The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, has unveiled a bold new national initiative aimed at transforming youth development in Sierra Leone. Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building in Freetown, Minister Sannoh introduced the Youth Electric Munition agenda—a three-year strategic plan set to run from June 2025 to June 2028.
The initiative is structured around four core pillars, with agriculture positioned as the primary driver for youth empowerment, job creation, and economic independence.
“We are shifting from traditional classroom learning to practical, hands-on experiences,” Minister Sannoh said. “Agriculture will be at the center of this transformation, supported by complementary skills in digital marketing and security.”
The Minister emphasized the need for systemic change in the way youth development is approached in the country, pointing out weaknesses in current legal and enforcement frameworks and calling for better implementation mechanisms. He encouraged broad-based participation and collaboration, noting, “This is something we all must do together.”
Among the key components of the plan are the introduction of greenhouse farming initiatives, buy-back schemes to support young agricultural entrepreneurs, and targeted training programs for youths who are not in formal education or employment.
Sannoh underscored that the strategy aims to be inclusive, ensuring that young people—regardless of their academic background—can access meaningful career opportunities.
The press briefing included an interactive Q&A session with participants, including two consultants, who shared feedback and emphasized the importance of grassroots-oriented, community-driven development models.
The Youth Electric Munition strategy signals a renewed focus by the Ministry of Youth Affairs on practical solutions to youth unemployment, underdevelopment, and exclusion—challenges that have long hindered the potential of Sierra Leone’s largest demographic.
By Feima Sesay
