FOYA, LOFA COUNTY — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially unveiled Liberia’s first-ever Digital Village Program in Foya District, Lofa County, marking what government officials describe as a major breakthrough in the country’s drive toward rural connectivity, digital inclusion, and technology-driven development.
The launch ceremony, held Saturday, May 23rd, in Foya City under the theme “Connecting for a Brighter Future,” forms part of the Boakai administration’s broader ARREST Agenda aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, improving public services, and expanding economic opportunities across underserved communities.
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership involving the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and Huawei Technologies.
Bringing Technology to Rural Liberia
Speaking during the ceremony, President Boakai emphasized that technological advancement and digital access must not remain limited to Monrovia and other urban centers.
According to the Liberian leader, the Digital Village Program is intended to ensure that rural communities benefit equally from technological innovation, connectivity, and digital opportunities.
“Technology must reach every Liberian, not only those in urban centers,” President Boakai declared.
He described the initiative as a practical investment in Liberia’s future that has the potential to transform education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and small business development in remote parts of the country.
The President further stressed that digital connectivity is now essential to national development and economic competitiveness in the modern world.
Solar Power, Internet, Schools, and Healthcare
The Foya Digital Village project is anchored by a solar-powered mini-grid system designed to provide electricity to approximately 50 households, a local school, and a community health clinic.
Officials say the initiative also includes expanded internet and mobile connectivity infrastructure intended to improve communication, online learning, access to information, and digital services throughout the district.
Government estimates suggest that more than 50,000 residents within the broader Foya area are expected to benefit directly and indirectly from the project.
In addition to improving connectivity, the initiative is also expected to generate temporary and long-term employment opportunities during both implementation and operational phases.
Educational and sports materials were donated to nearby schools as part of the community outreach component of the launch.
China, Huawei Praised for Support
President Boakai used the occasion to commend Sekou Kromah, the Minister of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority for spearheading Liberia’s digital transformation efforts.
He also expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for what he described as its longstanding partnership and continued support toward Liberia’s development priorities.
The President reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the One-China Policy while praising growing bilateral cooperation between Monrovia and Beijing.
Representatives of Huawei Technologies described the Digital Village model as a sustainable and replicable approach to rural development that combines renewable energy, internet connectivity, and digital education systems to improve living conditions and economic productivity.
Recognition for Key Contributors
During the ceremony, several individuals and institutions were recognized for their contributions toward the realization of the project.
Among those honored were former Liberia Telecommunications Authority Chairman Abdullah L. Kamara, Huawei executives, and Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu.
Officials described their contributions as instrumental to the successful implementation of Liberia’s first Digital Village initiative.
Toward a National Digital Transformation
The Government of Liberia says plans are already underway to expand the Digital Village Program to additional counties as part of efforts to accelerate nationwide digital transformation and bridge longstanding inequalities in access to technology and communication services.
Liberia continues facing significant connectivity gaps between urban and rural communities, with many remote areas lacking reliable electricity, internet access, and digital infrastructure.
Development experts say expanding rural connectivity could significantly improve education outcomes, healthcare access, agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, and economic growth throughout the country.
For residents of Foya, the launch represents more than just internet access and electricity — it symbolizes inclusion in Liberia’s growing digital future after years of limited technological access.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter).
