Sierra Leone’s unemployment rate saw a slight improvement, decreasing from 3.58% in 2022 to 3.57% in 2023, according to data by Macrotrends. Despite this progress, youth unemployment remains a critical issue, highlighting persistent gaps in sustainable job creation.

Government initiatives aimed at tackling unemployment have yet to yield significant results for the country’s youth. Some citizens have called on the government to address the root cause of youth joblessness  in the country. According to them, this is vital for long-term economic growth and stability. 

Major Causes Of Youth Unemployment in Sierra Leone

A recent World Bank report indicates that only 46% of young boys and 67% of girls in Sierra Leone complete secondary school. The limited access to quality education leaves the youth underprepared for competitive job markets. 

The disconnect between academic curricula and the labor market needs worsens the issue. Graduates often lack the skills needed by employers for successful business. 

Confirming this, Abraham Paul Senessie, a 23-year-old graduate from the University of Makeni (Unimak) shared his struggles.

“I finished my degree in 2024, but I still can’t find a job because my skills aren’t in demand,” he said.

Senessie lives in Freetown, where he continues to search for meaningful employment while relying on small, informal jobs to make ends meet.

The  economy heavily relies on the informal sector. This creates job insecurity for many young workers. According to the International Labour Organization, 89.4% of employed youth work in informal jobs.

Although the informal sector provides income, it offers little stability or growth potential. Furthermore, rural-urban migration exacerbates urban unemployment, overwhelming already strained cities.

Sani Abacha street, Freetown

Innovative Solutions To Address Unemployment

Addressing these challenges requires innovative and deliberate action from all stakeholders, especially the government. 

For instance, scaling up technical and vocational training programs could equip youth with practical skills. 

The government should prioritize funding and expanding access to training in trades like carpentry, tailoring, and IT. 

These programs must also be aligned with labor market demands to ensure graduates are employment-ready. 

Haja Mariama Bah, a 24-year-old resident of Bo, is a success story from one such vocational program. After completing her training in tailoring through a community-based initiative, she established her own business. 

“Learning tailoring changed my life. I now earn enough to support my family and even employ two apprentices,” she said. 

Mariama, who paused school due to her passion for tailoring, exemplifies how skills-based education can transform lives.

Haja Mariama Bah in her shop

The government needs to establish stronger frameworks for supporting youth entrepreneurship. Providing financial incentives, such as low-interest loans and grants, could help young people start and sustain businesses. 

Collaborating with private sector stakeholders to create mentorship opportunities and business incubators would further boost entrepreneurial success.

Another critical step involves leveraging technology to address the skills gap and increase access to employment opportunities. 

The government could partner with tech organizations to create digital training platforms and provide free or affordable internet access in underserved communities.

 Expanding such initiatives would break geographical barriers and connect more youth to online job markets.

Meanwhile, partnerships between public and private sectors can unlock more opportunities for youth. Collaborating with Sierra Leonean Diaspora investors in formulating sustainable business policies can help improve economic growth.

Again, the less interest in politics and more focus on investment by the diaspora helps transition young people into formal employment.

“Sierra Leone needs an active diaspora. Take some of the enthusiasm you have for politics and transfer it to business and investment,” said Martin Michael, CEO of Mercury International at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2024.

Finally, tackling systemic issues like corruption and poor governance is essential.A 2023 Transparency International report ranked Sierra Leone 108th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index. 

Transparent policies, accountability mechanisms, and inclusive job creation strategies are crucial for creating an enabling environment for youth employment. Without addressing these root issues, other efforts may have limited impact.

By taking these steps, the government can demonstrate its commitment to solving youth unemployment and building a sustainable future for Sierra Leone’s young people.

In conclusion, breaking the cycle of youth unemployment in Sierra Leone requires a multi-faceted approach. While challenges persist, innovative solutions are paving the way for a brighter future. 

By investing in education, entrepreneurship, and technology, Sierra Leone can empower its youth to thrive.