Sierra Leone launches initiative to empower youth in the digital economy

As Sierra Leone steps into the digital age, READY Salone promises to redefine opportunities for its youth

Young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone are set to sharpen their digital skills with the launch of the ‘Sierra Leone. Photo/ Courtesy.
Young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone are set to sharpen their digital skills with the launch of the ‘Sierra Leone. Photo/ Courtesy.

In a landmark move to bolster youth participation in the digital economy, Sierra Leone has unveiled the “Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies” initiative, also known as READY Salone. The project, spearheaded by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), seeks to enhance digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills among young people, with a focus on empowering women and individuals with disabilities.

READY Salone is a four-year initiative designed to integrate Sierra Leone’s youth into the global digital economy. ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton described the program as a significant step toward fostering inclusivity in digital trade and business.

“Trade is digital, and young people are leading this transformation. READY Salone is our commitment to equipping Sierra Leone’s youth with the skills to thrive in this new economy while fostering innovation and inclusion,” Coke-Hamilton said.

The launch event drew high-ranking officials, including Chief Minister Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Communications Hon. Ms. Haja Salimatu Bah, Minister of Youth Affairs Hon. Mr. Mohamed Orman Bangura, and Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay. Over 100 stakeholders from government, business, and tech communities joined, underscoring the broad support for the initiative.

The READY Salone project focuses on four key areas to drive Sierra Leone’s digital transformation. Digital Literacy Training will equip 3,000 youth and 250 small enterprises with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Entrepreneurial Upskilling offers resources and mentorship to bolster business competitiveness, fostering innovation among young entrepreneurs. Tech Ecosystem Development aims to enhance business support services, ensuring a robust framework for growth in the technology sector.

Lastly, Inclusive Policy Design works with government bodies to create equitable digital strategies, ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach all segments of society. Together, these initiatives provide a comprehensive approach to empowering Sierra Leone’s youth and advancing the nation’s digital landscape

The project also includes an awareness campaign to reach 10,000 young people, featuring Sierra Leonean role models who aim to inspire girls and women to pursue careers in technology.

Sierra Leone’s leadership expressed enthusiasm about the initiative’s potential to reshape the nation’s economic landscape.

“Sierra Leonean youth are the backbone of our economy. READY Salone will empower them to build careers and contribute to their communities,” said Hon. Mr. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs.

Hon. Ms. Haja Salimatu Bah added, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our national goals of creating digital jobs and fostering innovation. We are proud to collaborate with ITC in this transformative effort.”

The initiative is a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, and international stakeholders. A memorandum of understanding, signed by ITC and Sierra Leonean government leaders, formalized the project, paving the way for long-term impact.

In its early days, READY Salone has already hosted financial institutions and tech leaders to explore inclusive funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs, including a proposed Skills for Youth Employment Fund (SkYE Fund).

As Sierra Leone steps into the digital age, READY Salone promises to redefine opportunities for its youth. By bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation, the program could transform the nation’s economic trajectory while setting a model for youth empowerment across Africa.

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