RABAT, Morocco — Liberia has strengthened its cybersecurity cooperation with Morocco and secured membership in two regional digital security initiatives, as the government moves to bolster the country’s cyber resilience and protect critical national infrastructure.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com 

The development followed the participation of Liberia’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Sekou M. Kromah, in the four-day Morocco Cyber Security Week, hosted by Morocco’s General Directorate for Information Systems Security (DGSSI) in Rabat.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the engagement represents a continuation of bilateral efforts to deepen cybersecurity cooperation between Liberia and Morocco.

During the summit, Minister Kromah participated in discussions on Liberia’s national cybersecurity legislation, outlining key implementation priorities and highlighting the technical infrastructure, institutional capacity, and enforcement mechanisms needed to translate the law into effective national cybersecurity protections.

The discussions also focused on addressing gaps that could undermine Liberia’s ability to respond effectively to emerging cyber threats and safeguard its digital infrastructure.

Liberia, Morocco Agree to Pursue Cybersecurity MoU

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Kromah held discussions with General Boutrig, Director General of Morocco’s DGSSI, on possible support for Liberia’s cybersecurity development and efforts to strengthen national cyber resilience.

Both sides agreed to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a framework for capacity building, knowledge exchange, technical cooperation and practical cybersecurity assistance.

The proposed agreement is expected to provide a basis for closer institutional collaboration as Liberia works to improve its technical capabilities and strengthen its response to evolving digital security threats.

The engagement builds on earlier diplomatic efforts to establish a bilateral cybersecurity cooperation framework between the two countries. 

Liberia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Joseph F. Johnson, participated in previous high-level diplomatic discussions in December 2025.

Liberia Joins African Cybersecurity Networks

A major outcome of the Morocco engagement was Liberia’s admission into the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA) and SMART Africa.

Liberia joined the initiatives alongside Malawi, Lesotho, Mali and Egypt, in a move expected to create further opportunities for regional cooperation on digital governance and cybersecurity.

Membership in the networks is intended to support knowledge sharing, institutional collaboration, cross-border engagement, and coordinated responses to cybersecurity challenges confronting African countries.

The development also advances Liberia’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity governance and establish partnerships that can support the implementation of national digital security policies.

Government Eyes Stronger Digital Protection

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications said cybersecurity remains essential to Liberia’s national development, particularly in protecting critical information infrastructure, securing public institutions and supporting the growth of a trusted digital economy.

The Ministry noted that cooperation with Morocco and other regional and international partners forms part of Liberia’s broader efforts to develop the technical and institutional capacity required to secure its digital environment.

Through the partnerships, the government hopes to advance its cybersecurity agenda, improve telecommunications infrastructure, strengthen policy implementation and promote a more secure and inclusive digital ecosystem.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to Liberia’s digital transformation through stronger cybersecurity policies, international cooperation, infrastructure development, and capacity building.

“A secure digital Liberia is a stronger Liberia,” the Ministry stated in a statement was signed by Nathon S. Bearngar, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

MONROVIA — The Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for stronger leadership, institutional capacity-building, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into statistical systems across West Africa to improve data production and support evidence-based policymaking.

By Francis G. Boayue

The call was made during the closing ceremony of a five-day leadership and statistical management training for heads and senior managers of national statistical institutions across the sub-region held over the weekend in Monrovia, Liberia.

Speaking at the ceremony, LISGIS Director General Richard Fatorma Ngafuan described Liberia’s hosting of the training as a significant milestone, noting that it was the first statistical leadership training of its kind held in the country.

Ngafuan thanked the ECOWAS Commission for the opportunity and expressed hope that Liberia would continue hosting similar regional programs aimed at strengthening statistical institutions and professional collaboration among member states.

He emphasized that developing effective statistical systems requires more than technical expertise, arguing that institutional leaders must also acquire the management and leadership skills necessary to improve performance and service delivery.

Referencing futurist Alvin Toffler, Ngafuan stressed the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.

