A high-level World Bank Implementation Support Mission was recently hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in Freetown to review and advance the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project. Mr Robert S. Chase, World Bank Practice Manager for Social Protection and Jobs, and Ms Asha Monifa Williams led the delegation. The mission’s primary goals were to assess project progress, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and identify practical ways to expand the initiative’s impact on youth empowerment and job creation in Sierra Leone.
PSSNYE, a flagship social protection and employment program implemented in collaboration by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), and other partners, aims to promote inclusive economic growth by creating productive employment opportunities for young people and vulnerable populations. During a series of meetings and technical sessions, government officials and World Bank experts reviewed implementation milestones, monitoring and evaluation arrangements, and mechanisms in place to collect and respond to beneficiary input.
Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, used the occasion to reiterate the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the project benefits young Sierra Leoneans.
Minister Sannoh emphasised the program’s alignment with the government’s larger human capital agenda, highlighting His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in prioritising youth development. Inister Sannoh emphasised the program’s alignment with the government’s broader human capital agenda, highlighting His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in prioritising youth development. Its commitment to youth development is a key pillar of national progress. We are fully committed to effective implementation and transparency to ensure that every youth served by this program sees the real impact of government investment.”
Mr Robert S. Chase praised the Ministry’s leadership and the collaborative spirit that persisted throughout the engagement. He described the PSSNYE Project as a promising model of inclusive development that combines social protection and job opportunities. “The World Bank remains deeply encouraged by the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to youth employment and social protection,” Mr Chase stated. “We look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure that investments translate into resilient livelihoods, dignity, and opportunities for young people.”
Technical discussions focused on improving beneficiary feedback channels, increasing community-level implementation efficiency, improving transparency, and fine-tuning implementing agency coordination. Participants discussed operational challenges and agreed on next steps to improve targeting, accelerate disbursements, and expand training and livelihood support components.
The mission concluded with the Ministry, NaCSA, and the World Bank reaffirming their commitment to maintaining momentum on PSSNYE.
Stakeholders emphasised the importance of ongoing oversight, timely adjustments based on beneficiary input, and strong collaboration to ensure the project provides long-term employment outcomes and improved living standards for Sierra Leone’s youth and vulnerable groups.
