Freetown, Tuesday, 27 January 2026 — President Dr Julius Maada Bio has launched a Joint Education Programme at Freetown Polytechnic’s Jui Campus, praising the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) for supporting skills transfer and youth employment in Sierra Leone.
According to State House, the programme is a tripartite partnership involving CRSG, Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, and Freetown Polytechnic, designed to equip young Sierra Leoneans with practical, industry-relevant skills.
President Bio said the initiative aligns with his Government’s Human Capital Development agenda and the Big Five priorities, stressing the need to move from theory-based learning to hands-on training. He described education as central to national development and emphasized that skills acquisition must translate into employment opportunities.
The President further commended CRSG for training local youth rather than importing foreign expertise, noting that it reflects government policies yielding tangible results. He assured continued government support and urged trainees to uphold discipline and strong work ethics.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, described the programme as a milestone in bilateral cooperation and announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence Skills Academy at Freetown Polytechnic to support vocational training and employment.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, said the programme reinforces government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), adding that training must be demand-driven and linked to national development needs.
CRSG General Manager, Du Xinguo, disclosed that the company has operated in Sierra Leone for 18 years and announced that the first batch of 40 trainees will be employed by CRSG after completing the programme.
Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, Dr Samba Moriba, described the initiative as transformative for youth skills development, while Principal of Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, Wu Wei, said it would strengthen Sierra Leone’s human resource capacity.