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ITC Launches READY Salone Project to Train 3,000 Sierra Leonean Youth For The Digital Economy


Young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone are set to sharpen their digital skills with the launch of the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies’ (READY Salone) project by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented over four years, the READY Salone project will support youth, young entrepreneurs, business support organizations, tech hubs and policymakers to harness opportunities in the digital economy. The initiative places a strong emphasis on young women and persons with disabilities.

The launch event will be attended by key government officials, including Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister; Hon. Ms. Haja Salimatu Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation; Hon. Mr. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs; and Hon. Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry. Over 100 youth and key stakeholders from the business and tech communities are also expected to participate.



To mark the project launch, there will be a signing of a memorandum of understanding by ITC Executive Director, Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton; the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh; and KOICA Nigeria, Deputy Country Director, Mr. Baik Ki-Hyun.

Four interventions underpin the READY Salone project: enhancing digital literacy among youth; boosting entrepreneurial competitiveness through upskilling; strengthening tech-focused business support services; and developing inclusive national digital strategies. More information about the project can be found in its flyer here.

Through the project, 3,000 youth and 250 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises will gain access to digital skills and business opportunities.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation are the main government partners for READY Salone.

Interested youth and young entrepreneurs may express their interest in the project by completing this form.

About the International Trade Centre

ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit www.intracen.org.



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Sierra Leonean Entrepreneurs to Benefit From $50 Million Loan


Young entrepreneurs, and female-led firms in Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Gambia have been announced as the prospective beneficiaries of a US$50 million loan guarantee by the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) to Vista Group Holding.

Under the terms of the agreement, AGF will offer a guarantee of $50 million to Vista Group Holding, enabling Vista to extend loans to SMEs in the four West African countries where it operates. The primary targets for these loans include businesses in the green economy, young entrepreneurs, and SMEs led by women.

Yao Kouassi, Managing Director of Vista Group Holding, expressed the significance of the partnership with AGF in their mission to empower SMEs and contribute to financial inclusion across West Africa. He emphasized that this facility would expand their reach and provide crucial financial support to businesses driving economic development in the region.



Particularly noteworthy is the commitment to supporting SMEs founded and led by women, with 20% of the total guaranteed amount allocated to them. The Afawa program will also provide technical assistance to these women-led SMEs, enhancing their access to financing.

Through the risk-sharing mechanism facilitated by AGF, Vista Group can strengthen the financial stability of its four African subsidiaries by mitigating risks associated with SMEs in its loan portfolio. This collaboration aims to unlock the immense potential of SMEs in the region and drive inclusive economic growth through increased access to financing.

Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of AGF, expressed excitement about partnering with Vista Group, a leading player in the West African banking landscape. The collaboration combines expertise and resources to empower SMEs in the region and foster inclusive economic growth.



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Sierra Leonean Digital Osusu App, MiKashBoks Introduces Innovative Personal Savings Feature


MiKashBoks, the pioneering “Osusu Na Yu Phone” fintech app founded by Sierra Leonean tech entrepreneur Salton Massally, proudly announces the launch of its personal savings feature, now available to customers in Sierra Leone.

Expanding its commitment to financial empowerment, MiKashBoks enables users to effortlessly transfer funds from their mobile money to their Personal “Mi Cashbox” wallets. This new feature allows users to grow their savings and earn interest securely, enhancing their financial stability and independence.

Key Benefits of Individual Savings Feature:

1. Secure Growth: Safely increase savings with a dedicated “Mi Cashbox” wallet.
2. Set goals and track your progress
3. Earn Interest: Benefit from earning interest on saved funds, contributing to financial growth.
4. Ease of Use: Transfer funds seamlessly from your mobile money to your Individual “Mi Cashbox” accounts.
5. Access to your money when you need it – no need to queue in a bank!



Since its August 2023 inception, MiKashBoks has grown rapidly, adding 1500 customers in its first 90 days.

MiKashBoks recently obtained its financial services licence from the Bank of Sierra Leone and has also stated its commitment to supporting financial literacy in the country.

“The introduction of ‘Mi Cashbox’ for personal savings is a game-changer in our mission to enhance financial empowerment in Sierra Leone. This feature allows our users to grow their savings securely and offers the added benefit of earning interest, contributing to their financial wellness. We remain committed to innovating in ways that support and expand financial inclusion, providing our users with robust tools to build their financial futures.” – Salton Massally, Founder, MiKashBoks

For Sierra Leone residents, you can Download MiKashBoks on the Google Play Store. For non-smartphone users, save and receive payouts using the SMS/USSD shortcode *352#.



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Young Sierra Leonean Agriculturist Marketises Cassava Flour


A young Sierra Leonean Agriculturist, Francis John Sesay has invested in the production of cassava flour.

Cassava flour could serve as an alternative to the infamous wheat flour which is currently short in market due to the war in Ukraine.

Sesay, who studied Agricultural Engineering at Njala University launched is Cassavity brand as alternative to wheat flour which is expensive now in his country due Ukraine war.



Sesay said the flour can be used for baking cakes, doughnuts, pies and other flour-related products like fish ball.

Although cassava is a famous staple crop in Sierra Leone but it usage as a wheat flour substitute is new in the West African nation.

Some experts have said that large investment in the agriculture sector especially cassava could assist Sierra Leone achieve food sufficiency.



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