By: Mohamed Sahr
In a bid to address youth unemployment and meet the rising demand for skilled labour, the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with fund from the Government of Japan, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training on Tuesday, 13th May, 2025, at the Freetown Polytechnic in Kissy.
The primary objective of this initiative is to equip young people with both automotive and entrepreneurship skills to enhance their employability and close the prevailing skills gap in key sectors.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, technical advancement, and sustainable national development. He noted that the project aligns closely with the country’s national development agenda.
“This training centre reinforces our dedication to inclusion, shared prosperity, and the development of human capital,” said Dr. Sengeh. Stating that no nation can progress without investing in a skilled youthful population capable of driving innovation, supporting infrastructure, and boosting economic growth.
Dr. Sengeh further stated that the facility goes beyond just a training centre it represents a deliberate step toward increasing youth employment and entrepreneurship. The centre currently hosts over 100 young trainers.
His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Ambassador of Japan to Sierra Leone, praised the Government of Sierra Leone for its commitment to the realization of the project. He highlighted the initiative as a milestone in the ongoing bilateral cooperation between Japan and Sierra Leone.
“This project is a testament to our shared commitment,” said Ambassador Yoshimoto. “It aligns with Sierra Leone’s Mid-Term National Development Plan (2019–2026), which places strong emphasis on human capital development. It also meets the growing demand for automotive technicians through hands-on training.”
Ms. Virpi Stucki, Chief of the Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade at UNIDO, described the centre as a gateway to modern automotive technology. She highlighted that the training curriculum has been tailored to meet the specific needs of the local labour market and is nationally accredited.
She further disclosed that the centre trained 200 young people in automotive technical skills and another 200 in entrepreneurship, significantly boosting job opportunities in the country. “Our trainers have been trained in Ghana, South Africa, Italy, and Japan, and are bringing global best practices to Sierra Leone,” she said.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, described the project as a bold and timely response to the country’s demand for skilled automotive training. She emphasized the facility’s role as a national hub for technical advancement.
She also commended President Julius Maada Bio for his visionary leadership in promoting technical and vocational education. “This centre bridges the gap between vocational training and higher education, integrating digital learning, flexible training pathways, and strong industry partnerships to make education more practical and responsive,” she added.
The project encompasses curriculum innovation, staff development, youth empowerment, gender equality, and industry linkages, paving the way for a stronger, skills-driven economy.