The International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth via Digital Technologies’ (READY Salone) project, which will help young entrepreneurs in the West Africa country enhance their digital skills.
The READY Salone project, which is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, will be executed over four years, intends to help young entrepreneurs, tech hubs, and policymakers capitalise on opportunities in the digital economy.
The initiative places emphasises on young women and people with disabilities.
“Trade is digital. It’s how business happens now, and young people are leading the way. Through READY Salone, we’re partnering with government and business to create a digital-friendly environment and build the online skills of youth, women and persons with disabilities. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the country,” said ITC executive director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
The READY Salone project is built on four interventions: improving young digital literacy, increasing entrepreneurial competitiveness through upskilling, strengthening tech-focused business support services, and developing inclusive national digital strategy.
Through the project, 3,000 young people and 250 micro, small, and medium-sized businesses will get access to digital skills and opportunities.
Furthermore, an awareness campaign will reach 10,000 young people, emphasising the advantages of digital education, careers, and entrepreneurship. Sierra Leonean role models will be recruited to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in the digital economy.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation are the primary government partners in READY Salone.
“Sierra Leonean youth are the backbone of our economy. We are excited to see how they will apply the skills and tools acquired from the project to build their careers and contribute to their communities and country,” said Mohamed Orman Bangura, minister of youth affairs.
Haja Salimatu Bah, minister of communication, technology and innovation, added: “The READY Salone project’s focus on creating digital jobs and successful digital freelancers aligns perfectly and contributes directly to our national goals and initiatives. We look forward to collaborating with ITC to amplify the impact of our work.”
Source: extensia.tech
