By: Aminata Sesay
In a significant step toward fostering youth empowerment and economic development, the Acting Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick Gib, alongside the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and the Director of Programs, James Bondeva Sandi, engaged with the leadership of Rokel Commercial Bank to discuss the disbursement of business grants to 4,821 young entrepreneurs across Sierra Leone.
The initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to provide financial assistance to young people seeking to start or expand their businesses. The Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA) and BRAC a global leader in community development are leading the program as part of a broader effort to tackle youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship across the country.
At the heart of the initiative is the belief that empowering young entrepreneurs is crucial for fostering long-term economic growth and social stability. With many young Sierra Leoneans facing limited access to capital, these grants aim to break down financial barriers and help recipients turn their business ideas into reality.
Speaking at the meeting, Acting Minister Patrick Gib emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises as a means of stimulating innovation and creating job opportunities.
“Our young people are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s future. By investing in their entrepreneurial ambitions, we are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the economic resilience of our nation,” he remarked.
James Bondeva Sandi, Director of Programs, highlighted the significance of the partnership with BRAC and Rokel Commercial Bank, noting that the collaboration represents a holistic approach to youth development.
“This partnership is about more than just financial assistance—it’s about creating sustainable opportunities, fostering innovation, and equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed,” he said.
To ensure a smooth and transparent disbursement process, the grants will be distributed through the Rokel Sim Korpor Payment Platform—a digital system designed to facilitate secure and efficient financial transactions. This platform will enable beneficiaries to access their funds quickly, reducing administrative delays and minimizing the risk of cash mismanagement.
According to the leadership of Rokel Commercial Bank, the use of digital payment systems reflects the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and technological innovation.
“We are proud to play a role in empowering the youth of Sierra Leone. By leveraging our digital infrastructure, we can ensure these grants reach the intended recipients safely and efficiently,” a senior representative from the bank stated.
The use of digital payments aligns with the government’s broader agenda to modernize financial services and promote cashless transactions, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in both public and private sector initiatives.
The collaboration between MOYA, BRAC, Rokel Commercial Bank, and the Mastercard Foundation reflects a growing partnership between the public and private sectors to address some of Sierra Leone’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
BRAC, with its long-standing history of supporting vulnerable communities worldwide, is playing a critical role in the program’s implementation. Their expertise in community-based interventions and youth empowerment makes them a strategic partner in ensuring the grants translate into real, lasting change.
In a statement, a BRAC representative emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative:
“Providing young people with financial resources is only the first step. Our goal is to offer holistic support through business training, mentorship, and ongoing guidance to ensure these young entrepreneurs succeed in the long term.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort by BRAC and MOYA to reduce youth unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in Sierra Leone. By equipping young people with the means to start and grow their businesses, the program aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship that can drive sustainable economic progress.
For the 4,821 youth beneficiaries, these grants represent a vital opportunity to overcome financial challenges and achieve economic independence. From agriculture to technology and small-scale manufacturing, the grants will support a wide range of business ventures, enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the national economy.
Beneficiaries will also receive financial literacy training and business development support to enhance their chances of success. This comprehensive approach ensures that young entrepreneurs are equipped not only with capital but also with the knowledge and skills to manage and grow their businesses sustainably.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward economic recovery and development, initiatives like these demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. The Ministry of Youth Affairs, BRAC, and Rokel Commercial Bank remain committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the grant program and delivering tangible outcomes for the nation’s youth.
With the support of the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative is poised to have a lasting impact empowering young entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and building a more inclusive and resilient economy for the future.
