From public service and youth empowerment to strengthening educational and people-to-people ties between Sierra Leone and China
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE — At a time when education, skills development and international cooperation are increasingly important to national development, Foday Nangai has emerged as a committed advocate for creating opportunities for Sierra Leoneans through education, professional training and international partnerships.
A Sierra Leonean educator, public service professional and youth development advocate, Nangai currently serves as Vice President of the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA), the national platform bringing together Sierra Leonean graduates of Chinese universities and promoting educational and people-to-people exchanges between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.
His professional journey has also placed him at the centre of cooperation between Sierra Leonean public institutions and Chinese partners. He serves as Coordinator and Focal Person between the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS), where he facilitates communication and supports programmes in areas including skills development, professional training, youth empowerment and international cooperation.
Turning Ideas Into Opportunities
One of the defining features of Nangai’s work has been his ability to translate ideas into practical programmes that directly benefit Sierra Leoneans.
In 2019 through the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, a concept note he developed resulted in support from the Chinese Embassy for a Stitching and Sewing Vocational Training Programme. The initiative trained 45 Sierra Leoneans under Chinese tutors, with successful participants receiving sewing machines to help them establish or expand their own income-generating activities.
Four years later, in 2023, another proposal he championed facilitated a Bilateral Seminar in China on Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance. The programme enabled 25 Sierra Leonean participants to travel to China for specialized technical training in renewable energy.
These initiatives reflect Nangai’s broader conviction that international cooperation should translate into practical skills, employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
He has also consistently advocated for professional development opportunities for public servants, including short-term technical training programmes and Chinese Government Scholarship opportunities.
A Personal Experience That Became a National Mission
Nangai’s commitment to educational exchange is rooted partly in his own experience as a former beneficiary of the Chinese Government Scholarship in 2012
His time in China exposed him not only to academic learning, but also to Chinese culture, innovation, entrepreneurship and development.
Reflecting on that experience, he once wrote:
«“From the vibrant streets of Beijing to the serene landscapes of Guilin, every corner of China has a story to tell.”»
For Nangai, the experience became more than an educational opportunity. It helped shape his belief that international exposure can transform young people and equip them with knowledge and perspectives that can contribute to national development.
Today, he seeks to ensure that other Sierra Leoneans can access similar opportunities.
Leading the Drive for Chinese Government Scholarships
As Vice President of SISLAA, Nangai has played an active role in promoting educational opportunities available through China.
One of his most visible contributions has been his leadership in the nationwide sensitization campaign for the MOFCOM Scholarship Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.
In May 2026, Nangai headed the SISLAA Northern and North-West Regional Sensitization Team during an extensive outreach programme organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone.
The campaign reached institutions including:
– Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), Magburaka
– University of Makeni (UNIMAK)
– EBKUST Port Loko Campus
– Milton Margai Technical University, Freetown
During the engagements, he provided prospective applicants with practical guidance on eligibility requirements, online applications, supporting documents and common mistakes that can lead to otherwise qualified applicants being unsuccessful.
His message has remained consistent: opportunities should be pursued on the basis of merit, preparation and determination.
«“The scholarship is based on merit and not political connections. Applicants should not disqualify themselves before trying.”»
He noted that 101 Sierra Leoneans benefited from the MOFCOM Scholarship Programme in 2025, and expressed hope that increased awareness and improved applications would enable even more Sierra Leoneans to benefit.
Strengthening Sierra Leone–China People-to-People Relations
Beyond scholarships and professional training, Nangai has become a visible participant in activities celebrating the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and China.
Through his involvement with SISLAA and his professional responsibilities, he has participated in diplomatic, cultural and educational engagements involving Chinese diplomats, government officials, alumni and young professionals.
His work reflects a belief that strong bilateral relations are not built solely through government-to-government agreements, but also through people-to-people relationships, educational exchanges, cultural understanding and shared experiences.
At various events, he has emphasized the importance of maintaining the friendship between the two countries and has often echoed the principle that “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
A Bridge Between Institutions and People
Over the years, Nangai’s activities have positioned him as a bridge between public institutions, development partners, educational institutions and young professionals seeking opportunities beyond Sierra Leone.
His role is not simply about communicating information. It involves identifying opportunities, mobilizing beneficiaries, developing proposals, coordinating stakeholders and advocating for programmes that can have practical impact.
Whether promoting vocational training, renewable-energy skills, scholarships or professional development, his approach has remained centred on one objective: turning international cooperation into opportunities that benefit Sierra Leoneans.
Looking Ahead
Foday Nangai’s vision extends beyond individual scholarships or training programmes.
He advocates for a generation of Sierra Leoneans who are globally exposed, locally grounded, technically skilled and committed to national service.
Through SISLAA, he continues to promote scholarship awareness, university engagement, alumni mentorship and educational exchange. Through his public service role, he continues to facilitate cooperation and professional development opportunities.
His journey demonstrates how personal educational experiences can evolve into a broader commitment to public service.
For Nangai, the relationship between Sierra Leone and China is not simply a diplomatic partnership. It is an opportunity to build human capacity, transfer knowledge, develop skills and create pathways through which young people and professionals can contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s development.