Freetown, 1st September 2025– In every country or society, it is expected that hard work and qualifications should pave the way to success. In Sierra Leone the belief among the youth suggests otherwise. 9% of Sierra Leonean youth believe ‘juju’ & sex are key drivers of success.
According to the 2025 Status of Youth Report, 5% of young respondents believe that success in life is driven by Juju or spiritualist practices, while 4% point to sexual favours as key determinants of upward mobility.
These figures, though numerically small, signal a deeper crisis of confidence in meritocratic systems. When combined with the 58% who cite political affiliation, 12% who cite bribery, and 7% who cite ethnic ties as success factors, the data paints a picture of a generation navigating a landscape where integrity and effort are perceived as secondary to influence and manipulation.
A nationally representative survey of 2,420 young people, evenly split between male and female respondents, reveals striking insights into youth perceptions. Conducted through in-person interviews in the participants’ preferred languages, the study ensures inclusivity and accuracy across diverse communities. With a margin of error of just ±1.95% at a 95% confidence level, the findings provide a reliable snapshot of what young Sierra Leoneans believe drives success in their society.
The report also reveals a stark trust gap in public institutions. While youth leaders (65%) and traditional chiefs (64%) enjoy relatively high trust, the police rank lowest at just 39%. A staggering 66% of respondents attribute this distrust to bribery and corruption within the force.
The findings have prompted calls for urgent reform. In the area of transparency and accountability a call for legal and governance systems to be overhauled to restore faith in due process and equal opportunity. For youth legal literacy: Judicial agencies are urged to launch youth-focused education campaigns to demystify legal processes and promote civic integrity.
The data underscores the need for a cultural and institutional reset one that affirms merit, dismantles patronage and empowers youth to believe in a future built on fairness, not favors.
