Freetown, Sierra Leone – November 14, 2023
Today, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Vice President of Sierra Leone, inaugurated the 2023 National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair (NYEEF) during a ceremony at the Freetown International Centre, Aberdeen.
The event, themed “Creating Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Growth Opportunities for the Development of Future-Ready Youth,” is a four-day initiative aimed at fostering networking and learning for young individuals aged 18 to 35.
Expressing enthusiasm for the event, Vice President Jalloh highlighted the dedication of over 500 young Sierra Leoneans striving to unlock their potential and contribute to the nation’s development.
In response to the challenges of youth employment, President Julius Maada Bio has committed to generating 500,000 jobs for the youth, aligning with his broader strategy known as the BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERS.
As part of this vision, the 2023 NYEEF will host a Job Creation Conference, bringing together stakeholders to contribute to the development of the first draft of the National Job Creation Strategy.
Vice President Jalloh shared his optimism for a cohesive, integrated, and sustainable approach to job creation, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing youth employment challenges.
The Vice President also expressed his well-wishes for a productive and inspiring four days at the NYEEF, emphasizing the importance of the event in shaping the future of Sierra Leone’s workforce.
The NYEEF, an annual job fair organized by the Office of the Vice President, originated last year with the goal of connecting potential job seekers with employment opportunities, including training and start-ups.
The event typically draws over forty businesses, five hundred delegates, and professionals involved in training and job searches. This initiative aligns with President Bio’s overarching vision to create meaningful employment opportunities for the country’s youth.