By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone has positioned youth leadership and radical inclusion at the forefront of Africa’s development discourse during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh led the country’s delegation, representing President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, to showcase how Sierra Leone is translating policy into action by embedding young people in the highest levels of government and decision-making.
“Sierra Leone isn’t just talking about youth empowerment we’re living it,” said Dr. Sengeh. “Thirty percent of our government is led by young people, and they are not figureheads; they are driving real change.”
He highlighted the emergence of young leaders across various sectors, from technology and education to agriculture and finance, who are creating innovative solutions to national challenges. This, he explained, is the practical expression of “radical inclusion” a principle first introduced by President Bio at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.
“Radical inclusion means designing systems that provide every citizen not just the privileged few with a seat at the table,” Dr. Sengeh added. “When we invest in human capital, especially the youth, we accelerate national growth and inspire continental transformation.”
Sierra Leone’s approach resonated with TICAD’s broader focus on sustainable development, peace, and inclusive growth across Africa, facilitated through partnerships with Japan and international stakeholders.
Dr. Sengeh also called on African leaders and development partners to rethink traditional models of aid and governance, emphasizing that centering youth leadership is both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity. “Africa’s greatest resource is its young population,” he said. “If we unlock their potential, we don’t just develop countries we transform the entire continent.”
As discussions at TICAD 9 continue, Sierra Leone’s message remains clear: youth leadership is not an afterthought in development it is the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.