He said the training provided participants with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of institutional governance, leadership, and the effective management of national statistical agencies.

According to Ngafuan, statistical institutions must also improve how they communicate data and research findings to policymakers, public officials, and ordinary citizens who may not understand technical statistical terminology.

He said the ability to translate complex statistical information into accessible language is essential to ensuring that data informs public policy and contributes to national development.

The LISGIS Director General also urged statisticians across West Africa to embrace artificial intelligence and explore its potential to accelerate data production and improve the timeliness of official statistics.

Ngafuan observed that technological developments are transforming the way information is collected, processed, analyzed, and communicated, making it necessary for statistical institutions to strengthen their technological capabilities.

He encouraged participants to consider developing AI-powered tools and agents that could support statistical production and ensure that timely, reliable data is available for policy formulation and development planning.

“Statisticians in West Africa should not be talking about slowing down,” Ngafuan said, emphasizing the need to accelerate institutional capacity-building in response to technological advancements.

He added that participants should share the knowledge gained during the training with colleagues and staff in their respective countries to promote institutional improvements and strengthen regional statistical systems.

Ngafuan also highlighted the diversity of West Africa, noting that despite differences in language, geography, and national circumstances, countries share a common interest in improving the quality and usefulness of official statistics.

He concluded by thanking the ECOWAS Commission and LISGIS staff for their collaboration in organizing the training, describing the program as a successful step toward strengthening statistical leadership in the region.

Meanwhile, Samson Bel-Aube Nougbodobove, Director of Research and Statistics at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the distinction between leadership and management, urging participants to apply the skills acquired during the training and extend the learning experience to other officials within their institutions.

He said ECOWAS intends to share leadership training materials with participating countries to enable them to organize similar programs for technical directors and other senior officials responsible for economic statistics, social statistics, coordination, and related areas.

Nougbodobove described the training as the commission’s first leadership program specifically organized for directors general of national statistical institutions.

He indicated that the initiative could be expanded to reach other levels of statistical management and technical personnel across the region.

On artificial intelligence, the ECOWAS official said the commission wants West African statistical institutions to participate actively in discussions about how emerging technologies can improve the production and management of official statistics.

He disclosed that the commission would engage relevant officials to explore the establishment of a small working group focused on artificial intelligence and its application to statistical systems.

According to Nougbodobove, the proposed initiative could help member states develop a common regional approach to AI adoption while encouraging countries to share their experiences and expertise.

He cited the potential for countries making progress in AI applications to share knowledge with other member states, reducing dependence on external expertise and strengthening regional cooperation.

Rather than relying primarily on study visits outside the continent, he encouraged countries to learn from one another by exchanging technical knowledge and practical experiences within West Africa.

Nougbodobove also urged participants to strengthen confidence in ECOWAS as a regional institution and contribute proposals that could improve statistical development across member states.

He stressed that the commission exists to serve its member countries and that stronger cooperation among national statistical agencies is necessary to advance regional development.

He further acknowledged concerns about institutional challenges and the cancellation of scheduled activities, saying the commission was committed to improving implementation and ensuring that resources allocated to training and workshops produce meaningful results.

The ECOWAS official encouraged national statistical institutions to strengthen their capabilities and work toward making West Africa a leading region in statistical development on the African continent.

The five-day training brought together senior statistical officials from across West Africa to discuss leadership, institutional management, capacity-building, and emerging technologies.

The program was intended to strengthen the ability of statistical institutions to produce and communicate reliable data that can inform policymaking, improve governance, and support socioeconomic development across the ECOWAS region.

Monrovia – A consortium of Liberian-owned information and communications technology (ICT) companies has issued a strong warning to the government, urging immediate reforms in public procurement to safeguard national sovereignty and give local firms a fair chance at major contracts.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

In a letter addressed to National Security Advisor Hon. Kofi Woods and copied to key ministries, agencies, and legislative committees, the ICT executives decried a pattern in which critical national projects are awarded to foreign firms under restrictive terms that effectively block Liberian participation.

