Monrovia — Civil society organizations are calling for sweeping reforms to Liberia’s mining laws and regulatory institutions, citing weak enforcement, corruption, inadequate beneficial-ownership disclosure and limited community participation as major challenges confronting the sector.

By Francis G. Boayue

The call was made Thursday, October 1 during a Civil Society and Local Communities Roundtable on Mining and Inclusive Sustainable Development organized by the CSO Consortium on Mining in Monrovia.

The one-day engagement brought together civil society organizations and representatives of mining-affected communities to identify governance gaps and develop concrete recommendations for reforms in Liberia’s mining sector.

The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Executive Director, Anderson Miamen, said Liberia needs stronger laws and institutions capable of enforcing them if the country is to derive sustainable benefits from its mineral resources.

Miamen identified weak enforcement of existing mining laws, bribery, underreporting and limited transparency over beneficial ownership as some of the sector’s major challenges.

He said the mere existence of laws does not guarantee accountability when regulatory institutions lack the capacity and mechanisms to enforce them.

Miamen urged the government to review and amend Liberia’s mining laws to reflect current realities, particularly as the country seeks to expand mining activities and attract additional investment.

CENTAL is also calling for stronger anti-corruption mechanisms and checks and balances around mining-sector decision-making, financial transactions and regulatory processes.

Miamen further advocated for the establishment of a dedicated anti-corruption court, arguing that such an institution could strengthen the prosecution of corruption and complex economic and financial crimes.

The organization is also proposing an inclusive community monitoring mechanism that would give mining-affected communities a formal role in monitoring mining operations and reporting concerns involving land, livelihoods and environmental impacts.

The demands emerged as civil society groups and community representatives examined broader concerns surrounding who benefits from mining, how revenues are managed and whether affected communities receive adequate economic and social benefits.

Loretta Alethea Pope Kai of the Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (SEED) said the roundtable was intended to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine challenges confronting mining communities and develop practical proposals for reform.

She said the process would also enable civil society organizations to establish a collective advocacy agenda before, during and after the Liberia Mining, Mines and Energy Conference.

Among the issues discussed were economic opportunities for mining-affected communities, protection against gender-based violence, access to justice, effective remedies, accountability and governance.

“As civil society, we are not just here to identify the problems in Liberia’s mining sector, but to build a common evidence-based agenda for the reforms needed to make mining work better for Liberia and its people,” Pope Kai said.

Silas Kpanan Ayoung Siakor of the Institute for Development Law (IDL) urged participants to move beyond broad debates about the merits or shortcomings of mining and instead identify specific weaknesses requiring government action.

He said civil society should leave the engagement with a clear understanding of the problems within the sector, the reforms required, and the actions government should take.

“If we take advantage of this opportunity, we then have the position to be the first to go to the government and say we would like to see A, B, C, D change in the sector,” Siakor said.

The reform discussions come amid efforts by Liberia to increase revenue, investment and community benefits from its mineral resources.

In August 2026, the Ministry of Mines and Energy convened stakeholders to discuss implementation of a US$5 million annual Community Development Fund under ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Third Mineral Development Agreement.

Civil society actors, however, say such initiatives will require effective monitoring, transparency and meaningful community participation to ensure that mining benefits reach affected communities.

The Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s 2026 work plan also includes activities related to contract transparency, beneficial ownership, anti-corruption, extractive-sector reporting and public disclosure of revenues.

The roundtable’s recommendations are expected to form the basis for sustained civil society advocacy for legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and community participation in Liberia’s mining governance.

MONROVIA — The Embassy of Ireland has committed €1.5 million toward a three-year project aimed at restoring mangroves, strengthening coastal resilience and improving sustainable livelihoods in Liberia’s southeastern counties of Sinoe and Maryland.

By Francis G. Boayue

The project, titled “Restoring Coastal Resilience: Community-led Mangrove Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in South-East Liberia,” was officially launched Wednesday, September 30 at Sinkor Palace in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.

The initiative is being implemented by the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), with technical support from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Speaking at the launch, SCNL Executive Director, Michael F. Garbo,  welcomed government officials, development partners and other stakeholders, describing the initiative as an important step toward restoring Liberia’s coastal ecosystems.

SCNL Landscape Manager, James P. Mulbah,  said the three-year project, running from September 2026 to August 2029, seeks to make coastal communities more resilient through mangrove restoration, livelihood diversification and strengthened local natural resource governance.

The project targets approximately 3,500 beneficiaries, with women expected to constitute at least 40 percent of direct participants and leadership roles.

