Sierra Leone experienced a bloody 11-year civil war [1991-2002] which claimed thousands of lives, rendered thousands mutilated, homeless and traumatized. The protracted conflict hugely destroyed most of the country’s social, economic, and physical structures. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a body that was established to investigate the causes of the war, reported that youth marginalization and lack of education and access to livelihood opportunities were among key causes. Notwithstanding the significant development efforts the nation has registered since the end of the war, poverty and unemployment remain major challenges. Sierra Leone’s economy has however been fragile.
The alarmingly level of poverty, unemployment and underemployment, especially among youths, women and other vulnerable groups is worrisome. The economic recovery drive continues to be challenging as living cost bits hard. Recent months have witnessed a surge in food and fuel prices, a situation that could worsen poverty levels, especially among the unemployed/underemployed. The country is thus at a critical stage in its post-war transition.
According to Africa Barometer Research on youth employment, the youth population in Sierra Leone is substantial and makes up one-third of the total population (Approximately 2,500,000 young people). Of this group, 70% are underemployed or unemployed and 50% illiterate and unskilled. There is visible unemployment, particularly among young men who can be found in the streets of the capital Freetown and other urban centers. The research went further to state that unemployment rate in Sierra Leone is about 4.98% in 2023. The number of employed people in Sierra Leone is forecasted to 3.50m in 2023.
Successive governments have however made efforts to tackle mass youth unemployment. For instance, in 2009, the National Youth Commission was created. The object for which the commission was established is to implement policies, programmes and projects which will empower the youth to develop their potential for national development. Also, the Commission was formed to assist in the creation of employment opportunities for youths and develop medium and long-term strategies to tackle youth unemployment in Sierra Leone.
Also, the Parliament of Sierra Leone enacted the National Youth Service (NYS) Act and gazette as Vol. CXLV11. No. 17 dated 12 March 2016. Sierra Leone’s NYS, which was launched in December 2016, is a national programme that promotes youth participation in governance. The 2016 NYS Act aims to create work opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for young persons; instill in participants a sense of responsibility and of service to the country; gain a sense of self-respect and respect for authority; understand the values of discipline, democracy, citizenship and cooperation; and foster social cohesion.
More recently, the Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 07/03/2023 amended the Employment Act 2023 for the security and development of Sierra Leone. The amendment seeks to consolidate and improve the law relating to labor and employment, to provide for promotion of equal opportunity, elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation, and other related matters.
President Julius Maada Bio launched the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair in 2022 with the object of to address unemployment.
However, despite the aforementioned actions by past and president governments in reducing unemployment in Sierra Leone, the rate of unemployment is still astronomically high.
The creation of jobs, especially for young people, has the potential to not only develop the nation but also enhance peace and security as the saying goes: “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.
