The YouthMappers Summit Sierra Leone 2024, held on 30-31 August at St. Francis Hall in Makeni, was a landmark event that brought together a vibrant mix of young leaders, geospatial experts, government representatives, and environmental advocates. Organized by YouthMappers in Sierra Leone, a consortium of chapters from universities across the country spearheaded by YouthMappers Regional Ambassador Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo, the summit aimed to foster youth leadership and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship. With over 50 delegates from various universities, youth organizations, and community initiatives, and more than 10 distinguished speakers, the summit was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
Day 1: Laying the Groundwork for Leadership and Geospatial Collaboration
The first day of the summit commenced with a warm welcome and an overview of the summit's objectives, setting the stage for two days of rich dialogue and knowledge exchange. The opening address was delivered by Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo, the YouthMappers Regional Ambassador for Africa, who provided a comprehensive overview of the global YouthMappers network. He highlighted the expansive reach of the network, now boasting over 403 chapters in 78 countries, with more than 5,000 students actively engaged in using geospatial technologies to address community challenges. His address emphasized the critical role of YouthMappers in empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities through geospatial literacy and collaboration.
Following this, Tommy Charles, the National Coordinator of OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone, took the stage to share the journey of OpenStreetMap (OSM) in Sierra Leone since its inception in 2016. He detailed the organization's contributions to various community projects, including mapping efforts in health, education, disaster response, and infrastructure development.
The summit then delved into a series of thematic discussions, beginning with Amb. Herbert Bangura, Executive Director of Young Peace Builders. His session focused on the role of youth leadership in combating violent extremism and drug abuse, two pressing issues in Sierra Leone. He provided actionable strategies for youth to engage in peacebuilding efforts and highlighted the importance of resilience, community engagement, and proactive leadership.
Sheku Putka Kamara, a lecturer from Fourah Bay College (FBC), followed with a session on the importance of effective communication in addressing the misuse of information. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, his insights were invaluable for young leaders looking to foster transparency and truth in their communities.
A significant highlight of the day was the panel discussion featuring leaders from YouthMappers chapters across Sierra Leone, including Central University YouthMappers, Njala University YouthMappers, FBC YouthMappers, UniMak YouthMappers, and ETU YouthMappers. Each chapter leader shared their experiences, successes, and challenges in implementing mapping projects. They also discussed their future projects, collaboration strategies, and the impact of their work on local communities.
The day concluded with an engaging Q&A session where participants posed questions to the speakers, followed by a lively quiz competition. The quiz tested participants' knowledge of YouthMappers, OpenStreetMap, and Sierra Leone’s socio-economic and environmental landscape. The competitive yet friendly atmosphere fostered camaraderie among the delegates, setting a positive tone for the rest of the summit.
Day 2: Strengthening the Role of Youth in Sustainable Development
Building on the energy of the first day, the second day of the summit featured an array of discussions and workshops focused on sustainable development. The day began with a presentation by the Local Government Revenue Initiative team, who showcased their innovative approach to using digital tools for mapping property taxes. They demonstrated how these tools could simplify the property tax collection process, thereby enhancing government revenue streams in Sierra Leone. This session highlighted the practical applications of geospatial technology in governance.
Next, Daniel K. Sesay, Head of the Business Administration Department at Ernest Bai Koroma University (EBK), delivered an inspiring talk on the importance of strategic business leadership in building the next generation of entrepreneurs. He emphasized the need for innovation, resilience, and strategic thinking in today’s rapidly changing economic environment. His presentation resonated with the young leaders in attendance, many of whom are aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make a positive impact in their communities.
Gender equality and women in leadership took center stage during a powerful session led by Zainab Sallay Koroma, Dean of Students at Central University. She discussed the vital role of women in leadership and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where women can thrive. Her presentation was both inspiring and practical, offering actionable steps for achieving gender equality in leadership roles across various sectors.
Amb. Herbert Bangura returned to the stage to lead a session on balancing talents and academics. He encouraged participants to recognize and nurture their unique talents while pursuing their educational goals. His insights were particularly relevant to the many students in attendance, who often face the challenge of balancing academic demands with personal development and career aspirations.
The summit reached its climax with the address by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Amb. Patrick Gibrilla, who served as the Guest of Honor. His speech was both inspiring and thought-provoking, emphasizing the importance of youth leadership and empowerment in Sierra Leone. He urged young people to take ownership of their present and future, recognizing that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. Amb. Gibrilla also highlighted the crucial role of geospatial technology in addressing community challenges and advancing sustainable development. His message resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the summit's theme of "Fostering Youth Leadership and Geospatial Collaboration for Sustainable Mining and Environmental Sustainability."
One of the most anticipated sessions of the day was led by representatives from Leone Rock Metal Group, one of the summit’s key sponsors. They provided an in-depth look at their work and the various funding opportunities available for initiatives that address community challenges. Their engagement with the participants was highly interactive, offering practical advice on how to secure resources for community-driven projects.
Closing and Reflections
The summit concluded with a Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to engage directly with speakers, followed by an award ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions. The event ended with a networking session, fostering new connections and collaborations among delegates, speakers, and organizations.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who made the YouthMappers Summit Sierra Leone 2024 possible. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude always go YouthMappers for the support. Thanks to our sponsors and partners Leone Rock Metal Group, OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone, and Local Government Revenue Initiative for their unwavering support, and valuable insights. We also thank our esteemed speakers for sharing their expertise, and the organizing team for their relentless efforts in making this summit a success.
To the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Amb. Patrick Gibrilla, we are deeply grateful for your presence and for the inspiring message you delivered to our youth leaders.
Finally, to all our participants—delegates from universities, youth organizations, and community initiatives across Sierra Leone—thank you for your engagement and commitment. You are now ambassadors of peace, community building, sustainable development, and leadership in our communities. Together, we will continue to foster growth, innovation, and positive change across Sierra Leone.
Best wishes Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo!