As Ministry of Youth Affairs hand over 200 motor bikes to the Bike Riders union, President Bio Launches Youth Report, Inaugurates Alternative Livelihoods Training for Bike Riders.

MOYA, Freetown, 2nd December, 2025

Sierra Leone advanced its national youth empowerment agenda today as President Julius Maada Bio officially inaugurated the Alternative Livelihoods Training for Youth Bike Riders for Peace and launched the 2025 Status of Youth Report at the Milton Margai University, Goderich Campus* .

The ceremony marked a significant step in government-led efforts to strengthen youth participation in peacebuilding and economic development. As part of the day’s activities, the President also presented 200 new motorbikes to the Bike Riders Union, a move expected to boost economic stability, mobility, and income opportunities for young riders across the country.

The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, UNDP, UNCDF, and other international development partners, including the World Bank. The project aims to equip youth bike riders with alternative livelihood skills while positioning them as active contributors to community cohesion and national peace.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Affairs, Min. Ibrahim Sannoh, described the programme as a transformative investment in the future of young people.

“This initiative represents our commitment to expanding opportunities for youth, particularly those who depend on bike riding for their livelihood,” he said. “The training, combined with the support of 200 motorbikes, provides both the skills and the tools required for genuine empowerment. With the support of His Excellency and our partners, we are ensuring that young people can participate meaningfully in Sierra Leone’s development.”

President Bio commended the Ministry and its partners for what he described as a forward-looking and impactful intervention.

“My government remains committed to expanding economic and social opportunities for young people,” the President stated. “This programme, together with the 2025 Status of Youth Report, offers us the information, the tools, and the practical pathways needed to support youth as agents of peace and progress. The bike riders are an important part of our economy, and today’s support is a testament to our belief in their potential.”

The Status of Youth Report 2025, launched during the event, provides an updated assessment of the living conditions, challenges, and opportunities affecting young people nationwide. The report is expected to guide future policies and interventions geared toward youth development.

Development partners praised the Ministry of Youth Affairs for its leadership and coordination in implementing youth-focused programmes, noting that the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to solidify peace and create sustainable economic pathways for Sierra Leone’s growing youth population.

With today’s inauguration, the government and its partners reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that young people, particularly bike riders, are equipped, empowered, and positioned as key drivers of peace and national development.