By Ibrahim Kabba Turay

The International Labour Organization (ILO) held a pivotal inception meeting on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, at its Head Office in Mudge Farm, Aberdeen, Freetown, to formally launch the “Opportunity Salone Programme.” The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government institutions, private sector organizations, civil society, and youth-led groups.

The Opportunity Salone Programme is a key component of the European Union-funded “Jobs and Growth” initiative. It is designed to foster job creation by improving the investment climate, particularly in areas such as access to finance, rural transportation, and vocational training. The programme focuses on four rural districts in Sierra Leone—Bo, Bombali, Kenema, and Port Loko.

During the meeting, participants engaged in strategic discussions centered on the programme’s core objectives, including the advancement of agriculture, integration of technology, and the promotion of sustainable business practices. Stakeholders shared perspectives on local challenges and underscored the importance of context-specific solutions to effectively combat youth unemployment.

Tonderai Manoto, Chief Technical Adviser at ILO, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration from the outset. “This inception meeting marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to align the roles, expectations, and goals of our partners,” he said. “This programme represents a critical step in tackling unemployment and improving the employability of young people. Through collaboration, we can build an environment where youth are empowered to thrive.”

Manoto also highlighted that while agriculture remains the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy, it is hampered by low productivity, high informality, and weak linkages to markets, finance, and skills development.

Speaking at the event, Momodu Wodie, Project Manager at the National Youth Commission, acknowledged the country’s ongoing economic challenges—including a difficult business environment, a weakening currency, low export revenues, and over-reliance on imports. He further noted the importance of addressing poor infrastructure, weak education and health systems, and underinvestment in key sectors. “Empowering young people is essential to the nation’s progress,” Wodie stated. “This programme provides them with the tools to lead and innovate.”

Fanko Manso Marrah, Finance, Contract, and Audit Officer at the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, commended ILO for its compliance with project guidelines but stressed the need for sustained efforts. “This initiative is not yet complete,” Marrah said. “It aims to drive inclusive value chain development, particularly for SMEs and cooperatives, while improving access to markets through feeder road maintenance—supported by the ILO’s Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP).”

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to regular follow-ups and open communication among stakeholders throughout the life of the programme. Participants left the session with renewed motivation and a shared vision for creating a more prosperous future for Sierra Leone.’