They cited the outsourcing of strategic systems—including work permits, e-visas, passports, alien registration, traffic management, and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) e-procurement platform—as examples of policies that contradict the government’s own “Buy Liberia” and “Build Liberia” agendas.

“Liberian-owned firms—despite proven expertise and readiness—are consistently excluded from major ICT projects. This exclusion is often hidden behind procurement criteria so restrictive that no local company can qualify,” the letter stated.

NIR at the Center of Dispute

The companies raised alarm over reports that the National Identity Registry (NIR) is preparing to award a sole-source contract to a foreign firm with limited African experience in national ID systems.

They warned that such a move could jeopardize Liberia’s most sensitive asset—its citizens’ biometric data—by placing it under foreign control. “It is worth noting that Liberia’s National Biometric Identification System, launched in 2012, was designed by Liberian experts,” the group stressed.

Call for Transparent Procurement

The ICT firms laid out a series of recommendations to ensure transparency and fairness.
They want government to publicly advertise all ICT tenders with realistic, non-exclusionary criteria, set revenue and population thresholds that reflect Liberia’s actual market realities, enforce “Buy Liberia” and “Build Liberia” policies with compliance reporting.

The consortium is also encouraging partnerships between local and foreign firms to foster skills transfer. In addition, they wants government to keep biometric and national security–related contracts under Liberian ownership, engage ICT professionals, business leaders, and civil society in policy decisions.

They further recommended that contracts linked to national security, such as identity documents, be reserved for Liberian companies or structured with at least 75 percent Liberian ownership.

At a Crossroads

“Liberia stands at a crossroads. Decisions made now will determine whether we continue down a path of dependency or build a future anchored in empowerment, transparency, and sovereignty,” the letter emphasized.

The appeal was signed by representatives of leading Liberian ICT firms, including Advanced Converged Technologies (Snorwlor Fidelis Bropleh), AgroTrader ( Aloysuis P . Taylor Jr.), DGT( Curtis Jackson), HAK Technology (Edmond N. Kloh II), MWETANA Consulting and Technology Group (Vivien C. Jones), RoviaGate Technology ( Oliver Wleh Klark Jr) Smart Systems (Dorbor Bedell), and Soft Solutions & Systems (David Colliee).

The signatories stressed that Liberians have the talent and technical know-how to drive the country’s digital transformation but need fair opportunities to compete.

“What we need now are fair opportunities—expressed not just in policy, but in measurable, decisive action,” they concluded.

Monrovia, Liberia – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the Government of Liberia and other partners, has officially launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on digital skills for women in rural communities.

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

The program aims at empowering women across the country with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the digital economy.

Launched Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce in Monrovia, the event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ECOWAS Commission, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, and technical partners, marking a significant step toward advancing digital inclusion and gender equality in underserved areas.

Speaking at launch, the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, said the initiative is not just about teaching skills, but it’s about building agency, equipping women with the tools and confidence they need to build sustainable businesses and take their rightful place in the global economy.

Amb. Nkrumah indicated that the training is launched under the broader ECOWAS vision for digital transformation and aligns with the regional body’s 2050 Vision, particularly Pillars 3 and 4, which focus on economic integration and inclusive, sustainable development.

She asserted that the program also complements ECOWAS’ E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027), which calls for expanded access to digital platforms for women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs.

According to ECOWAS Resident Representative, rural women remain largely excluded from the digital shift, lacking both access to tools and the training required to harness the benefits of technology for economic advancement.

“Each woman you train is a leader in her own right, ready to bridge the digital divide and unlock new horizons of possibility. Women equipped with knowledge, tools and support networks, are change accelerators. By investing in them, we are not only empowering individual entrepreneurs, we are investing in families, strengthening communities, and accelerating the region’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said the ECOWAS official.

