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The World Food Prize Foundation has established its first Youth Institute in Sierra Leone, advancing its mission to engage the next generation of leaders in food security across Africa. The inaugural program was held on July 14, 2025, and marks a significant step in the Foundation’s continental expansion of youth-focused initiatives.
The Sierra Leone Youth Institute was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone in partnership with the Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Njala University.
“Bringing the Youth Institute model to Sierra Leone is part of a broader effort to ensure young people across Africa have meaningful opportunities to lead,” said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. “This work reflects a long-standing commitment to listening, learning and growing alongside the next generation—starting in the places where their leadership is needed most.”
A rousing time of song and dance celebrated the start of the Institute, which convened 20 students from across the West African nation. These young changemakers presented insights from their Global Challenge research papers to an audience that included ministry leaders, educators, Njala University faculty, scientists, and agricultural and education specialists from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Students explored a range of pressing issues, including conflict, sustainable agriculture, climate change, school feeding programs, and infrastructure.
Professor Bashiru Koroma, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, encouraged students to follow the example of 2004 World Food Prize Laureate and Njala University alumnus Minister Monty Jones by continuing their education and developing the knowledge and skills needed to address food insecurity in Sierra Leone. The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey urged students to lead boldly, affirming their capacity to drive transformative change.
In recent years, Sierra Leone has been working to boost agriculture productivity to fuel inclusive growth—increasing local food production and reducing hunger. The initiative, spearheaded by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Brig. Rtd. Julius Maada Bio, called Feed Salone, also aims to increase export earnings and create jobs to build a resilient food system. Establishing a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute in Sierra Leone—equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills to lead—is an important aspect of this initiative.
“The Sierra Leone Youth Institute is more than a symposium,” said Minister Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Republic of Sierra Leone, who was on hand during the Youth Institute. “It reflects our commitment to empower young people to lead in food systems transformation. Through our collaboration with the World Food Prize Foundation, we are giving students the opportunity to apply their creativity and research skills to real-world food security challenges. These young minds are already offering valuable ideas that can shape the future of agriculture in Sierra Leone and beyond.”
Foundation Youth Institutes are immersive educational experiences that challenge students to research global food security issues and present their solutions to experts and peers.
“The value of such an experience is immeasurable," said Musa Mansaray, agriculture teacher, Services Secondary School, Juba - Freetown. “It has reinforced the importance of investing in youth-driven agricultural education and the critical role teachers play in nurturing potential. Personally, it was a proud moment and a confirmation of the impact educators can make when given the right platforms.”
Mansaray said it was deeply fulfilling to watch his student, Nancy Koyama, excel and confidently present her research, ultimately being selected for the Global Youth Institute during the International Borlaug Dialogue held annually in October.
With the addition of Sierra Leone, the Foundation’s Youth Programs now engage students in over 20 states and seven countries, building a growing network of emerging leaders committed to ending hunger and improving livelihoods.
“Investing in youth leadership and education is critical to tackling the complex challenges of global food security,” said Governor Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. “By supporting young innovators and future leaders across Africa, we are fostering the development of sustainable, locally driven solutions that have the power to improve livelihoods, strengthen communities and contribute to global resilience. Empowering youth today means building a more secure and prosperous food system for tomorrow.”
As the Foundation continues to partner with governments, universities and local organizations across Africa, the launch of the Sierra Leone Youth Institute marks an important milestone in the shared mission to equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to drive sustainable change. The Foundation looks forward to seeing the innovative contributions of Sierra Leone’s youth help build a more food-secure and resilient future for their communities and the world.