President Julius Maada Bio has unveiled the 2025 Status of Youth report and formally opened a new livelihood skills programme for commercial bike riders during a ceremony held yesterday at the Milton Margai Technical University campus in Goderich.
The event drew young riders, community representatives, and education partners who see the programme as a practical effort to expand opportunities for one of the country’s largest youth groups. Commercial riding has provided a livelihood for many thousands of young men and women over the years, but for many riders today, access to training, job security, and career diversification remains a difficult issue.
The new program-the brainchild of the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme-is geared to offer bikers a more professional skill set.These include basic mechanics, safety training, small-business management, and other courses meant to increase their chances of securing stable livelihoods.
During the launch, the President described the programme as part of a wider commitment to give young people “the tools they need to build a prosperous future.” He noted that the livelihood training complements the findings of the Status of Youth report, which highlights both the challenges facing young Sierra Leoneans and the opportunities that exist when targeted support is provided.
Officials at the ceremony explained that the programme is designed not only to improve safety on the roads but also to open new doors for riders who hope to transition into formal employment or entrepreneurship. By offering structured training at a recognized institution, the government and its partners hope to give participants a stronger foothold in the country’s growing technical and vocational sectors.
The partnership was well-received by representatives from the World Bank and UNDP as a very practical approach to the challenge of youth unemployment and supporting local development.
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With this training now underway, many participants expressed optimism that such investment in skills development can give riders an opportunity to move toward more stable income and long-term growth.