According to Mulbah, the project will restore 50 hectares of mangroves and 20 hectares of coconut plantations along the coastline. It will also support sustainable fishing through the provision of approved fishing nets, boat engines and energy-efficient fish-drying facilities.

The project will establish or strengthen Village Savings and Loan Associations for women, provide livelihood support and establish nature clubs in 10 schools to promote environmental awareness among young people.

Irish Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, said coastal communities in Sinoe and Maryland face increasing pressure from coastal erosion, rising sea levels and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

“By investing in people, we protect coastlines,” Ambassador Considine said, emphasizing Ireland’s commitment to working with local institutions and communities.

He said the project built on an earlier SCNL pilot in Sinoe County that established more than 20,000 mangrove seedlings in community nurseries. The ambassador said the initiative would also contribute to Liberia’s climate commitments and provide environmental data that could support the country’s emerging carbon market.

The project, he added, aligns with Liberia’s national development priorities and Ireland’s 2024–2028 Embassy Strategy for Liberia. Ambassador Considine officially launched the project, emphasizing that coastal communities should remain at the center of conservation efforts and benefit directly from Liberia’s natural resources.

PAYNESVILLE — The Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation, Inc. (GREJOF) has commemorated the 15th anniversary of World Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day, with a call for early diagnosis, increased public awareness, and greater support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

By Francis G. Boayue

The celebration was held on Friday, September 25, 2026, bringing together high school students and health practitioners under the theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.”

Speaking during the program, GREJOF Director of Programs and Training, John M. Gray, said the foundation is a non-political, non-profit charitable organization established in 2015 in the United States and in Liberia in 2022 in honor of the late Geneva Reeves-Johnson, who died in Georgia, USA, in 2013 from complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Gray said the foundation continues Reeves-Johnson’s legacy through initiatives focused on mental health awareness, women’s rights, education, skills development, support for impoverished families, and community empowerment.

He said GREJOF’s Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Program (YEMP) seeks to equip young Liberians with skills and knowledge through seminars, vocational training, mentorship, peer discussions, and civic education.

According to Gray, YEMP also encourages young people to become ambassadors for Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness while promoting volunteerism, strategic youth leadership, non-violence, and education.

Serving as guest speaker, Dr. Juliett Whyeayea Diggs, a psychiatry specialist at the E.S. Grant Mental Health Hospital under the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs of dementia and seeking medical assistance.

Dr. Diggs explained that dementia is a group of symptoms resulting from physical damage to the brain and can affect memory, communication, problem-solving, planning, and behavior.

She identified warning signs including memory loss that disrupts daily activities, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion about time and familiar places, repeated questions, difficulty performing routine tasks, mood changes, withdrawal, and agitation.

“Dementia is not a normal part of ageing,” Dr. Diggs stressed, urging families to seek professional help when they notice significant changes in an elderly relative’s behavior or memory.

She said early diagnosis can help families understand the condition, access appropriate treatment and support, prepare for future care needs, and preserve the affected person’s independence for as long as possible.

Dr. Diggs also called for greater compassion toward people living with dementia, noting that understanding the condition can help reduce stigma and prevent families and communities from misinterpreting dementia-related behavior.

She encouraged communities to have open conversations about dementia and support affected individuals and their caregivers. “Always, the sooner you know, the more you can do,” she said.

MONROVIA — After weeks of high-stakes nominations, tense evictions, unexpected twists, and constantly shifting alliances, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 11 is now officially in the hands of the viewing public.

By Francis Boayue

Following Sunday night’s live show, ten housemates—Aikou, Barry, Bluethopia, Flora, Keivo, Oyin, Ricky, Sheba, Temi Nkem, and Tram—secured their places in the grand finale.

From former Gambits who fought their way back for a shot at the crown to battle-tested housemates who survived multiple twists and eviction scares, every story now converges at a single pivotal moment. With just one last hurdle between the contestants and the grand prize, which includes a cash payout of N90 million, a brand-new vehicle, and ultimate bragging rights as the Season 11 winner, the stakes inside Biggie’s house have never been higher.

The cash prize heading into the finale stands at N90 million following a key season adjustment. The original N100 million prize was reduced by N10 million over the course of the competition, with those funds reallocated to the Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW) pot as a consequence of failed house challenges and insubordination by the housemates.

