Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to create 75,000 jobs in the tech sector, part of a broader initiative to combat youth unemployment and position Sierra Leone as a digital innovation hub in West Africa.

The announcement came during the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates Digital Government Summit, where Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially launched the Tech Job Fair—a flagship initiative aimed at linking young people to employment opportunities in the technology space.

“Education is only the beginning,” said the vice president. “Now is the time to ensure that our young people can turn learning into livelihoods. This fair is a direct response to that need.”

The 75,000 tech jobs form a significant slice of a larger national employment goal, 500,000 jobs overall, that the government says will be delivered through public-private partnerships, investment in digital infrastructure, and youth-focused training programs.

According to Dr. Jalloh, the job fair is more than just a hiring event. It’s part of a pipeline strategy that moves young people from school to skill, and from skill to sustainable employment, especially in high-growth sectors like software development, data science, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship.

As part of this strategy, the government has increased investment in education and technology.

Over 1.2 million children are now enrolled in school. More girls are completing school than ever before. Internet access and digital learning programs are being expanded, especially in underserved communities.

The summit also included hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and training sessions where young tech workers and students interacted directly with hiring companies.

“Sierra Leone is building tech ecosystems that can compete with global cities,” Dr. Jalloh said, comparing the country’s digital aspirations to hubs like New York and Washington.

The event, supported by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation along with international partners and private sector players, is being hailed as a critical step toward achieving the country’s long-term development goals.

The Vice President issued a call to action: “The digital age is here. Sierra Leone’s youth must not only be ready—they must lead.”