, development organizations, youth groups, and participants from different districts across Sierra Leone also attended the programme.
Delivering the opening address, the Head of Operations of the European Union in Sierra Leone, Stéphane Meert, welcomed participants and commended the strong presence of youth-led organizations. He described young people as the country’s greatest asset and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth participation, employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Mr. Meert emphasized that the EU remains a reliable partner of Sierra Leone in advancing programmes that create opportunities for young people. He noted that investing in youth is essential to achieving long-term national development and pledged continued collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and other stakeholders to improve the lives of young people.
Speaking during the event, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering young people through programmes supported by the European Union and other development partners. He said the strong relationship between the Government of Sierra Leone and the EU has enabled the implementation of several youth-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities.
According to the minister, the government has invested in skills training programmes across different parts of the country, equipping thousands of young people with vocational and technical skills to become economically independent. He noted that beneficiaries have also received start-up business support to help establish small enterprises and improve their incomes.
Mr. Sannoh encouraged young people to embrace innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as pathways to success. He also underscored the importance of the National Youth Service (NYS), describing it as a key programme that continues to provide employment opportunities, work experience, and skills development for graduates and other young Sierra Leoneans.
The minister praised youth organizations that continue to support young people through community development initiatives, advocacy, and skills training. He assured participants that the government has more youth programmes in the pipeline and reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth development.
He further encouraged young people to remain focused on their goals, make productive use of available opportunities, and avoid risky activities, including the dangerous practice commonly referred to as “temple run.”
Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, stressed the importance of education, innovation, and creativity in national development. She said the government is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills that match labour market demands.
Dr. Wurie explained that vocational and technical institutions are now operating across the country, providing opportunities for young people to acquire employable skills and become self-reliant. She urged youths to take advantage of these institutions to improve their future prospects and contribute meaningfully to national development.
A major highlight of the programme was a round-table discussion involving the ministers and young participants from different parts of Sierra Leone. During the interactive session, youths openly discussed challenges affecting their development, including unemployment, limited access to opportunities, and the need for greater investment in education and entrepreneurship.
Participants also proposed practical recommendations aimed at improving youth policies and expanding employment opportunities. The ministers responded to questions and assured participants that their concerns and recommendations would be taken into consideration in the implementation of future programmes.
The EU Sierra Leone Programme Manager also reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to fostering employment, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable job opportunities for young people. The official emphasized that the EU remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development Agenda and other key national development priorities through strategic partnerships and targeted investments in youth empowerment.
The event was chaired by N’Fai Alie, while AYV presenter Madam Phebean Swill served as the moderator. The programme featured an engaging question-and-answer session, allowing participants to interact directly with government officials and development partners.
Entertainment performances by local artists added excitement to the occasion, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated the talent, creativity, and energy of Sierra Leonean youth.
The Youth Engagement and Music Event concluded with renewed commitments from both the Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union to strengthen partnerships that empower young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment. Participants expressed optimism that the discussions and commitments made during the event would translate into concrete actions that improve opportunities and the overall well-being of youths across Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 20th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