With the finalists having played their last strategic cards, the power shifts entirely to the audience.
How to Vote

The final voting window is officially open and will run until 9:00 PM on Friday, October 2. Fans across Liberia and the rest of the continent can cast their votes to back their favorite housemates through the following channels:

• MyDStv App
• Africa Magic Official Website and Mobile Site
  Viewers subscribed to higher DStv package tiers receive an expanded voting quota, giving them greater influence over who walks away with the title.

The crowned winner of Big Brother Naija Season 11 will be revealed during the live grand finale broadcast on Sunday, October 4.

For additional updates and official details, fans can visit the Africa Magic Big Brother Naija website or join the conversation on social media platforms using the hashtag #BBNaija.

MONROVIA – Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia (CNCL) has graduated 20 young people from its first cohort of the Youth Innovative Plastic Waste Management Training, equipping them with skills in recycling, upcycling, waste management and environmental entrepreneurship.

By Francis G. Boayue

The graduation ceremony was held Thursday, September 24  at the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Liberia’s Fendell Campus.

The four-month training was implemented under CNCL’s “From Trash to Treasure: Community-Based Plastic Waste Management and Circular Economy in Liberia” project, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, CNCL Executive Director, Moses A. Massah, said the initiative seeks to address plastic pollution, particularly in urban communities where poor waste management contributes to blocked drainage systems, flooding and environmental degradation.

Massah said the project promotes a “reduce, reuse, recycle and recover” approach while creating opportunities for young people, women, waste collectors and small businesses.

“The overall goal of this project is to transform plastic waste from an environmental problem into an opportunity for cleaner communities, green employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Liberia,” Massah stated.

He disclosed that CNCL established community-based plastic collection systems, including collection points and two buying stations, while supporting the development of small plastic recycling enterprises.

According to Massah, four student groups participated in practical activities, with two emerging as the leading groups. The two groups are expected to receive further support to establish small waste management enterprises.

Keynote speaker and former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Nathaniel Blama urged the graduates to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“If you want to be important in a society, if you want to be important in a community, if you want to be important in this country, solve the problem,” Blama told the graduates.

Blama also called for stronger policies to minimize single-use plastics and urged the introduction of environmental education at the primary-school level.

Meanwhile, UNDP Program Analyst Michael Vawah encouraged the graduates to apply their skills in their communities and develop businesses around plastic waste.

“Plastic waste should not only be viewed as a problem. With the right skills, technology and entrepreneurial mindset, waste can become a resource,” Vawah said.

The project is expected to conclude at the end of September, with CNCL pledging continued support for the graduates and participating communities.

GANTA, Nimba County – In Ganta, a land dispute has moved well beyond a single property line. Its reach now covers the country’s top judicial officer, a former city mayor, a former county superintendent and hundreds of neighbors who say they will not stand aside.

By Franklin Doloquee

It is a story about who is believed to own the ground under a person’s feet, and what happens when that question is answered in an hour.

Residents describe last Wednesday as a day that arrived without warning. Authorities carried out an eviction ordered by the Gompa Magisterial Court, and more than 15 families were left without shelter.

Those who watched say the time allowed was far too short. One community member, who asked not to be named, put it plainly: an hour was not enough time to take apart what people had spent two decades building.

The court order came from a summary proceeding brought by the estate of the late Musa Toure, represented by its administrator, Mohammed Toure, against Mohammed Bility and a Mr. Dorley.

Yet the people affected are a wider circle than the two named defendants. Residents say members of the Toure family have lived on the site and kept up its buildings for more than 20 years, and that many of the structures were bought, not squatted.

Two Ways of Seeing the Same Ground

The dispute rests on a familiar tension in many communities: the gap between long occupancy and formal legal title. For residents, twenty years of living somewhere, paying for buildings and maintaining them is its own kind of claim. For a court working through a summary proceeding, the question is narrower: what does the record show, and who prevailed?

That gap has not been bridged in public. Authorities have not offered a full explanation of the legal basis for the eviction, nor said whether the displaced were offered anywhere to go. Court records that might settle the timeline are still being sought.

The case is also not closed. A hearing on a motion for relief from judgment is set for 20 December. Until then, the eviction order stands, which means families are out of their homes while the question of whether the judgment should be revisited remains open.

The Voice on the Radio

The story might have stayed local had the chief justice not spoken. Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. went on Radio Voice of Gompa to defend the order, emphasizing that the eviction was the work of the magisterial court and not the Supreme Court of Liberia.

He did not stop there. He alleged that Amos N. G. Suah, while serving as Ganta City mayor, sold public or government land to private individuals. He named former Superintendent David Door Cooper and the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson as people who benefited. He also said he would tell President Joseph Boakai before any enforcement action against people occupying government land.

