LocationsHow Women in Sierra Leone Are Gaining Technical and Market-Ready Skills to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth
February 17, 2026
AFTEC Graduates demonstrate solar installation skills gained through UNDP-supported training in Sierra Leone.
To advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, UNDP Sierra Leone, in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) and the Armed Forces Technical and Educational College (AFTEC), has equipped and certified 250 young women in high-demand technical and vocational skills aligned with Sierra Leone’s priority growth sectors.
Over six transformative months, participants gained hands-on expertise in electrical installation, auto mechanics, carpentry, solar and renewable energy systems, welding and fabrication, building and construction, and hospitality management. The initiative directly contributes to women’s economic inclusion, poverty reduction, and the expansion of skilled labour in sectors critical to national development.
Director of Studies at AFTEC - Col. Charles Mambu
The programme prioritised inclusion by bringing together young women from diverse backgrounds, including single mothers, returning migrants, unemployed youth, and out-of-school girls, ensuring that those most at risk of economic exclusion are equipped with practical, income-generating skills.
Opening the graduation ceremony, the Director of Studies at AFTEC, Col. Charles Mambu Esq., described the training as rigorous and praised the participants’ performance. He noted that trainees completed intensive practical coursework, continuous assessments, and final examinations, demonstrating resilience and commitment to professional excellence.
UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah delivering remarks during the graduation ceremony.
UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Hans Ampiah reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to investing in women and youth as drivers of sustainable development. He emphasized that expanding access to technical and vocational skills strengthens productivity, improves livelihoods, and accelerates national growth.
“When women gain access to relevant skills, resources, and market opportunities, communities prosper, incomes rise, and development outcomes improve. This is central to UNDP’s work in advancing inclusive growth and resilience in Sierra Leone,” he noted.
Graduates process during the ceremony marking completion of UNDP-supported technical skills training in Sierra Leone.
Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh described the initiative as aligned with national priorities on skills development and youth employment, encouraging graduates to become leaders and innovators within their respective sectors.
In her keynote address, Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr. Ramatulai Wurie underscored that the competencies gained reflect Sierra Leone’s long-term development priorities, particularly in energy access, infrastructure development, and service industries.
“You are part of a new generation of skilled professionals contributing to national transformation through technical excellence and innovation,” she told graduates.
Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh and Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr. Ramatulai Wurie attend the graduation ceremony, reaffirming government support for technical skills development and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the vote of thanks, top graduate Ishiatu Mbalia Conteh expressed appreciation to UNDP and partners for creating pathways to economic independence.
“Our sincere appreciation goes to UNDP and the Government of Sierra Leone for equipping us with skills that will allow us to build livelihoods, support our families, and contribute to national development,” she said.
AFTEC graduate receives a solar toolkit provided through the UNDP-supported technical skills programme in Sierra Leone.
National data indicate that women’s participation in paid formal employment remains limited, with only 27% engaged in formal work and fewer than 1% earning wages in non-agricultural sectors. Through this intervention, graduates are positioned to support renewable energy deployment, infrastructure development, automotive services, construction, and hospitality—sectors essential for economic diversification.
Beyond employment, the programme encourages entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to establish small enterprises, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities within their communities.
UNDP Sierra Leone remains committed to strengthening women’s economic participation, expanding access to skills and livelihoods, and ensuring inclusive, sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
For all media queries:
Tanya Honnah, Communication and Partnership Analyst , UNDP Sierra Leone