By Sulaiman Jalloh

VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, officially launched the 2025 Tech Job Fair on Thursday, June 5, 2025, as a cornerstone initiative to enhance youth employment. The launch took place during a keynote address on the second day of the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates Digital Government Summit, held at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Freetown.

In his address, VP Jalloh highlighted that the Tech Job Fair aligns with the government’s ambitious plan to generate 75,000 jobs in the technology sector and 500,000 jobs overall. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, empowering young people to contribute to Sierra Leone’s burgeoning digital economy while addressing high unemployment rates.

VP Jalloh emphasized that the summit and job fair are pivotal steps toward realizing a vision outlined in the People’s Manifesto, launched by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in 2018. Since then, the government has made significant strides in human capital development, particularly in education and healthcare. Notable achievements include a reduction in maternal mortality rates, the introduction of progressive laws promoting inclusivity and women’s empowerment, and the payment of school fees for approximately 1.2 million children nationwide, with a focus on keeping more girls in education.

While celebrating these advancements, VP Jalloh stressed that education alone is insufficient without practical application. “It’s about ensuring young people can use what they’ve learned,” he said, urging youth to seize opportunities like the Tech Job Fair. The event provides a platform for students to connect with employers, explore career paths, and secure jobs in the tech industry.

VP Jalloh also outlined efforts to enhance internet access, digital learning, and legal protections for young innovators’ intellectual property. Sierra Leone is creating digital spaces and learning environments comparable to those in global cities like Washington or New York, he noted. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, private sector partners, and international collaborators for their role in making the summit and job fair a success.

Reiterating the government’s dedication, VP Jalloh affirmed, we are committed to investing in our youth and will not rest until every young person has access to quality jobs and a brighter future. He underscored the arrival of the digital age, calling on Sierra Leone’s youth to lead and actively participate in shaping the nation’s technological landscape.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 9TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)