YOUTH DAY 2026: THREE MAJOR INITIATIVES LAUNCHED TO BOOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR SIERRA LEONE’S YOUNG PEOPLE

 Sierra Leone has unveiled three major youth development initiatives aimed at improving employment opportunities, strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding and coordinating investments in young people.

The initiatives were launched on 12 August 2026 during the national commemoration of International Youth Day at the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre in Lungi.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay, representing Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, delivered the keynote address at the event, which brought together government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives, civil society organisations, youth leaders and young innovators.

The initiatives launched are the Youth Development Cooperation Framework, the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, and the Youth Employment Portal under the PSSNYE Project.

 A NEW PUSH FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

The Youth Employment Portal, developed under the Ministry of Youth Affairs with support from the World Bank, is designed to connect young people with employment and economic opportunities.

Through the platform, young people will be able to create profiles, upload skills and certifications, search for vacancies and access information about relevant programmes and events.

Employers will also be able to advertise vacancies and identify potential candidates.

Minister Barlay urged businesses and institutions to actively use the platform while encouraging young people to register and maintain credible profiles.

She stressed the importance of creating a system where access to opportunities is increasingly based on skills, competence and preparedness rather than personal connections.

 YOUTH AND PEACEBUILDING

The National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security was also launched to strengthen the role of young people in peacebuilding, governance and national development.

Minister Barlay emphasised that young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of peace, but as active partners in building social cohesion, democratic participation and national stability.

🤝 BETTER COORDINATION OF YOUTH INVESTMENTS

The Youth Development Cooperation Framework aims to improve coordination among government institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector.

The framework is expected to help align youth-focused investments with national priorities, map existing interventions and strengthen the tracking of results.

 SHOWCASING YOUTH TALENT

The celebration also showcased the creativity and resilience of Sierra Leone’s young people.

One hundred youth-led enterprises were featured through the Creative Economy Talent Exposition, showcasing talent across fashion, arts, music and other creative industries.

Meanwhile, 1,200 youth bike riders were symbolically certified after completing training in alternative livelihood skills.

The event also highlighted livelihood interventions targeting young people in Moyamba, Tonkolili and Western Rural Districts.

Source: MoPED 

 NRA Launches Joint Tax Stamp Compliance Drive Across Freetown

❗ TAX COMPLIANCE UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: NRA, FINANCE MINISTRY, NPRA AND SICPA INSPECT BUSINESSES

The National Revenue Authority (NRA), working with the Ministry of Finance, National Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and SICPA, has stepped up efforts to strengthen tax compliance through a joint assessment of selected businesses and factories in Freetown.

The exercise, conducted on 13 August 2026, focused on compliance with Sierra Leone’s Tax Stamp Law, with officials assessing whether businesses are properly applying tax stamps, identifying potential compliance gaps and helping to prevent revenue leakages.

The team visited Mackie Cement Factory in Hastings, SICPA Warehouse in Wellington, LEONE Oil Company in Kissy, Rockcem and King Production at Shell, Kissy.

The NRA delegation was led by Deputy Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department Edwin Conteh, alongside Assistant Commissioner of the Excise Office Moo-Usa Salia Konneh. The Ministry of Finance was represented by Idrissa Kanu, Director of the Revenue and Tax Policy Division, while NPRA was represented by Ansumana Samura, Director of Operations and Pricing. SICPA was represented by General Manager Maxwell Massaquoi.

According to the participating institutions, the joint assessment forms part of efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, fair competition and revenue assurance through improved compliance and enforcement.

The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and urged businesses covered by the Tax Stamp Law to ensure full compliance with tax stamp and other applicable tax obligations.

 NEW ERA AT NASSIT: CHERNOR MAMOUD JALLOH TAKES OVER

A new leadership era has begun at the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), with Chernor Mamoud Jalloh officially taking over as Director General from Mohamed Fuaad Daboh.

The leadership transition took place on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at NASSIT headquarters in Freetown, during a formal handover ceremony attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the President and the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security.

The ceremony also marked the arrival of Madam Jenneh Jabati as the new Chairperson of the NASSIT Board of Trustees.

Daboh Hands Over After Key Reforms

In his farewell remarks, outgoing Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh reflected on what he described as a transformative tenure.

Among the achievements highlighted were major upgrades to NASSIT’s Pension Administration System, expansion of the Trust’s presence across the regions and districts, stronger employer compliance measures and efforts to speed up pension payments.

Daboh also highlighted initiatives designed to bring social security coverage to workers in the informal sector, including traders, artisans and transport operators.

He pointed to NASSIT’s diversified investment portfolio, with major interests in hospitality, banking, real estate and infrastructure, as part of the Trust’s long-term financial strategy.

He further noted NASSIT’s international leadership roles, including its positions within the International Social Security Association and the Association of Social Security Administrators in Africa.

