Minister Bangura’s Tricycle Project Opens Doors for Youth Entrepreneurs

By Abu Kemoh Sesa

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, under the leadership of its dedicated Minister, Hon. Mohamed Orman Bangura, has been at the forefront of implementing transformative programs that aim to improve the lives of young people across Sierra Leone. With a strong focus on youth empowerment, employment, and education, the ministry has developed and executed numerous initiatives that are helping to uplift the next generation of Sierra Leoneans.

One of the most ambitious and highly anticipated projects launched by the Ministry has now reached a major milestone—the provision of 200 tricycles for youth involvement in commercial transportation. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the development of the country’s youth and is expected to have a profound impact on their economic self-sufficiency, mobility, and access to employment opportunities.

The idea behind this program is simple but powerful: to equip young people with a tangible asset—tricycles—that will enable them to become active participants in the country’s economy. In a nation where youth unemployment remains a critical issue, many young individuals, especially in rural areas, struggle to find stable jobs or start their own businesses. The provision of these tricycles offers an alternative path to economic independence, empowering youth to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in the growing commercial transportation sector.

The tricycles are particularly suited for bicycle taxi services and delivery services, two sectors that are booming in Freetown and across other parts of the country. These services not only meet local transportation needs but also open up opportunities for young people to generate income. The initiative also supports youth in areas where traditional job markets may be limited, such as remote rural communities, by offering them an alternative form of self-employment.

For young people with entrepreneurial ambitions, operating a tricycle as a taxi or delivery vehicle provides more than just income—it offers valuable life skills. Entrepreneurship, customer service, and financial management are just some of the key competencies that youth will develop as they manage their small businesses. The ability to run their own enterprises can build their confidence and independence, fostering a generation of young people who are not just job seekers, but also job creators.

Moreover, these tricycles will have an even broader social impact by improving access to essential services for young people living in underserved or rural areas. In many parts of Sierra Leone, transportation options can be scarce, making it difficult for residents to access education, healthcare, and other vital services. With the newly provided tricycles, young people can use their vehicles to not only offer transport to others but also to make essential trips to schools, health clinics, and markets. Increased mobility will allow them to pursue educational opportunities, attend medical appointments, and connect with family or community networks, which can significantly improve their quality of life.

The initiative also has the potential to stimulate the local economy by creating new business opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Young people involved in this sector will require services such as vehicle maintenance, fueling stations, and insurance, all of which can create new jobs and support the local economy. By fostering these new small businesses, the Ministry of Youth Affairs is contributing to the sustainability of the transportation sector and the broader economy.

The provision of tricycles for youth by Minister Hon. Mohamed Orman Bangura is more than just an employment program—it is a tool for social change. It is an example of the government’s commitment to ensuring that young people, who make up a significant portion of Sierra Leone’s population, have the opportunities and resources to reach their full potential.

Minister Bangura’s efforts to empower youth reflect a long-term vision for the country’s future, where young people are not only beneficiaries of development but also active participants in shaping their own destinies. By addressing the needs of the youth and promoting their economic and social well-being, the Ministry of Youth Affairs is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Sierra Leone.

In conclusion, this initiative is a game-changer for the youth of Sierra Leone. It represents a proactive approach to youth empowerment, providing practical solutions to the challenges young people face in accessing employment and opportunities. It is a step toward transforming the lives of young individuals, giving them the tools to succeed and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

As the Ministry of Youth Affairs continues to roll out such programs, it is clear that the future of Sierra Leone’s youth holds great promise. Through continued government support and the active participation of young people, this project could inspire even greater initiatives in the future—leading to a brighter, more inclusive Sierra Leone for all.