In a proud moment, the President's office launched the second edition of the 2023 National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen.

This much-anticipated event aimed to ignite the spirit of empowerment and inspiration among the youth, guiding them towards a future marked by prosperity and self-reliance. With the theme "Fostering Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Growth for Future-Ready Youth Development," the occasion promised a dynamic and impactful gathering.

At the stroke of noon, the opening ceremony commenced with a solemn prayer, symbolizing collective hope for the fair's success. Minister of State, Manty Tarawalli, then graced the stage to deliver an opening speech, highlighting the fair's crucial role as a platform for youth to learn, gain exposure, and assess skills for personal development and self-employment.

Minister Manty emphasized the fair's pivotal role in the government's broader strategy to combat youth unemployment, unveiling an ambitious goal of providing 500,000 jobs for the nation's youth. This comprehensive initiative covers formal and informal employment, waged work, and self-employment, tailored to meet the diverse skills and aspirations of the youth population.

Crucially, Minister Manty stressed that these 500,000 jobs were strategically designed to uplift citizens from poverty. The Sierra Leonean government sees employment and entrepreneurship as powerful tools for economic growth and individual prosperity, positioning the fair as a channel for providing youth with essential skills and opportunities for sustainable development.

As the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair unfolds, it stands as a testament to Sierra Leone's commitment to nurturing a generation of capable, resourceful, and self-reliant individuals. The event holds the promise of being a catalyst for positive change, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the fairgrounds and into the very fabric of the nation's future.