Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, led a high-level delegation to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), where he reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.
TICAD, a platform that brings together African leaders, Japanese officials, international organizations, and development partners, serves as a critical forum for advancing African development through partnership and mutual cooperation. Speaking during a high-level session, Dr. Sengeh outlined Sierra Leone’s forward-thinking approach to national development one that places people, especially young people, at the center of policymaking and progress.
“Sierra Leone’s development strategy goes beyond traditional management,” Dr. Sengeh said. “It is about unlocking the full potential of every citizen, and most importantly, our youth. They are not just the future they are the present.”
Dr. Sengeh echoed President Julius Maada Bio’s bold vision of “radical inclusion,” first articulated at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023. He described this concept as a guiding principle for the country’s transformation, focused on equity, access, and investment in all citizens regardless of background or status.
“Radical inclusion means investing in every human being so they can reach their fullest potential,” he emphasized. “This is not just theory our government is already 30% youth-led, with young leaders heading major institutions and driving innovation across all sectors.”
Highlighting real-life success stories, Dr. Sengeh pointed to young Sierra Leoneans who are making impactful contributions in areas such as technology, agriculture, health, and education. He stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment where youth are equipped with the tools, resources, and opportunities to lead and thrive.
He also noted that human capital development remains a cornerstone of President Bio’s “Big Five Game Changers” agenda, aligning closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Empowering youth is not only central to President Bio’s governance agenda—it is also key to delivering lasting, inclusive development and positioning Africa as the next frontier of global innovation,” Dr. Sengeh concluded.
TICAD 9 continues to serve as a vital platform for building strategic partnerships between Africa and Japan, particularly in the areas of education, technology, health, and infrastructure. As the conference progresses, Sierra Leone’s delegation remains committed to forging new alliances and sharing its vision of a radically inclusive and youth-driven future.
