The President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai made a promise during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year that his administration would empower 10,000 youth with digital skills within his first six months.
Even though this timeline of 6 months seems unachievable, the last two weeks have seen, in all 15 counties, registered young adults who underwent intensive digital skill training across forty-five (45) learning centers around the nation intended to transform them into efficient and effective users of digital applications and tools.
The young adults were empowered with digital skills and tools to ready them for the global world and the demands of digital transformation.
$250,000.00 USD seed money has been set aside for participant with brilliant ideas to pursue their business plans.
Recipients will go through rigorous vetting process and are urged to collaborate. This is part of building a motivating spirit and creating room for excellence among the participants according to the LTA.
It can recalled, in May of this year, 2024 , President Boakai launched Liberia’s Digital Transformation Project, targeting 10,000 youths nationwide.
The President emphasized the importance of leveraging Information Communication Technology (ICT) to create jobs for Liberian youth.
President Boakai during the launch expressed his excitement about leading Liberia’s digital transformation, stating that adapting to the digital age is crucial for the country’s progress.
He highlighted ICT as a key player in Liberia’s development, supporting various sectors and driving the nation’s development agenda.
The Digital Transformation initiative, integrated into various development sectors and government agendas, aimed to harness the power of digital innovation for the betterment of the nation and its people.
The opportunities presented by digital transformation were vast and promising , beneficiaries are taking home knowledge which is poised to lead them in the digital world.
From improving access to education and healthcare to fostering entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, digital technologies offer a unique pathway for Liberia to overcome traditional barriers to development.
The project symbolizes not just enrollment, but a collective stride towards a future where Liberia thrives in the digital age.
In the words of President Joseph Boakai “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia with digital transformation as our guiding light, the journey towards progress begins”.
Prior to the President’s speech, given the overview of the project, during the launch of the launching ceremony, Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) Acting Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara said the key objectives of the project are to design and implement digital awareness, skills training, and empowerment programs for Kamara said the three key objectives of the project are to promote the use of technology, facilitate tech-education and empower tech entrepreneurs.
Kamara stated that digital transformation encompasses the comprehensive integration of digital technologies into all aspects of an organization or society, fundamentally changing how they operate and deliver value for Liberians to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
By: Blesset D. Kpenkennie
