In a pivotal meeting with the ECOWAS Human Capital Development (HCD) delegation, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing Human Capital Development as a central pillar of national growth. The discussions primarily focused on the potential access to the Catalytic Fund and the exploration of incubator opportunities, both of which aim to bolster the country’s development initiatives.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed a strong belief in HCD as a critical element of the government’s strategic agenda, referring to it as the second priority within the Big Five Game Changers for national development. He stated, “Human Capital Development is vital for our progress. While we have achieved significant milestones, we must continue to broaden our efforts across various sectors. The role of technology in propelling our initiatives forward cannot be overstated, and we are committed to doing even more.”
Ruben Johnson, the Programme Coordinator and team lead for the ECOWAS delegation, acknowledged Sierra Leone’s advancements in HCD and reiterated the organization’s support for the nation. “Our visit aims to provide updates on our ongoing initiatives and identify avenues for further collaboration. We have engaged with multiple institutions involved in HCD, and we are pleased with Sierra Leone’s dedication to this cause. The integration of technology into educational frameworks is particularly noteworthy,” Johnson remarked.
The delegation also recognized the contributions of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation in weaving education into the broader HCD strategy. A significant achievement mentioned was the digitization of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education’s curriculum, which is now accessible via the Learning Passport platform for students from Early Childhood Education through Senior Secondary School 3.
Mohamed M.M. Kallon, the Director of Human Capital Development in the Office of the President, emphasized ongoing government efforts to strengthen HCD initiatives and promote sustainability. Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the engagement with ECOWAS and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering partnerships that encourage sustainable human capital growth. “We are eager to harness support from ECOWAS and other partners. By leveraging opportunities like the Catalytic Fund and incubator programs, we can stimulate innovation and create a lasting impact on our national development,” he concluded.
