The International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Sierra Leonean government, has launched the READY Salone project to empower 3,000 youth with digital skills and opportunities over the next four years.
Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), READY Salone focuses on enhancing digital literacy, fostering entrepreneurship, and developing inclusive national digital strategies. The initiative also prioritizes support for young women, persons with disabilities, and 250 small and medium-sized enterprises.
Key government officials, including Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, attended the launch event, alongside over 100 business and tech stakeholders. The project will also run awareness campaigns reaching 10,000 youth and engage Sierra Leonean role models to inspire young women to explore digital careers.
Highlighting the program’s significance, Youth Affairs Minister Mohamed Orman Bangura called Sierra Leonean youth the “backbone of the economy,” while Communications Minister Haja Salimatu Bah emphasized the alignment of the project with national goals for digital jobs and freelancing.
The project includes collaborations with financial institutions and ecosystem stakeholders to advance inclusive finance and establish a Skills for Youth Employment Fund (SkYE) to support young entrepreneurs.
Young Sierra Leoneans interested in participating can apply through an official registration form.