President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received the inaugural 2025 Status of Youth Report in Sierra Leone, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive human capital development.
The report, which was formally presented to the President on Thursday, 3 July 2025 at State House by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, is the first comprehensive assessment of the status of young people in Sierra Leone. It provides an evidence-based analysis of the conditions, challenges and opportunities facing the country’s youthful population; an essential resource for national growth.
Delivering introductory remarks, James Bondeva Sandi, Director of Programmes, described the report as a groundbreaking, data-driven tool. “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 stated.
James Bondeva Sandi explained that the report outlines key strategic recommendations that are intended to shape more innovative and responsive interventions. “With rigorous methodology and comprehensive data, this report is designed to support decision-making at the highest level,” he added.
Representing Sierra Leone’s development partners, Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager, welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of aligning political vision with practical skill-building. “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 youths are prepared to compete for job opportunities,” Abdu Muwonge stated. He added that the report offers a strong foundation for enhanced collaboration and targeted support.
In his formal presentation, Youth Affairs Minister, Ibrahim Sannoh, praised President Bio’s visionary leadership, describing the document as a national 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.
Ibrahim Sannoh highlighted key recommendations, including the need to:
* Strengthen coordination among development stakeholders,
* Consolidate youth-focused efforts across various sectors and
* Establish a National Youth Wealth Creation Programme aimed at boosting economic opportunities for young people.
“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,” he concluded.
Responding to the presentation, President Bio expressed pride and optimism, noting that the report reinforces his administration’s strategic investment in young people. “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.
The President also revealed plans to present the report to fellow Heads of State within ECOWAS, citing its relevance as a model for youth engagement across West Africa. “This report will be shared with my colleagues in ECOWAS. We must understand where our youths stand and how to leverage their energy, creativity and innovation for our continent’s growth,” he emphasized.
As the African Union’s Champion for Human Capital Development, President Bio reiterated his dedication to expanding access to vocational training and skills development. “I firmly believe in equipping our youth with the tools they need to succeed. Skills development is key to shaping their future and ensuring they contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
President Bio concluded by commending the Ministry of Youth Affairs and development partners for their diligence and collaboration in producing the report, describing it as “a vital tool that will guide future policymaking and inspire impactful reforms.”
The 2025 Status of Youth Report is expected to serve as a blueprint for targeted interventions and continued investment in Sierra Leone’s next generation