The presentation was well received by the President, who confirmed that this EU initiative and its unique design – linking investment proposals with training and finance, directly engaging the private sector and prioritizing immediate results to address the job crisis - responds to the critical challenges the country is facing in terms of human capital development, access to viable finance (especially in the agricultural sector) and creation of decent jobs for youth and women.

Also in attendance were Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr F. Kai-Kai, Acting Minister of Agriculture A. Karim, Special Adviser to the President Dr Gaima and Dr Julius Sandy, Secretary to the President. The EU was represented by EU Ambassador Tom Vens, Head of Cooperation Gerard Hatler and Project Officer Alexandre Serres.

The Jobs & Growth Programme will create 8,500 jobs in the short term, lead to increased investment and an improved business climate in the medium term. It is implemented together with the Government of Sierra Leone, the United Nation's Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the World Bank (WB) and GIZ.