Young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone will soon have the chance to develop essential digital skills through the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies’ (READY Salone) project, launched by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The four-year initiative, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to prepare 3,000 youth for opportunities in the digital economy.
The launch of READY Salone project was announced in a press release on ITC’s official website and across its digital platforms.
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How the project benefits youth and young entrepreneurs
The project seeks to empower young people, with a focus on women and persons with disabilities, by providing training in digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills. It also aims to strengthen tech-focused business support services and develop inclusive national digital strategies to create a robust digital ecosystem in the country.
“Trade is digital. It’s how business happens now, and young people are leading the way. Through READY Salone, we’re partnering with government and business to create a digital-friendly environment and build the online skills of youth, women, and persons with disabilities. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the country,” said ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
National collaboration to drive digital inclusion
The project’s launch event was attended by officials of the key government partners, including Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister; Hon. Ms. Haja Salimatu Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation; Hon. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs; and Hon. Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry. Over 100 youth and stakeholders from the business and tech communities also participated.
As part of its objectives, the READY Salone project will provide digital training to 3,000 youth and 250 small businesses while promoting awareness of the benefits of digital skills to 10,000 young people. The initiative will also leverage Sierra Leonean role models to inspire girls and young women to pursue opportunities in the digital economy.
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“Sierra Leonean youth are the backbone of our economy. We are excited to see how they will apply the skills and tools acquired from the project to build their careers and contribute to their communities and country,” said Hon. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs.
“The READY Salone project’s focus on creating digital jobs and successful digital freelancers aligns perfectly and contributes directly to our national goals and initiatives. We look forward to collaborating with ITC to amplify the impact of our work,” added Hon. Ms. Haja Salimatu Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation.
The initiative kicked off with a slogan competition involving 100 youth, alongside discussions among stakeholders, financial institutions, and tech ecosystem representatives about advancing inclusive finance and creating a Skills for Youth Employment Fund (SkYE Fund) to further benefit Sierra Leonean youth.
Applications are open, and interested youth and young entrepreneurs can express their interest in the READY Salone project by completing the provided form.