As part of ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities for young people, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), with support from UNICEF Sierra Leone, has launched the Learn2Earn Program, a pilot initiative designed to prepare young people for income generation through digital freelancing and participation in the global gig economy.
The programme responds to the growing gap between the number of young people entering the labour market and the limited availability of traditional employment opportunities. By focusing on digital work, Learn2Earn offers an alternative pathway aligned with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Big Five Agenda, particularly the pillar on Human Capital Development.
Interest in the programme was significant. Over 900 young people applied during the open call. Applicants underwent a rigorous selection process that included three separate assessments designed to test digital readiness, commitment, and problem-solving ability. Following this process, candidates were shortlisted to 50 participants, from which 30 were finally selected to participate in the pilot phase currently being implemented by the Ministry.
Speaking at the launch, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation noted that the programme reflects a deliberate shift toward employment models that respond to present-day economic realities.
“The government cannot rely on conventional employment alone to absorb the growing youth population. Learn2Earn is about equipping young people with skills that allow them to earn independently, compete globally, and create opportunities for themselves within the digital economy.”
The Permanent Secretary added that the programme contributes directly to the Ministry’s mandate to support the creation of 65,000 jobs within the technology and innovation sector, while ensuring that young people are not only trained but positioned to earn.
The Ministry’s Innovation Lead, Jesse Kamara, explained that Learn2Earn was intentionally designed to move beyond short-term training interventions and focus on measurable outcomes.
“This programme was built around a simple question, how do we help young people move from learning to earning? The structure combines mentorship, real practice, and accountability so participants are not left on their own after training.”
He further noted that the pilot approach allows the Ministry and its partners to test and refine the model before considering national scale-up.
Mentors supporting the program, drawn from experienced freelancers working on platforms such as Upwork and Christex’s Bounty Platform, highlighted the importance of guided entry into online work.
“Many young people have interest but lack direction. Mentorship helps them understand the process, build confidence, and avoid common mistakes when starting out.”
The pilot cohort of 30 participants is undergoing a one-month programme that combines an in-person orientation with virtual mentorship, practical skill development, and real freelance job applications. The Ministry anticipates that at least 10 percent of participants will secure paid freelance work during or shortly after the programme.
Learn2Earn is expected to inform future government-led digital employment initiatives and contribute to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled freelancers across Sierra Leone, positioning young people to access opportunities beyond traditional job markets.
