MOYA, Seoul, South Korea, 28 August, 2025.
In a significant stride towards global engagement and youth empowerment, the Minister of Youth Affairs of Sierra Leone proudly represented the nation on the international stage by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Africa Foundation (KAF) in Seoul, South Korea. The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, 28 August, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, setting the tone for a stronger and more dynamic collaboration between Sierra Leone and South Korea, focused on empowering the next generation.
This milestone agreement is designed to forge a robust partnership centered on creating transformative opportunities for young people in Sierra Leone. The collaboration will specifically target critical areas such as education, advanced skills development, technology transfer, and cultural exchange, all of which are essential for preparing youths to compete and thrive in an increasingly fast-changing and interconnected global landscape. During the signing ceremony, the Minister emphasized the profound importance of building these global linkages, noting that such initiatives are crucial for unlocking the vast potential of Sierra Leonean youths, and providing them with the platforms they need to succeed internationally.
The MoU is set to open new doors in fields that are vital for future economic growth and innovation, including entrepreneurship, digital training, and youth leadership development. By leveraging South Korea’s expertise in technology and innovation, the partnership aims to equip young Sierra Leoneans with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, fostering a generation of leaders, creatives, and innovators who are prepared to make significant contributions both locally and globally.
Adding a distinctive touch of culture and national pride to the occasion, the Minister presented a beautifully crafted Sierra Leone scarf to the President of the Korea Africa Foundation. This symbolic gesture not only showcased Sierra Leone’s rich national identity, but also served to cement the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations, highlighting the cultural exchange that will be a cornerstone of this new alliance.
In his address at the ceremony, the Minister articulated a powerful vision for the future, stating, “This partnership is a powerful reminder that the dreams of Sierra Leonean youths are not limited by borders. We are building bridges of knowledge, culture, and innovation that will ensure our young people are not just participants, but leaders in the global economy.” His words underscored the transformative ambition behind the agreement, which moves beyond mere international recognition to actively ensure that the voices, talents, and aspirations of Sierra Leonean youths become integral to global conversations.
Ultimately, this partnership with KAF represents a strategic investment in the future of Sierra Leone. By unlocking unprecedented opportunities for learning, growth, and international cooperation, the Ministry of Youth Affairs is taking a decisive step towards ensuring that the country’s youths are not left behind, but are instead positioned at the forefront of global progress and innovation.