Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie Urges Industry-Led Skills Training to Tackle Youth Unemployment Across Africa

 Sierra Leone's Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has called for a fundamental shift in Africa's education systems, urging governments and industries to work together to equip young people with job-ready skills.

Speaking at the Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Dr. Wurie said Africa's growing youth population can only access dignified and fulfilling employment if education is designed in partnership with industry.

The Minister made the call while participating in the high-level panel discussion, "Powering Dignified and Fulfilling Work at Scale: Leadership Perspectives," alongside leading African policymakers and development experts.

Drawing on Sierra Leone's experience, Dr. Wurie showcased the government's ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the transition from education to employment. Central to her message was the concept of "Skills for Industry, with Industry," which encourages employers to help shape academic curricula, provide workplace learning opportunities, and become active partners in developing the future workforce.

"The labour market is constantly evolving; hence, our education systems must evolve with it," she said, adding that closer collaboration between educators and employers creates a direct pathway from classrooms to meaningful employment.

She highlighted Sierra Leone's dual apprenticeship policy, which enables students to gain practical workplace experience while improving their chances of securing employment after training. She also outlined reforms including demand-driven curriculum reviews, stronger private-sector partnerships, and the recognition of prior learning to help skilled workers in the informal sector obtain nationally recognised qualifications.

Beyond technical training, Dr. Wurie stressed the need to equip young people with critical soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, project management, and entrepreneurship, describing them as essential for success in a rapidly changing global economy.

The Minister reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive education by expanding opportunities for women in technical fields, supporting underserved communities, and leveraging digital technology to promote lifelong learning.

Calling for greater collaboration, she urged governments, industries, universities, development partners, and young people to work together in designing policies that respond to labour market needs.

Dr. Wurie also advocated for sustainable investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), arguing that long-term financing of skills development is critical to boosting productivity, industrialisation, and economic resilience across Africa.

She concluded by encouraging African nations to strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices, and jointly prepare young people for the future of work, reaffirming Sierra Leone's commitment to building an inclusive, demand-driven education system aligned with national development priorities.

Source: Ministry of Higher Education 

 President Julius Maada Bio Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency at Historic Makeni Town Hall

President Julius Maada Bio Reaffirms Transparency and Accountability at Historic Makeni Town Hall

🇸🇱 HISTORIC MOMENT!

President Julius Maada Bio says his administration remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and open dialogue with citizens following what he described as Sierra Leone's first presidential town hall meeting in Makeni.

The President highlighted his government's achievements, outlined plans for continued development, and thanked the people of Makeni for their warm hospitality and enthusiastic participation.

Do you think regular presidential town halls can strengthen accountability and improve governance in Sierra Leone? Share your thoughts below. 👇

 Artical Foryoh Set for Canada Performance as Special Envoy Highlights International Opportunities for Sierra Leonean Entertainers

The Office of Entertainment and Investment has announced another international breakthrough for Sierra Leone's entertainment industry, revealing that popular artist Artical Foryoh will soon travel to Canada for a special performance following months of behind-the-scenes engagement.

According to the Special Envoy, one of the key responsibilities of the office is to identify opportunities, create international connections, and promote a positive image of Sierra Leone across the globe while opening doors for local entertainers.

The envoy noted that the office has previously facilitated U.S. visa processes for renowned Sierra Leonean entertainers, including King Melody, Rap G, Lamson P, and the legendary Mama Amie Kallon, describing those efforts as part of a broader mission to expand global opportunities for the country's creative industry.

The latest success will see Artical Foryoh perform in Canada, a development the Special Envoy described as the result of persistent work behind the scenes.

Describing the artist as "dedicated and loyal," the envoy praised Artical Foryoh for his commitment to his craft and expressed confidence that he would proudly represent Sierra Leone during his upcoming international engagement.

The announcement reflects ongoing efforts to promote Sierra Leonean talent on the global stage by creating pathways for artists to access international audiences and opportunities.

 Chief Minister Highlights Sierra Leone's Global Education Leadership During Dakar Visit

Dakar, Senegal – Sierra Leone's Chief Minister has reaffirmed the country's growing influence in global education advocacy following high-level engagements on the first day of his visit to Dakar, Senegal.