She furthered that the training builds on a series of initiatives by ECOWAS to enhance women’s participation in trade and commerce, including the ECOWAS Trade and Gender Action Plan (adopted in September 2024), gender-sensitive trade facilitation under the Subcommittee on Women in Trade, and export readiness programs that have already benefited over 200 women across the region.

“As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary this year, we reflect on our progress in building a more connected region. Over the past five decades, ECOWAS has championed peace, economic cooperation, and regional integration, through the establishment of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), the Common External Tariff (CET) and the Free Movement Protocols, among others.”

In remarks, Mr. Wilmot A. Reeves, Deputy Minister for Commerce and Trade, hailed the launch of the ECOWAS Training of Trainers Program on Digital Skills for Women in Rural Communities as a strategic boost to regional economic empowerment and inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups.

As he extolled the ECOWAS Commission for organizing the initiative, he pointed out that the program is in alignment with Liberia’s development goals – the ARREST Agenda.

This initiative resonates deeply with the Liberia ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, its Economic Transformation Pillar, and Pillars 3 and 4 of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which is focusing on economic integration, interconnectivity, and inclusive and sustainable development-principles that are essential to building a prosperous future for our region.

Reeves also hailed women entrepreneurs and trainers, especially those from rural communities, describing their participation as “not only inspiring but crucial to the collective agenda for digital transformation.”

The Deputy Minister highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in today’s economy, describing digital skills as “foundational tools for empowerment, competitiveness, and innovation.

“This training is a critical step toward bridging that divide, empowering rural market women and small-scale entrepreneurs with tools to expand their reach, increase their productivity, and compete in digital marketplaces,” noted Deputy Minister Reeves.

He outlined several national efforts under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) to build a more inclusive digital economy.

Key among them, he explained, is the development of a National E-Commerce Framework, supported by the Swedish Government.

Also in remarks, the President of the Liberia Chambers of Commerce, Mr. O. Natty B. Davis II, praised ECOWAS for what he described as an initiative of great significance.

He urged the beneficiaries of the training to seize all available opportunities to move into the digital space.

“Utilization of this tool is very important.  We want to congratulate ECOWAS for initiating and moving this idea forward,” he said.

Mr. Davis then called on the trainers to exercise empathy in the execution of the process, adding: “Recognize that it’s time to build relationships so that those trainees will reference you. The Liberia Chambers of Commerce will remain a lasting partner to this process that will boost inclusive growth through digitalization; a process that will address economic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.”

Louisiana — A transformative, month-long Holiday Tech Camp has officially kicked off at the picturesque Lake View site on the University of Liberia’s Fendall Campus. The camp, which runs from July 16 to August 16, 2025, is hosted at the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) and welcomes children aged 7 to 17 from primary, elementary, and secondary schools across Liberia.

Jointly organized by UNDP Liberia and the University of Liberia, the initiative marks a historic milestone as the first-ever technology camp of its kind in Liberia, offering young minds immersive exposure to emerging technologies.

Inspiring Young Dreamers

During a visit to the camp, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Aliou Dia commended the children for embracing this opportunity, urging them to dream big and remain focused—regardless of how unattainable their goals may seem.

“Before a dream becomes a reality, you must first imagine it,” Dia told the students, citing global tech icons like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg as examples of what vision and perseverance can achieve.

He also applauded the University of Liberia for its partnership and affirmed that while Montserrado County hosts this pilot program, plans are underway to expand to all counties in the coming years.

A Warm Welcome and Growing Confidence

The campers greeted the UNDP delegation and University officials with radiant smiles and excitement, proudly sharing updates on their progress. Despite being just one week into the program, many expressed confidences in the valuable skills they were beginning to acquire and deep gratitude to UNDP and the University for making it possible.

Championing Academic Growth and Innovation

Dr. Agnes Reeves Taylor, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University, thanked UNDP for the opportunity to collaborate. She echoed Mr. Dia’s remarks about the program’s future expansion and motivated the children to embrace mistakes as stepping stones. “Be persistent. Do it over and over until you succeed,” Dr. Taylor noted.

