His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio today received the 2025 Status of Youth Report in Sierra Leone, presented by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh.
Presenting the context and rationale of the report, Mr. James Bondeva Sandi, Director of Programmes, described the publication as a critical, data-driven account of the realities facing Sierra Leone’s youth. “Your Excellency, this report presents empirical evidence on the conditions of young people, who make up a significant portion of our population. Understanding their needs is essential for effective policy and programming,” he noted.
Mr. Sandi added that the research outlines both challenges and opportunities, drawing strategic recommendations to inform new, innovative, and responsive youth empowerment interventions. “With rigorous methodology and comprehensive data, this report is designed to support decision-making at the highest level,” he emphasized.
Mr. Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager and representative of international donor partners, welcomed the report and emphasized the importance of expanding vocational and skills training programs for youth. “Your Excellency, we commend your passion and dedication to youth empowerment. However, it’s essential to align that vision with tangible skills development, ensuring that regardless of their background, our youth are prepared to compete for job opportunities,” he said. “This report opens the door for deeper collaboration and targeted support.”
Delivering the formal presentation, Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, thanked President Bio for his visionary leadership and described the document as a historic milestone. “Your Excellency, this is the first ever comprehensive Status of Youth Report in the history of Sierra Leone. It is more than just a document, it is a landmark achievement made possible under your leadership, and a model that others in the region can emulate,” he said.
The Minister highlighted key recommendations from the report, including the need for stronger synergies among stakeholders and development partners, the consolidation of youth development efforts across sectors, and the creation of a National Youth Wealth Creation Programme. “With your leadership and the collective effort of all stakeholders, I am confident we can build a Sierra Leone where every young person has the opportunity to thrive,” Minister Sannoh concluded.
In his response, President Bio expressed delight in receiving the report, emphasizing his government’s intentional focus on youth inclusion and empowerment. “We are very deliberate in putting youth at the center of national decision-making. They are our country’s greatest asset. This report shows us the progress we are making and what more we can do to help young people reach their full potential,” he said.
President Bio further revealed plans to present the report to his fellow Heads of State in the ECOWAS subregion, noting its relevance as a model for regional youth engagement. “This report will be shared with my colleagues in ECOWAS. We must understand where our youth stand and how to leverage their energy, creativity, and innovation for our continent’s growth,” he stated.
Touching on his role as Africa’s champion for Human Capital Development, President Bio reiterated his support for expanding vocational institutions and skills training. “As a human capital development champion, I firmly believe in equipping our youth with skills that will unlock opportunities and inspire innovation. Skills development is key to shaping their future and ensuring they succeed in society,” he added.
He thanked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and all partners for the rigor and creativity applied in producing the report, calling it a vital tool for progress.
