By Davida Spaine-Solomon

Freetown, 14th May 2026 — A renewed push to tackle unemployment and accelerate national development took centre stage on Tuesday as government officials unveiled new skills training partnerships, major infrastructure projects and expanded early childhood education programmes at the Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Civic Center.

Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Dr. Alpha Khan, said the government is intensifying efforts to equip young people with employable skills through a new partnership between Freetown Polytechnic and Zhengzhou Railway Technician College. The collaboration will establish an Excellence Skills Academy aimed at bridging the gap between education and the labour market.

The initiative, implemented alongside China Railway Seventh Group, forms part of the government’s broader plan to create 500,000 jobs. Dr. Khan stressed that technical and vocational training remains central to addressing youth unemployment and urged young people to take advantage of such opportunities.

On education, the spokesman highlighted the launch of the $15.3 million “Salone Pekin fo Play en Lan Outcome Fund Programme,” targeting about 30,000 children aged three to five. The programme will support 87 community-based early childhood centres over three years and is being delivered by the Education Outcomes Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.

Government also used the briefing to spotlight ongoing infrastructure expansion. Key projects include the Industrial Fish Harbour at Black Johnson, expected to produce 450,000 metric tons of fish annually, and a flour mill factory in Cline Town. Progress was also reported on the Bandajuma–Pujehun road, the completion of the NaTCA office, and several bridge projects aimed at improving agricultural access and transport connectivity.

Dr. Khan further disclosed that Leone Rock Metal Group has disbursed Le 99 million to the Ferenbuya community under its Community Development Fund, with part of the funding earmarked for the Magburaka–Bumbuna–Sambaia Bendugu road corridor.

Other officials, including the Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority and a senior midwifery expert, provided updates on developments in the petroleum sector and maternal health services.

The weekly briefing continues to serve as a key platform for communicating government policies and tracking progress on national development priorities.