Young Professionals Graduate, Championing Sustainable Blue Economy

Young Professionals Graduate, Championing Sustainable Blue Economy

GOAL has announced the successful graduation of 19 Sierra Leonean youth from the Women and Youth Technical Capacity for the Blue Economy (WYTEC Blue) training programme.

The three-month initiative was delivered in partnership with the Development of Ocean Technical Capacity with African Nations (DOTCAN Institute). It involved participants from Freetown, Lagos, Halifax, and Sydney, highlighting the efficacy of international collaboration in fostering a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.

During the 10-week intensive curriculum, participants acquired expertise in Ocean Science and Technology (OST), Blue Economy Enabling Fields (BEE), and Leadership & Entrepreneurship (L&E). For their final projects, the graduates presented solutions for coastal waste management, maritime security, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable port infrastructure.

The programme received support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and was executed in collaboration with the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), Cape Breton University, and Initiative For Africa.

Programme coordinators commended the graduates for their commitment, noting that these emerging leaders are equipped to advance Sierra Leone’s blue economy, promote female empowerment, and support sustainable ocean development.