The camp hosts 60 students—36 girls and 24 boys—and is facilitated by Nervtek, a tech company led by CEO Nzometiah Nervis. He shared that the program originated in Cameroon in 2020 with just nine students and now trains around 90 annually.

• Liberiagivingmonth.org is launching a home-grown platform to give people a chance to donate directly to vetted Liberian nonprofits through their phones or internet.
• More than 1,700 nonprofits are expected to participate in the campaign, which is scheduled to run throughout the country’s Independence Month.
• Platform founder, Smart Liberia, says it gives Liberians a chance to move from donor dependence and build human capital.

By Anthony Stephens, senior correspondent with New Narratives

For years people who wanted to donate money to nonprofits in Europe or the U.S.A have been able to do so with the click of a button on their computer or phone through well-known platforms such as GoFundMe and GlobalGiving. Now a new platform is allowing people to do the same for Liberian nonprofits doing good.

The liberiagivingmonth.org platform launches today offering people in Liberia or around the world the opportunity to donate directly to verified local organizations through a secure, home-grown digital platform. Coming in the wake of cuts to USAID and other key international doors that have crippled many Liberian NGOs, platform founder Marvin Tarawally of the Liberia-based start-up incubator Smart Liberia, says the platform could be a game changer for Liberian nonprofits.

“We think if we can get just 10 percent of the diaspora to give—even just $10 a month to an organization doing good work—that could generate anywhere from $4.5 million to maybe $6 or $7 million annually,” Trawally said. “We know folks in the diaspora care deeply about their families in this country.”

Smart Liberia is inviting qualified nonprofits to sign up to the platform from today. To sign up organizations will be expected to provide a range of financial and legal data to show they are meeting regulatory requirements and are transparent. Tarawally expects nonprofits in all sectors to sign up. Donors have the option to contribute to all organizations on the platform — with funds distributed equally — or to direct their donations to a specific organizations or sectors.

“You can see their full profile,” says Tarawally, of the organizations that will be listed. “You can see the work they’re doing. You can see their impact report. You can have access to the financials. We’re just creating more transparency for the donor to make an informed decision on where to spend their money. That’s the structure we’ve created so far. This is our version one — it’s not perfect, but it gets the job done.”

The launch of the platform comes at a critical time for the country as it confronts steep cuts in international aid. One of the world’s most aid-dependent nations, Liberia is being forced to reckon with the consequences of shifting donor priorities.

Before this year’s cuts to aid, the United States contributed nearly 2.6 percent of Liberia’s gross national income—the highest share from the U.S. to any country globally, according to the Center for Global Development. At a retreat with development partners in April, Augustine Ngafuan, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, warned that the total annual cost of the cancelled U.S. projects could reach $300 million. That figure is equivalent to 35 percent of the government’s $800 million annual budget.

Many experts fear the cuts will have dire consequences for the country’s long term economic outlook. Tarawally takes a contrarian view. He argues the aid cuts are a chance for Liberia to shake itself of donor dependence and address serious underlying problems in the economy.

“I think it’s really at a great time that it challenges Liberians to take ownership of our own own future, and this is what the campaign is built on,” Tarawally says.  “True independence means we take care of ourselves. Any independent country will have to rely on its people, its resources, to fend for themselves. So this campaign is to really call on national pride and nationalism and say, ‘We know that no one is going to come and save Liberia, but Liberians and we can.’”

Liberians abroad already send large amounts of money to the country. So-called “remittances”, money sent home from abroad, reached $800 million in 2023, according to the Central Bank of Liberia, roughly equivalent to the entire national budget.

With an estimated 500,000 Liberians living abroad, according to a 2022 report by the International Organization for Migration, Smart Liberia is hoping its newly launched donation platform will tap into that diaspora support. It will also give Liberians at home and non-Liberians the chance to help worthy causes.

