BY:Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has handed over livelihood assets to youth groups and communities in Kambia and Newton as part of efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration in Sierra Leone.
The handover took place on August 27–28, 2026, at the Obasango Training Institute in Newton and the Kambia District Council in Kambia Town, marking the official closure of the IOM Development Fund project, “Combating Irregular Migration through Youth Empowerment and Community Engagements in Sierra Leone.”
The project, implemented in partnership with the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), was launched in December 2023 to address the lack of sustainable employment opportunities for young people, a challenge widely linked to risky and irregular migration.
Over a 20-month implementation period, IOM and NaCSA provided evidence-based and gender-sensitive livelihood interventions aimed at equipping young people with skills, productive assets and access to economic opportunities.
The project also emphasized community ownership, with assets formally transferred to beneficiary groups and local structures during the closing ceremony to ensure their continued use beyond the project’s funding period.
IOM said creating sustainable, community-owned economic opportunities is an important long-term strategy for addressing irregular migration.
The organization noted that equipping young people with practical skills, tools and market linkages could provide viable alternatives to dangerous migration routes.
The project targeted both male and female youth, while taking into account the different challenges they face in accessing employment, finance and other economic opportunities. Community leaders were also engaged throughout the implementation process to promote local ownership and accountability.
IOM expressed appreciation to NaCSA, relevant government ministries, local authorities and community leaders for their support in implementing the project.
At the Obasango Training Institute in Newton, beneficiaries showcased products and businesses developed during the project, demonstrating some of the economic opportunities created through the initiative.
In Kambia, district officials received the livelihood assets on behalf of community groups and pledged to support beneficiaries and monitor the use of the assets.
The project’s closure comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues to face challenges related to youth unemployment and irregular migration. Development partners have stressed the need for sustained investment in skills development, employment and local economic opportunities to help young people build secure livelihoods within their communities.
With the assets now handed over, responsibility for sustaining the gains of the project will rest largely with beneficiaries, local authorities and community structures.
IOM and NaCSA said the ultimate goal is to create lasting economic opportunities that can reduce the pressure on young people to undertake dangerous irregular migration journeys and encourage more youth to build sustainable futures at home.