Those statements are allegations made on air. They have not been independently verified, and no finding has been issued on them.

The Mayor Answers

Suah’s response was swift and sharp. He called the chief justice a “security enemy,” meaning, in his usage, someone he regards as harmful or untrustworthy, and asked President Boakai to remove him. He also claimed

Gbeisay is a citizen of Lofa County rather than Nimba, but offered no evidence.

The exchange stalled when a radio interview with Suah was cut off by a power outage. Suah told reporters he had received calls telling him to end the interview and go home. He has not been reachable since, and he has not elaborated on who made those calls.

A Parcel Changes Hands

Then came a quieter revelation. During proceedings before Chief Justice Gbeisay, Cooper disclosed that he and several others had returned a disputed parcel in Ganta to Suah. Testimony and court records described the transfer as part of an effort to settle competing claims.

The reporting does not establish how this parcel connects to the Toure property, or whether it does at all. That gap matters. It leaves open whether these are two threads of one dispute or two disputes that have simply become entangled in public conversation.

Watching for What Comes Next

The judiciary and the Office of the President have not responded to the accusations or to the call for the chief justice’s removal. FrontPage Africa has contacted the chief justice’s office and other officials.

On the ground, the mood is unsettled. Residents say they will keep up protective measures and may hold more demonstrations, and journalists and officials are watching for any escalation.

Grand Bassa County— Grand Bassa County Superintendent Karyou Johnson has turned over five motorbikes to the Grand Bassa County Community Watch Forum to strengthen community-based security operations and support collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP).

By Francis G. Boayue

The motorbikes are intended to enhance the forum’s mobility and enable its members to work more closely with the police and other security institutions in responding to criminal activities across the county.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Superintendent Johnson thanked the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus, County Council and citizens of the county for supporting the establishment and operations of the Community Watch Forum.

Johnson also commended the leadership of the forum for its role in helping security authorities address the growing problem of illicit drugs in the county.

He said the forum had previously worked with the police, Drug Enforcement Agency and other security institutions to conduct operations, particularly around schools and communities where drug-related activities were reported.

“Today, the drugs in our county are not gone, but they have reduced,” Johnson said, crediting the forum for its contribution to efforts aimed at combating illicit drug activities.

According to the superintendent, the decision to provide motorbikes instead of direct cash support was intended to ensure that county resources provided for security operations result in tangible assets that can be used to improve service delivery.

Johnson said the county government would require organizations seeking operational funding to submit proposals and provide documentation showing how the funds would be used.

He described the provision of the motorbikes as a practical approach to supporting community security initiatives while ensuring that public resources are invested in visible and useful assets.

“The Community Watch Forum plays a very major role in the county in terms of assisting the police,” Johnson stated, adding that the motorbikes would enable the group to work more closely with law enforcement to pursue criminal activities.

The superintendent also highlighted several interventions undertaken by the county administration to support the justice and security sectors.

He cited the transportation of sick prisoners, construction of a court facility in Edina, provision of materials to the police, and renovations at the Magisterial Court and County Attorney’s Office.

He said the county government had also supported improvements at the police station and other justice-sector facilities.

He maintained that the county’s investments in the justice and security sectors were part of broader efforts to maintain peace and create an environment conducive to investment.

“We have been supporting the justice system in this county,” Johnson said, adding that the county’s security situation had improved.

He commended the Liberia National Police for its coordination of security operations in Grand Bassa County and thanked officers for their work in maintaining public safety.

At the ceremony, Superintendent Johnson formally handed over the key to the police commander, who was expected to subsequently present it to the leadership of the Community Watch Forum.

The initiative is expected to strengthen community policing and improve the forum’s ability to support law enforcement efforts across Grand Bassa County.

MONROVIA – The Acting Minister of National Defense, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has outlined institutional continuity, soldier welfare and civil-military relations as his immediate priorities following his formal assumption of duties at the Ministry of National Defense.

By Francis G. Boayue

Cllr. Tweh, who recently served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 16  during a formal turnover ceremony at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.

He thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the Ministry of National Defense, describing his new assignment as an opportunity to continue serving within Liberia’s national security architecture.

“I stand before you today with a profound sense of humility, duty, and patriotism as I formally assume the role of Acting Minister of National Defense,” Cllr.Tweh said.

