Abstract:

The potentials of entrepreneurship for unlocking youth-led livelihood development was explored in 5 districts of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussion, and field observation were used to collect data. Reports and different literatures were also reviewed. The analyses of the survey indicated that entrepreneurship has a great potential in creating employment opportunities for young women and men. Poor microfinance services, inadequate policies and strategies along with low level of enforcement and poor infrastructure account as the major problem contributors to the low levels of entrepreneurship employment opportunities for the youth in Sierra Leone. The study also revealed as entrepreneurship development has a great alternative potentials which could help to reduce the present youth unemployment rate in the country. Offering credit facilities, business management skills, mentorship and coaching services to young enterprise operators and creation of the enabling environment (reinforcing of policies and strategies) for entrepreneurship are identified as the major contributors for entrepreneurship related employment opportunities. 

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