BY: MAHAMOOD FOFANA
The inaugural Mano River Youth Connekt Summit was officially launched in Freetown on June 18, 2026, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation and youth development within the Mano River Union (MRU).
The summit, hosted at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international partners. The event brought together youth representatives, government officials, development partners, and diplomats from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire under the theme: “One Region, One Generation, One Future.”
Addressing participants during the opening ceremony, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh described the summit as a historic achievement in the more than five-decade history of the Mano River Union.
“The rivers that connect our nations do not recognize borders; likewise, the dreams and aspirations of our young people transcend beyond borders,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized that the gathering represented a new chapter in regional integration and youth leadership, providing a platform for young people across the sub-region to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to sustainable development.
Speaking on the challenges facing young people in the region, Minister Sannoh highlighted issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, social injustice, and climate change. However, he stressed that the solutions to these challenges must come from the creativity, resilience, and determination of the region’s youth.
The Minister encouraged young people to take ownership of their future rather than depend solely on external support, calling for greater innovation and entrepreneurship aimed at transforming the Mano River region into a hub of technological and economic advancement.
“We must build our own opportunities and create our own version of Silicon Valley here in our region,” he said.
The Minister also outlined several major youth focused initiatives currently being implemented in Sierra Leone through partnerships with development organizations.
Among the achievements highlighted was the introduction of the country’s first fleet of 50 electric vehicles for commercial transportation through a partnership with UNDP, with plans underway to expand the fleet to 200 vehicles.
He further disclosed that a collaboration with BRAC has enabled the training of 32,000 young people in various vocational and occupational skills, with beneficiaries receiving startup kits to support their transition into self-employment. An additional 36,000 youths are expected to benefit during the next phase of the programme.
The Minister also commended initiatives implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations, which have supported the rehabilitation and reintegration of migrant returnees. These efforts have created new opportunities in the transport and logistics sector while providing alternative livelihood training for more than 1,200 commercial motorcycle riders in trades such as plumbing and electrical engineering.
Drawing inspiration from the African philosophy of Ubuntu “I am because you are” Minister Sannoh envisioned a future where young people across the Mano River Union work together beyond national boundaries, share cultural values, embrace innovation, and utilize the region’s natural resources responsibly to combat poverty and drive development.
He encouraged participants to embrace failure as part of the journey toward success, citing globally recognized figures such as Michael Jordan and J.K. Rowling as examples of resilience and determination.
The Minister concluded by urging young people to pursue leadership rooted in service, integrity, and impact rather than status or titles.
“The future does not wait for anyone,” he said. “The future is ours to build.”
The summit is expected to strengthen regional collaboration among young people and create new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border partnerships across the Mano River Union countries.