He also commended his predecessor, Brigadier General (Ret.) Geraldine J. George, for what he described as her “trailblazing leadership, dedication, and historic service” to the Ministry and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

Cllr. Tweh stated that  the Ministry of National Defense has a distinct civilian oversight responsibility within Liberia’s constitutional framework, while the Chief of Staff of the AFL is responsible for operational and tactical command.

He referenced Article 50 of the Liberian Constitution, which establishes the President as Commander-in-Chief, and emphasized the importance of civilian control of the military.

“The Ministry of National Defense, therefore, serves as the civilian anchor,” Tweh said. “Our role is bureaucratic, strategic, and legal. It requires ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law, managing resources with transparency, and insulating our military from partisan politics.”

According to  Cllr. Tweh, his commitment to civilian oversight is rooted in his legal background and Liberia’s experience with civil conflict.

He recalled his tenure as President of the Liberian National Bar Association in December 2007, when the Bar invited then-Defense Minister Brownie Samukai to speak on the rule of law within Liberia’s reconstituted military.

Cllr. Tweh said Samukai explained that  in addition to military training recruits were being trained in Liberian civics, the constitutional authority of government and the principle of military subordination to civilian authority.

He also recalled serving as guest speaker on August 29, 2008 at the graduation of the final Initial Entry Training (IET) class and activation of the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 23rd Infantry Brigade of the AFL at the Barclay Training Center.

He described IET as a process through which civilian recruits are transformed into soldiers through training in military operations, drills, leadership, civic responsibilities and the chain of command.

Eighteen years later,  Cllr. Tweh said his appointment to the Defense Ministry presents an opportunity to build on the institutional reforms that have taken place within the AFL.

Under his first priority, institutional continuity and strategic alignment,  Cllr. Tweh said the Ministry will support implementation of its newly launched five-year strategic plan.

He said the plan expands Liberia’s national security focus beyond territorial defense to include disaster resilience, humanitarian assistance and engineering contributions to national development.

On soldier welfare and capability,  Cllr. Tweh averred that  the government must ensure that members of the AFL receive adequate support, equipment, healthcare and recognition.

“The well-being of our men and women in uniform is paramount,” he said, adding that he intends to work closely with the AFL command structure to improve conditions of service.

Cllr. Tweh’s third priority focuses on civil-military relations.

He described the AFL as a “Force for Good” and called for stronger relations between the military and communities through mutual respect, transparency and public accountability.

Addressing the Chief of Staff and members of the AFL, Cllr. Tweh pledged to serve as an advocate for the institution while working with international partners to protect Liberia’s peace and sovereignty.

“I pledge to be a fair, transparent, and tireless advocate for your institution,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ceremony brought together senior government officials, legislative leaders, military officers, civil servants, members of the diplomatic corps, international partners and representatives of the media.

MONROVIA – The Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) has launched the second edition of its flagship academic competition, the Liberia National Quizzing County Meet 2026, bringing together high school students from across the country to compete in an effort to promote academic excellence and intellectual development.

By Francis G. Boayue

The national student organization launched the competition Wednesday evening at the Monrovia City Hall during a dinner and draw ceremony attended by representatives of the national government, partner institutions, academicians, school administrators, education stakeholders and participating students.

The competition is designed to provide a platform for students to demonstrate their academic abilities while promoting intellectual exchange, research, critical thinking and a stronger interest in education among young Liberians.

Serving as keynote speaker, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Managing Director Amos Tweh reminded participating students of their responsibility to acquire the knowledge, discipline and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to their communities and country.

Tweh’s remarks were delivered by LPRC Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Jacob Smith, who represented the managing director due to his engagement outside the country.

Smith urged students to take education seriously, stressing that sound education remains essential to individual success and national development.

“A degree can open a door and place a title behind your name. But let us be honest: a degree without sound education is a recipe for long-term failure. A certificate may show that you completed a course of study. Your judgment, competence, discipline, and results will show whether you truly learned anything,” Smith said.

He challenged the competing students to consider ignorance one of the greatest obstacles to human development, noting that it can be overcome through teaching, reading, access to truthful information, research, mentorship and the willingness to ask questions.

Smith also reaffirmed LPRC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote academic development among students, while emphasizing the importance of education to Liberia’s national development agenda.

“We cannot properly build and maintain roads, hospitals, energy systems, businesses, or public institutions unless we first develop educated, skilled, ethical, and productive citizens,” he added.

The launch ceremony also featured a fundraising drive to support the implementation of the national competition.

LINSU President James Washington acknowledged the financial challenges confronting the organization in organizing the event, but said the union remains committed to providing students with opportunities for academic exchange and intellectual growth.

