In a significant move to advance economic and technical cooperation, the government of Sierra Leone and the Chinese Economic and Commercial Counseling Centre based in Guangzhou, formalized a major partnership aimed squarely at empowering the nation’s youth. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on Monday, 18 August 2025, in Freetown, lays the foundation for a comprehensive initiative designed to integrate young Sierra Leoneans into the burgeoning global electric vehicle industry, a sector poised for exponential growth.
The agreement, described by both parties as a cornerstone for future development, includes a substantial commitment of resources from the Chinese side. This includes a donation of 500 electric cars, 1,000 electric motorbikes, and 500 electric tricycles. Beyond the provision of vehicles, a core component of the deal is the establishment of a state-of-the-art training facility dedicated to equipping young people with advanced technical skills in electric vehicle maintenance, repair, and operation. This focus on practical, hands-on education is intended to create a new generation of technicians and entrepreneurs capable of supporting and leading the local EV market.
During the signing ceremony, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, articulated the profound impact the project is expected to have. He firmly situated the initiative within the broader framework of President Julius Maada Bio’s national development strategy, known as the ‘Big 5’ game changers. Minister Sannoh emphasized that the partnership directly addresses critical pillars of this agenda, specifically youth employment and human capital development, by creating tangible opportunities for young people to participate in a fast-growing global industry. He stated that this is not merely about receiving equipment, but about building capacity and fostering innovation from the ground up.
The Chinese representative present at the event echoed this sentiment, characterizing the agreement as a groundbreaking step in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The representative highlighted that the project transcends a simple transfer of goods, representing instead a deep investment in Sierra Leone’s most valuable resource: its people. By offering technical training and modern technology, the initiative is designed to provide Sierra Leonean youths with the tools for a brighter future and self-sufficiency.
Officials from both nations stressed that the core philosophy of the project extends far beyond immediate infrastructure and industrial growth. A fundamental emphasis has been placed on human resource development and the vital transfer of knowledge, which are considered essential ingredients for achieving long-term economic sustainability and resilience. This collaborative effort is seen as a powerful testament to the continued and strengthening partnership between Sierra Leone and China, a relationship consistently focused on driving tangible and impactful national development projects that create opportunities and foster skills for the future.