By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, Daily Scope
The Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA), in collaboration with the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), held a strategic engagement with Leone Rock Metal Group on 23 February 2026 aimed at strengthening youth employment and skills development in Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
Led by Minister Ibrahim Sannoh, the MoYA delegation included National Youth Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai, Director of Livelihood Skills Victor Muana, Director of Programs Momodu Wudie and other senior officials. The team was received by Leone Rock’s Deputy General Manager, who reaffirmed the company’s readiness to support youth-focused programmes.
Discussions focused on expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and ensuring training is formally certified by the National Council for Technical, Vocational and Other Academic Awards. Officials highlighted the Obasanjo Skills Training initiative as a model to scale practical instruction in priority areas such as solar technology, mining equipment operation and crushing technology all designed to enhance employability in the extractive industry.
MoYA described the Leone Rock engagement as a pilot that will inform similar partnerships with other mining firms nationwide. Both the ministry and the company pledged to deepen collaboration to broaden certified, industry-relevant training and to create sustainable job pathways for young people.
Minister Sannoh said the government remains committed to converting youth-employment pledges into measurable outcomes. He noted the importance of equipping youth with certified skills to support long-term employment and to advance the President’s 500,000-jobs initiative. The delegation concluded the visit with a tour of Leone Rock’s mining operations.
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