Tarawally says he hopes the platform will help people move toward institutionalized giving—supporting organizations that are addressing structural problems like education, rather than solely sending remittances to friends or relatives. The goal is not only to raise funds, but to foster a culture of local giving and self-reliance. He says even modest contributions from the diaspora could have a transformative impact if sustained over time.

“If I give to an organization that’s set up to teach kids how to read, that work can be sustained,” he says. “Sending money to a friend or family member is still important, and it should continue. But the larger issues facing our society can’t be left to government alone.”

Tarawally says that the financial impact may grow gradually, but the long-term goal is to build a collective sense of ownership among Liberians at home and abroad.

“We’re excited about the role the diaspora can play a very important role in this campaign,” he said. “Every year, we want to come together and say, ‘Liberians, we can invest in our own country.’”

Tarawally is one of several Liberian leaders raising the alarm about what he says is Liberia’s most pressing national challenge: its underdeveloped human capital. He says Liberian leaders have failed generation after generation of Liberians who have not been given the education they need to unlock opportunities to grow businesses and the economy as a whole.

“Human capital is the single biggest threat to our national security,” Trawally says. “And I think it’s going to take radical, revolutionary, innovative approaches to solve these problems. In every segment of Liberia, we have to act.”

He says the platform is about “building scalable products and services that can unleash the power of our people and Liberia.”

Tarawally says he hopes the platform will help create jobs, something development experts say is vital to economic growth and also security. As Liberia’s youth population swells the number without jobs is a threat to national peace. 

“We have to figure out how to get 20, 30, 40, even 50,000 young people into the right jobs — jobs where they are earning.”

The platform goes live today and nonprofits across the country are urged to sign up or reach out to Smart Liberia for inquiries.

This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Swedish Embassy in Liberia which had no say in the story’s content.

Monrovia – Setuup, a Liberian technology company, has officially launched HLU, a Bulk SMS platform designed to strengthen mass communication capabilities for institutions across Liberia. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com 

The service is aimed at schools, hospitals, government agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), providing a tool for sending reliable, large-scale text messages to thousands of recipients simultaneously.

With communication playing an increasingly vital role in institutional operations—particularly in areas with limited internet access—HLU offers a timely and practical solution tailored to Liberia’s unique digital landscape. 

The platform enables users to send SMS messages through either a simple web interface or a secure API integration, allowing both manual and automated messaging options. This dual approach caters to organizations with varying technical capabilities.

HLU is fully optimized for Liberian mobile networks and does not require internet connectivity on the recipient’s end, ensuring that messages reach even the most remote parts of the country. This makes the platform especially effective for nationwide outreach in health, education, public safety, and development initiatives.

The service supports a wide range of use cases, including school closures and updates, healthcare alerts, appointment reminders, billing notifications, internal announcements, and event promotions.

Designed for ease of use, HLU requires no advanced technical skills, making it accessible to administrators, managers, and communication officers across sectors.

For institutions with IT teams and developers, HLU offers a secure, well-documented SMS API that can be integrated into existing digital systems to automate workflows and real-time notifications. 

This functionality is particularly useful for banks, logistics companies, and service-based organizations that rely on rapid, consistent communication with clients or staff.

Additional features include real-time delivery tracking, dedicated customer support, and multiple pricing options to suit institutions of all sizes. According to Setuup, these features are part of its broader mission to provide dependable, local technology solutions for Liberian organizations looking to modernize communication without relying on costly or foreign-built tools.

“The launch of HLU is a major step forward in bridging communication gaps for Liberian institutions,” said a Setuup spokesperson. “We are committed to creating tools that work seamlessly within the Liberian context and provide real impact in how organizations reach their stakeholders.”

HLU is now live and available for use. Institutions interested in using the service can access more information or create accounts at setuup.io or directly at hlu.setuup.io.

The launch of HLU reinforces Setuup’s growing presence in Liberia’s tech sector and underscores the importance of accessible, efficient communication tools in the country’s development and institutional management efforts.

