-President Assures Youth Townhall in Grand Bassa That Government Is Creating Opportunities Through Skills Development, AI, TVET, Investment and Stronger Youth Representation
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to placing young people at the center of Liberia’s national development agenda, declaring that the future of the country depends on investing in youth education, job creation, technology and meaningful participation in governance.
Speaking Saturday during a Youth Townhall Meeting in Buchanan as part of activities marking Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebrations, President Boakai said his government is deliberately pursuing policies designed to equip young Liberians with the education, skills and opportunities needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
The interactive forum brought together hundreds of young people from Grand Bassa County, members of the Youth Advisory Council, government officials, lawmakers, development partners and other invited guests for a direct engagement with the President on issues affecting Liberia’s youth.
‘We Want a Government That Listens’
President Boakai told participants that leadership should go beyond listening to young people and should instead help them find practical pathways to success.
“I want to thank you for this opportunity,” the President said. “One of the things that is important is to have a willing government that listens—but not just to listen. It must also help you find your way.”
He said this philosophy informed his administration’s decision to replace the previous practice of having a single youth representative at Cabinet meetings with a broader Youth Advisory Council, bringing together representatives from organizations including the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), the Liberian National Students Union (LINSU) and other youth groups.
According to Boakai, the council provides a more inclusive and representative platform through which young people can participate in national decision-making.
“We felt one person could not fairly represent all young people. We wanted a council where different youth organizations come together and speak with one voice,” he said.
The President described the initiative as one of the administration’s early successes, noting that the council has already strengthened youth participation in government and will play an even greater role as Liberia continues implementing its development agenda.
Education and Employment Remain Government Priorities
Acknowledging the frustrations facing many young Liberians, Boakai said the government understands the challenges confronting graduates who remain unemployed despite years of education.
He noted that many young people have waited years for employment opportunities while assuming increasing family responsibilities.
“The matters of education and health are government concerns,” he said. “Government has the responsibility to ensure citizens are educated, healthy and able to contribute to the economy.”
While admitting that government alone cannot employ every Liberian, Boakai argued that the state’s responsibility is to prepare citizens with the skills necessary to seize opportunities created by economic growth and private investment.
“If I stand here and tell you everybody will get a government job, that is not possible,” he said. “But everybody should have education so they can contribute.”
Investment Key to Youth Employment
The President emphasized that attracting domestic and foreign investment remains essential to solving Liberia’s youth unemployment challenge.
He disclosed that the government is engaging international investors in sectors such as manufacturing, fisheries, shipbuilding and other industries capable of generating employment for thousands of young Liberians.
“We need investors who will establish industries because industries create opportunities,” Boakai said, adding that every successful economy depends on creating jobs through productive investment rather than relying solely on public sector employment.
The remarks align with the Boakai administration’s broader ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which prioritizes job creation, private-sector growth and economic transformation.
Artificial Intelligence Must Drive Development
One of the strongest themes of the President’s address centered on technology and the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Boakai encouraged young people to embrace AI not merely as a technological trend but as a practical tool for national development, innovation and productivity.
“We’re talking about AI that you use to bring about development, job creation, productive food systems and many other things,” he said.
He referenced his administration’s efforts to modernize Liberia’s education system, including discussions with international partners on digital education, teacher training and expanding opportunities in science and technology.
The President also cited his recent international engagements—including visits to Ethiopia, China and Türkiye—as opportunities to study educational models and strengthen partnerships that could benefit Liberia’s young people through scholarships, technical cooperation and digital transformation.
Expanding Scholarships and Technical Education
Boakai said the government is working with international partners to increase scholarship opportunities for Liberian students while strengthening technical and vocational education across the country.
He stressed that community colleges and TVET institutions must become centers of excellence capable of preparing graduates for modern labor markets.
The President said Liberia intends to produce graduates with skills that meet international standards and respond to emerging demands in technology, agriculture, manufacturing and other productive sectors.
‘Liberia’s Future Is in Your Hands’
Throughout his remarks, Boakai repeatedly reminded participants that they represent Liberia’s future and urged them to remain engaged in shaping the country’s development.
“You represent Liberia’s future,” he said, encouraging youth leaders to continue presenting ideas and recommendations that government can incorporate into national planning.
He also assured participants that the Ministry of Finance has been instructed to continue allocating resources for youth programs as economic conditions improve.
According to the President, sustained investment in education, youth empowerment and skills development will ultimately reduce irregular migration by creating meaningful opportunities at home.
“We don’t want our young people risking their lives looking for greener pastures elsewhere. We should create those opportunities here,” he declared.
Part of Independence Day Engagement
The Youth Townhall formed part of activities preceding Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebration, hosted this year in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The Boakai administration has used this year’s Independence celebrations not only to commemorate Liberia’s founding but also to engage citizens through forums focusing on governance, youth empowerment, development and national transformation.
As Liberia prepares to celebrate another year of independence, the President said the country’s greatest resource remains its young people.
“Our responsibility is to make sure you grow, work in your country and contribute to building Liberia,” Boakai concluded.
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