Minister Orman Bangura Champions Youth Empowerment
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, has become a pivotal force in advancing President Julius Maada Bio’s agenda of human capital development and youth empowerment. Under his stewardship, the government has launched the Youth Empowerment Promotion and Livelihood Programme, a landmark initiative designed to directly benefit over 2,700 young people across Sierra Leone.
This groundbreaking program aims to tackle youth unemployment and foster sustainable development by providing tools, training, and opportunities in key economic sectors such as transportation, fishing, farming, and entrepreneurship. Among the core components of this initiative are:
• 200 tricycles distributed to support youth in transportation and small-scale business ventures.
• 50 fishing boats equipped with modern accessories for coastal communities to enhance livelihoods in the fishing industry.
• Financial grants awarded to 40 female-led organizations, empowering women to lead community-based development initiatives.
• Start-up packages provided to 864 rural youth, promoting entrepreneurial activities in underserved areas.
• Comprehensive training for 200 young people in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock farming to build technical expertise and enhance productivity.
• Integration of 4,200 youth into agriculture through the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) to strengthen Sierra Leone’s food security.
To ensure the program’s success, Minister Bangura has demonstrated exceptional leadership in mobilizing financial resources, securing $1 million in funding from international partners such as the UNDP and UNFPA. This strategic collaboration underscores his commitment to empowering Sierra Leone’s youth and fostering long-term national development.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Bangura emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the initiative: “This is not about politics; it’s about equipping young people with the tools they need to build a brighter and more prosperous future.”
Through his innovative and results-oriented approach, Minister Mohamed Orman Bangura is translating President Bio’s vision of youth empowerment into a tangible reality, creating a generation of self-reliant and productive young citizens while driving sustainable economic growth across the nation.