MONROVIA – History was made on June 13, 2025, as Liberia marked a major digital milestone with the successful hosting of its first-ever DigiTech Expo, organized by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.

The groundbreaking event, held under the theme “Showcasing Liberia’s Digital Future: Advancing Innovation & Digital Inclusion,” brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, government officials, and tech enthusiasts from across the country to celebrate and accelerate the nation’s digital transformation.

One of the highlights of the expo was the announcement of the winner of LTA’s national Artificial Intelligence (AI) App Challenge. The Dahtor Team emerged victorious for developing an all-in-one, AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize access to government services in Liberia. The innovative app allows users to apply for passports, driver’s licenses, and national identification cards in one seamless and secure digital space—marking a significant step toward streamlined public service delivery.

The LTA noted that the Dahtor App stood out for its innovation, scalability, and potential to transform service access for citizens nationwide. The judges praised its “smart design, simplicity, and security.” As first-place winners, the team received a $10,000 cash prize. Second and third-place winners received $5,000 and $3,000, respectively.

Speaking at the close of the Expo, LTA Acting Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara delivered impassioned remarks that reflected the significance of the occasion. “Today marks more than just an expo—it marks a turning point in our national story,” Kamara said. “The DigiTech Expo 2025 is a clear signal that Liberia is not only ready to embrace the digital future, we are already living it. Innovation is no longer a distant dream—it’s our new language, and it’s being written by Liberians.”

The success of the event signaled a new era of technological innovation and digital inclusion in Liberia, with the LTA reaffirming its commitment to supporting local talent and building a robust digital ecosystem.

SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications, in collaboration with CSquared and partners, joined Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) on May 17, 2025, in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, under the global theme: “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.”

The event marks a major milestone in Liberia’s digital inclusion journey with the official launch of the first of many community WiFi services at key public facilities starting in Bong and Nimba Counties, powered by CSquared and its partners.

“This year’s celebration is not just symbolic, it’s action-oriented. Together with our private sector partners, we are taking concrete steps to bridge the gender digital divide and empower more Liberians, especially women and youth, through connectivity,” said Minister Sekou M. Kromah of Posts & Telecommunications.

The minister further asserted that “This year’s theme centers on “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation”. This theme highlights the urgent need to close the gender digital divide so that women and girls everywhere can benefit from and contribute to digital transformation, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

This theme resonates deeply with Liberia’s vision for a connected and inclusive future. As we gather here, we are not only commemorating the power of telecommunication but also taking a modest but yet important step forward in our national digital transformation journey

The initiative is aligned with the Government’s commitment to digital transformation and equitable access to ICT, and forms part of broader efforts to decentralize internet access, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

In January 2024, CSquared announced the establishment of Liberia’s first open-access backbone fiber network from Monrovia to the Ivory Coast and Guinea borders. This enabled CSquared to roll out a wholesale Internet Service Provider-driven community wifi in Ganta.

In addition, and as part of CSquared’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program dubbed “LetsGrowTogether,” CSquared adopted the John Pearson High School in Ganta giving them a brand-new ICT reading and learning resource center which has benefited over 1,500 students giving them easy access to learning materials for school assignments and research. Both these initiatives were achieved through the support and partnership of Telecel and the Kids’ Educational Engagement Project [KEEP] Liberia.

“We’re proud to partner to extend our existing community wifi beyond Ganta,” said Lucien N. Gortor, CTO of CSquared Liberia. “This project proves what’s possible when service providers come together to build for scale and speed to meet the needs of Liberia’s citizens. It’s a significant step toward a digitally connected Liberia. Connectivity is a catalyst for change. By working with the Government and our partners, we’re unlocking opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, especially for women and girls.”

The new WiFi hotspots in Bong and Nimba counties will provide low-cost access at health centers, schools, and community spaces, boosting digital literacy, access to services, and economic participation. As the world reflects on the importance of digital equality, Liberia is demonstrating how partnerships can deliver real impact, starting at the community level.

