Freetown, June 18, 2026 — The first Mano River YouthConnekt began in Freetown and ended with a strong, coordinated call for greater regional unity and youth-driven economic integration across the Mano River Union (MRU). The historic meeting brought together government officials, development partners, regional institutions, and youth leaders from across the subregion to discuss practical ways to capitalise on the demographic dividend and strengthen cross-border collaboration.
The event, hosted by the Government of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Youth Affairs, began with a keynote welcome from the Honourable Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Sannoh, who laid out a bold vision for MRU member states’ cooperation. He urged the region’s youth to take on a leadership role in promoting peace, prosperity, and shared development, reminding delegates that geographical boundaries do not have to limit collective ambition. “While our countries may be separated by borders, our aspirations for progress, innovation, and sustainable development are shared,” the Minister stated, encouraging young people to become active agents of regional transformation.
The opening session featured remarks from prominent development and regional actors such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and the Secretary-General of the Mano River Union. These dignitaries emphasised the strategic importance of investing in youth empowerment, encouraging regional collaboration, and promoting inclusive economic growth to ensure long-term stability and development throughout the Mano River basin.
A high-level panel discussion titled “Leveraging Youth as Drivers of Economic Integration in the Mano River Union,” moderated by Mr Desmond Pessima, Presidential Youth Adviser to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, was the day’s highlight. The panel brought together regional and international experts to identify practical pathways for transforming youth potential into measurable gains for regional integration.
Panellists included Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative in Sierra Leone; Aliou Mamadou Dia, UNDP Resident Representative in Liberia; Ambassador M.B. Moribah, Secretary-General of the Mano River Union; and PC Philipa Cride-Dole, who represented youth voices. The discussion focused on practical measures to boost regional trade, promote entrepreneurship, accelerate innovation, and align skill development with market demands. Speakers emphasised the importance of creating enabling environments—such as access to finance, digital connectivity, vocational training, and streamlined cross-border procedures—that allow youth-led enterprises to grow and participate meaningfully in regional value chains.
Throughout the discussions, participants emphasised the importance of meaningful youth participation in policymaking for initiatives to reflect on-the-ground realities and deliver inclusive results. Panellists contended that providing young people with resources, mentorship, collaborative platforms, and opportunities to influence policy would unlock the MRU’s economic potential while also contributing to long-term peace and development.
As delegates finished the first day’s agenda, there was a palpable sense of optimism and renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships across national borders. Attendees emphasised the importance of translating the discussions into actionable programs, coordinated investments, and cross-border initiatives that provide tangible benefits to young people throughout the region.
The Mano River YouthConnekt continues with more panels, workshops, networking sessions, and strategic engagements aimed at advancing a common vision of a prosperous, interconnected, and youth-led Mano River region.
