Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue undermining Liberia’s progress, with implications for economic growth and social stability.
According to the International Labor Organization’s Global Employment Trends for Youth 2023 report, the unemployment rate for Liberians aged 15 to 24 stands at 2.3 percent.
However, this figure masks the broader challenges of underemployment, low literacy rates, and inadequate vocational training opportunities that compound the problem.
The country’s youthful demographic, as highlighted in the 2022 National Census, underlines the urgency of addressing these issues. With only 5 percent of Liberia’s 5.2 million citizens over the age of 60, a vast majority of the population is young, creating both opportunities and challenges.
The United Nations Development Program’s 2023 Human Development Report warns that failure to address youth unemployment could exacerbate social unrest and economic instability.
Despite numerous government-led initiatives and support from development partners, efforts to tackle youth unemployment have fallen short. Programs such as the Liberia Youth Employment Program (2010–2013), Youth Employment Project (2013–2016), Youth Opportunity Project (2015–2022), and Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Project (2016–2022) have provided temporary relief but lacked the comprehensive framework necessary for sustainable impact.
President Joseph Boakai’s administration has renewed its focus on empowering the nation’s youth, emphasizing education and vocational training investment. The National Education Sector Plan (2021–2025) seeks to align educational curricula with labor market demands, widen access to vocational training, and provide young Liberians with marketable skills.
Reforming the education sector is crucial to addressing the root causes of unemployment. Key priorities include better access to quality education, enhanced teacher training, improved infrastructure, and modernized curricula. A strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) could further equip young people for emerging job opportunities in a rapidly changing global economy.
Additionally, vocational training programs tailored to market needs would provide a pathway for young people to acquire practical skills, ensuring their readiness for employment. Policymakers must also focus on infrastructure development and market reforms to create an environment conducive to job creation and entrepreneurship.
Addressing youth unemployment in Liberia requires a holistic approach. By reforming education, expanding vocational training, and fostering an environment where young people can thrive, the nation can leverage its youthful population as a catalyst for sustainable growth. A strategic and coordinated effort is essential to equip Liberia’s youth with the tools they need to build a brighter future for themselves and the country.
By Gbatemah S.K. Senah