“On the occasion of World Telecom Day, Telecel Liberia, in partnership with CSquared, is proud to expand the public Wi-Fi access in Ganta to Bong and Nimba Counties, marking a bold step towards a fully connected Liberia. This initiative is more than just a project,” said Mohamad Farhat, Managing Director of Telecel Liberia.

“It’s a commitment to making digital access a reality for every Liberian. At 2 Telecel, we are dedicated to being a major contributor to Liberia’s digital fabric, driving innovation, enabling opportunities, and building the digital infrastructure that empowers communities.

This service will revolutionize local businesses, drive economic growth, and ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has a fair opportunity to participate on the global stage, with access to education, digital tools, and the infrastructure needed to shape capable, competitive individuals.”

“This partnership is important to the team at KCOMM because of the fact that a higher percentage of the population in Liberia is female, but unfortunately, they are much less likely to own a phone, use mobile money, or get online than a Liberian man. Giving women better access to technology is not just a nice idea; it’s essential for Liberia’s economic and social development.

Closing this gap can spark new ideas, grow the economy, and help women across the country succeed and lead. This is a strategic priority for KCOMM”. said Mr. Kouty Mawenh, Board Chair of KCOMM.

Monrovia – An Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist at Liberia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, who also serves as the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Focal Point for Liberia, has raised concerns over the region’s growing digital vulnerabilities.

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

Victor K. Jarlwood, Jr. cited weak legal frameworks, limited technical expertise, and poor public awareness as major contributors to the increasing cybersecurity risks facing Liberia and the broader West African region.

Following Liberia’s historic qualification as one of the Top 30 teams selected worldwide to participate in the GISEC GLOBAL 2025 Cybersecurity Competition, Jarlwood stressed the urgent need for regional collaboration to strengthen digital defenses.

“West Africa’s cybersecurity space is vulnerable and under constant threat due to several factors—particularly the lack of robust legal provisions, insufficient technical expertise, and low public awareness,” Jarlwood noted. “To effectively address these threats, governments across the region, including Liberia, must prioritize cybersecurity skills development, strengthen legal frameworks, raise public awareness, and engage international partners for technical cooperation.”

Speaking in an interview following his return to Monrovia, Jarlwood expressed disappointment that Liberia—like many West African countries—still lacks a comprehensive legal framework to regulate and protect its cyberspace, especially against social media fraud and other forms of cybercrime.

Liberia made history by securing a spot among the Top 30 national teams selected to compete in the GISEC GLOBAL 2025 Cybersecurity, Ransomware Training, and Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition—an event that broke more than 11 Guinness World Records and is now recognized as the largest cybersecurity competition in the world.

The global contest brought together cybersecurity experts and national teams from over 160 countries in a high-stakes environment to test real-world cyber defense skills.

Under the leadership of Victor K. Jarlwood, Jr., known in the competition as “Cyberdon,” Team Liberia earned 10th place in the individual category—a remarkable achievement that drew international attention to the country’s growing cyber potential.

“It wasn’t easy competing against global cybersecurity giants, but we stood our ground,” Jarlwood said. “Being part of an event that not only united the global cyber community but also broke more than 11 Guinness World Records is something Team Liberia will never forget. We’re proud to have made history.”

GISEC GLOBAL 2025 has been hailed as a groundbreaking event, setting new records in participation, scale, and global impact. Liberia’s strong showing has not only elevated its reputation in global cybersecurity but also spotlighted the country’s emerging cyber talent.

With new regional and international cybersecurity events on the horizon, Jarlwood is urging government agencies, private sector institutions, and global development partners to support Liberia’s cybersecurity development efforts.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “With sustained investment and collaboration, we can build a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem in Liberia and continue to represent our country with pride on the world stage.”

This landmark achievement underscores the critical need for Liberia to invest in cyber education, infrastructure, and innovation—laying the groundwork for the nation to become a future leader in global digital defense.