During the visit, the Chief Minister met with H.E. Serigne Mbaye Thiam, Senegal's former Minister of National Education and former Minister for Water and Sanitation, who currently serves as the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) High-Level Envoy and Advisor for Education.

According to the Chief Minister, discussions focused on Sierra Leone's leadership role in advancing global education advocacy and strengthening efforts to improve learning outcomes. He also described Serigne Mbaye Thiam as a longtime adviser and mentor, highlighting their enduring professional relationship.

The Chief Minister also paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Senegal, where he was received by H.E. Ibrahim Turay, Sierra Leone's Ambassador to Senegal.

During the visit, he met with embassy staff and held discussions on the embassy's work and its relationship with the Sierra Leonean community in Senegal. He described the engagement as insightful and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties and supporting Sierra Leoneans abroad.

The engagements marked the beginning of the Chief Minister's activities in Dakar, underscoring Sierra Leone's continued commitment to international cooperation, diplomacy, and leadership in the education sector.

 Government Debunks Fake Report Claiming 85% Electricity Tariff Increase

Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Government of Sierra Leone has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media graphic claiming that an 85% electricity tariff increase is being proposed.

In a press release issued on Monday, 29 June 2026, the Ministry of Energy said the graphic, which falsely appeared to be a publication from Sierraloaded and featured the image of a public official, was deliberately fabricated to mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.

The Ministry stressed that the graphic was not issued, authorized, or endorsed by the Ministry of Energy, the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), or any other government institution.

Officials further clarified that no decision has been made, approved, or officially announced to increase electricity tariffs. According to the Ministry, any future tariff review would follow the legally required regulatory process, including public consultations and formal announcements through official government channels and national media before any implementation.

The Ministry has urged citizens, media organizations, social media users, and civil society groups to verify information before sharing it and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could misinform the public.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Government said it remains focused on ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while managing the country's energy sector through open and evidence-based decision-making.

Source: EDSA 

 Freetown Mayor Inspects New Solar-Powered Water Kiosks and Public Toilets Across Underserved Communities 

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Residents in several underserved communities across Freetown are beginning to experience improved access to clean drinking water and sanitation as newly completed solar-powered water kiosks and public toilet facilities become operational.

During an inspection tour on Saturday, the Mayor of Freetown visited Jah Kingdom in Kamayama, Congo Town Market, Owen Street by Mountain Cut, and Pamronkoh in Calaba Town to assess the progress and impact of the new facilities while engaging directly with community members.

The infrastructure forms part of a broader initiative being implemented by the Freetown City Council in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under the Blue Peace Initiative. The project is delivering 65 solar-powered water kiosks that provide filtered, potable water, alongside 15 public toilet facilities comprising 60 toilet units across the city.

Speaking with residents during the visit, the Mayor heard firsthand how access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation is helping to enhance public health, reduce daily hardships, and improve living conditions in communities that have historically lacked essential services.

The inspection reaffirmed the City Council's commitment to expanding access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure as part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for Freetown residents.

 Fuel Prices Drop in Sierra Leone as Government Announces Immediate Reduction

Good news for motorists, transport operators, and households across Sierra Leone—fuel prices have been reduced with immediate effect following a government review of international petroleum market trends.

The Government of Sierra Leone has announced a downward revision of retail fuel pump prices after a meeting with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to assess recent developments in global petroleum prices.

According to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on 29 June 2026, the revised prices take immediate effect, with petrol now selling at NLe 33.00 per litre and diesel at NLe 35.00 per litre.

The government said the adjustment reflects changes in international petroleum prices and demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that domestic fuel prices remain aligned with global market conditions.

Officials further stated that fuel prices will continue to be closely monitored, with pump prices to be reviewed whenever necessary to respond to market fluctuations.

The reduction is expected to provide some relief to motorists, commercial transport operators, businesses, and consumers who rely on petroleum products for daily economic activities.

New Fuel Pump Prices (Effective Immediately)

Petrol: NLe 33.00 per litre

Diesel: NLe 35.00 per litre

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to regularly reviewing fuel prices to ensure they reflect changes in the international petroleum market while safeguarding the interests of consumers and the economy.

Source: MoICE