In an emotional conclusion to his farewell, Daboh expressed confidence that the institution he was leaving behind was strong enough to continue serving its beneficiaries.

Jalloh Pledges Integrity, Commitment and Transparency

Accepting the responsibility, incoming Director General Chernor Mamoud Jalloh thanked President Julius Maada Bio for the confidence placed in him.

Jalloh congratulated Daboh for his stewardship and pledged to build on the foundation established by the outgoing administration.

He identified integrity, commitment and transparency as the three principles that will guide his leadership, with a focus on strengthening public trust and improving NASSIT’s performance.

New Board Leadership Takes Charge

The transition also brought a new chapter for NASSIT’s Board of Trustees.

New Board Chairperson Jenneh Jabati congratulated the outgoing leadership and called on the Trustees to remain vigilant and proactive in carrying out their oversight responsibilities.

Government officials also urged the new leadership to maintain strong accountability and fiduciary responsibility, particularly in protecting the retirement benefits of Sierra Leonean workers.

With the Jalloh-Jabati administration now in charge, attention turns to how the new leadership will consolidate NASSIT’s gains, strengthen its financial position and expand social protection coverage across Sierra Leone.

BBC Media Action Opens Applications for 10 Digital Steward Positions in Freetown

 🚨 Opportunity for Young Digital Creators in Freetown!

Are you passionate about content creation, social media, and making a difference in your community?

BBC Media Action is recruiting 10 Digital Stewards for its Dis Na Wi Voice project.

✅ 8-month engagement (with possible extension)

✅ Lead a youth-driven digital community

✅ Create engaging content for social media

✅ Mentor other young people in digital skills

✅ Promote safe and inclusive online spaces

If you're confident using TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and other digital platforms, this could be your chance to turn your skills into meaningful impact.

📧 Send your CV and cover letter to procurement@sl.bbcmediaaction.org

Subject: Digital Stewards

📅 Deadline: 14 August 2026

Tag someone who shouldn't miss this opportunity and share to help spread the word!

Sierra Leone Police Introduces Fully Digital Police Clearance Certificate Application Through WanGov

Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate in Sierra Leone is now easier than ever. Through the government's WanGov platform, citizens can complete most of the application process online, reducing paperwork and improving access to the essential service.

The digital system allows applicants to register, submit their details, make payments electronically, and receive notifications before visiting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for biometric fingerprinting.

Applicants are required to create a WanGov account using a WhatsApp-registered phone number and a valid National Identity Card. After selecting the Police Clearance Certificate service under the Law Enforcement and Public Safety category, users can complete the application form and pay through Mobile Money or SLCB bank payment.

Once the application is processed, applicants will receive a WhatsApp notification informing them when to report to the CID for fingerprint capture, the final step before the certificate is issued.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to digitize public services, making government processes faster, more transparent, and more convenient for citizens.

President Bio Hails Peace Commission's Impact as ICPNC Unveils 2025 Annual Report and Strategic Plan

 

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – President Julius Maada Bio has commended the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) for its pivotal role in safeguarding peace and strengthening national unity, describing the Commission's work as a vital pillar in Sierra Leone's democratic and development journey.

The President made the remarks after receiving the Commissioners, Executive Secretary, and staff of the ICPNC at State House during the official presentation of the Commission's 2025 Annual Report and Strategic Plan for 2025–2026.

Speaking during the engagement, President Bio praised the Commission for its exceptional service in promoting peace and social cohesion across the country. He noted that the institution has laid a strong foundation for the effective and sustainable implementation of its mandate, particularly at a time when dialogue, reconciliation, and national cohesion remain essential to Sierra Leone's continued progress.

The presentation provided an opportunity for the Commission to highlight its achievements over the past year while outlining its strategic priorities for 2025–2026. The roadmap is expected to guide the Commission's efforts in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, mediation, and strengthening collaboration with communities and national stakeholders.

The President reaffirmed his appreciation for the Commission's commitment to preserving peace and encouraged its leadership and staff to continue building trust, fostering dialogue, and promoting national cohesion throughout Sierra Leone.

The ICPNC remains one of the country's key institutions tasked with preventing conflict, promoting reconciliation, and supporting peaceful coexistence among all Sierra Leoneans.

Dr. Alie Kabba Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy During Constitutional Amendment Debate

Dr. Alie Kabba attended the parliamentary debate on the country's constitutional amendment proposals to demonstrate his continued commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and national unity.

In a statement shared after the sitting, Kabba described Sierra Leone's constitutional reform process as an important step in shaping the country's democratic future. He stressed the need for reforms that ensure every citizen is represented and included in national development.

"As Sierra Leone continues its constitutional reform journey, I remain committed to building a nation where every voice matters, every citizen belongs, and no one is left behind," he said.

Kabba concluded his message with his campaign slogan, "Everyone In… No One Out!!", underscoring his call for an inclusive Sierra Leone as discussions on the constitutional amendments continue.