Chinese enterprise, college launch vocational academy in Sierra Leone

FREETOWN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- China Railway Seventh Group Co., Ltd. (CRSG), in collaboration with Zhengzhou Railway Technician College and Freetown Polytechnic, officially launched the Excellence Skills Academy on Tuesday in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown.

The initiative aims to equip young Sierra Leoneans with essential vocational skills, promote youth development, and strengthen ties between China and Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio underscored the importance of the program in empowering young people, pledging government support and encouraging CRSG to expand its contributions, particularly through the establishment of Chinese technology centers.

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong congratulated the partners on the launch of the academy while addressing the inauguration ceremony. "The Excellence Skills Academy translates shared visions into concrete realities," he said, noting that the initiative aligns closely with the government's youth development agenda.

Zhao added that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He said the Chinese embassy would continue to support people-to-people and cultural exchanges, as well as educational cooperation between the two countries.

Samba Moriba, principal of Freetown Polytechnic, welcomed the initiative, saying it reflects a shared commitment to technical and human capacity development. "This initiative will promote skills training among our learners and present skilled opportunities, enabling them to contribute positively to society," he said.

CRSG General Manager Du Xinguo said trainees who successfully complete the program will be offered job placements, enabling them to apply their skills in the workforce.