Washington said academic competitions such as the National Quizzing County Meet help stimulate students’ desire to study, learn and compete while creating opportunities for young people to interact beyond their respective schools and counties.

“The same way the public turns out to cheer the counties at SKD during the County Meet is the same way we are demanding support for academia through this program in the face of financial challenges,” Washington said.

He praised government institutions and other partners already supporting the initiative and called on additional institutions, businesses and individuals to contribute toward the successful implementation of this year’s competition.

The fundraising effort was supported by executives and representatives of institutions including the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, National Ports Authority, National Oil Company of Liberia, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports, among others.

The ceremony concluded with the official draw for the 2026 National Quizzing County Meet.

Bomi and Gbarpolu were drawn into Group A, alongside River Gee and Lofa counties. Group B features defending champions Montserrado, who will compete against Margibi, Grand Kru and Sinoe counties. And Group C comprises Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba and Maryland Counties.

The final group, Group D, includes Grand Gedeh, River Cess and Grand Cape Mount.

The academic battle officially began Thursday at the auditorium of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), following the draw ceremony.

Nimba and Grand Bassa opened the competition in the tournament’s first match, setting the stage for a series of academic contests among students representing Liberia’s counties.

Monrovia – The 2026 Annual Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment (AYEE) Summit has opened in Monrovia, bringing together young entrepreneurs, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) graduates, government officials and development partners to promote youth entrepreneurship and skills development.

By Francis G. Boayue

Held under the theme: “From Skills to Enterprise,” the two-day summit features business showcases, ecosystem engagement, pitching competitions, mentorship discussions and recognition of youth-led businesses.

Giving an overview of the summit, Emmanuel G. Mulbah, Chief Executive Officer of YOCEL and AYEE Chief Convener, said the gathering also marks the formal launch of the Elevate Liberia program, an initiative aimed at helping young Liberians transition from technical skills training to entrepreneurship and sustainable business development.

Mulbah said consultations with TVET students and institutions identified a persistent gap between technical training and business development.

He said graduates in fields including plumbing, carpentry and catering often possess marketable skills but lack access to mentorship, financing and other support needed to establish sustainable enterprises.

According to Mulbah, the first day of the summit focuses on business showcases and ecosystem engagement, while the second day will feature pitching sessions, fireside discussions and networking activities.

The summit will conclude with the Wologizi Fund Awards, which will recognize selected youth-led businesses.

Delivering the keynote address, Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) Chairman Clarence Massaquoi reflected on his experience entering the job market after graduation, describing limited employment opportunities as a challenge that continues to affect many young Liberians.

Massaquoi cited government data indicating that approximately 75 percent of Liberia’s population is 25 years old or younger, urging young people to recognize their potential to contribute to national development.

He encouraged participants to pursue opportunities in agriculture, commerce, trade, engineering and technology, noting that digital technology has reduced some of the traditional barriers to entrepreneurship.

According to Massaquoi, young Liberians can now use mobile phones and digital platforms to establish and manage businesses while accessing online courses and other resources available globally.

He disclosed that the LTA is partnering with the Ministry of Education to connect 156 public high schools to high-speed internet.

The authority, he added, has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to establish 15 digital hubs across Liberia’s 15 counties.

Massaquoi further disclosed that the LTA has committed more than US$200,000 to support its partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He said the authority’s responsibility extends beyond providing telecommunications infrastructure to ensuring affordable digital access, pledging greater institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Massaquoi also referenced President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s call for government institutions to serve Liberians regardless of political affiliation, religion or tribal background.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for TVET at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Laraamand S. Nyonton, said the initiative supports the Boakai administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly its focus on education and human capital development.

Nyonton said the ministry’s vocational training institutions, including the Monrovia Vocational Training Center and BWTVC, have a combined capacity to train more than 2,500 young Liberians per cycle in areas including residential electricity, plumbing and sanitation, air conditioning and fabrication.

He, however, stressed that technical training must be linked to entrepreneurship to make a meaningful impact on youth unemployment.

“When a young electrician or an auto mechanic transitions from seeking employment to opening a local workshop or service firm, they cease to be job seekers — they become job creators,” Nyonton said.

He subsequently launched the Elevate Liberia program on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Minister Cornelia Kruah.

The program includes a business club, mentorship framework, and seed financing through the Wologizi Seed Fund, with support from partners including the Education Development Center (EDC), Mastercard Foundation, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).