BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – For years, young Liberians have been described as “the future.” But on Friday, July 24 in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, they made it clear they are no longer willing to wait for tomorrow.
By Patience M. Jones
Instead of asking for sympathy, they demanded opportunity. Instead of accepting the long-held narrative that they are unserious or unprepared, they stood before President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. with one powerful message:
“We are tired of the narrative that says young people are not serious.” That declaration drew one of the loudest applause inside the packed Presidential Youth Town Hall, where more than 1,000 young people from Liberia’s 15 counties gathered under the theme:, “Unlocking Youth
Entrepreneurship: Driving Innovation, Employment and Economic Growth in Liberia.”
The event brought together government officials, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, development partners and international guests in what organizers described as one of the largest direct engagements between the President and Liberia’s youth.
For many participants, the gathering was more than another government program. It was a rare opportunity to speak directly to the country’s highest decision-maker about the realities of unemployment, education, technology, business and inclusion.
Presenting what he described as the collective voice of Liberia’s young people, Chairman of the President’s Youth Advisory Council, Mandela Saah Gbollie, handed President Boakai an eight-point Youth Manifesto outlining priorities that participants said are critical to the country’s future.
“We stand before you today not merely as history but as the active drivers of Liberia’s future,” Mr. Gbollie declared.
He said young people make up Liberia’s largest demographic and should no longer be passive recipients of government policies but active architects of national development.
Among the recommendations were the construction of Liberia’s first National Youth Complex, increased funding for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, nationwide investment in technical and vocational education, prioritization of Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation, reforms to the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank, specialized schools for persons with disabilities, tax incentives for youth-owned startups, and greater support for Liberia’s creative industry.
Mr. Gbollie warned that Liberia risks falling behind if it fails to embrace emerging technologies. “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a luxury,” he said. “It is a necessity for our survival and growth.”
Throughout the interactive town hall, young people lined up to ask difficult questions and make practical recommendations.
A representative of the disability community urged the government to conduct a nationwide census of persons living with disabilities to improve planning and service delivery.
Another participant called for the retirement age in government to be reduced from 60 to 55, arguing that doing so could create employment opportunities for younger Liberians.
Youth entrepreneurs appealed for financial support to expand local businesses into international markets, while several speakers questioned whether government jobs are awarded based on merit or political connections.
Others called for free education from primary through secondary school, sustained funding for drug rehabilitation programs, implementation of the National Youth Policy, stronger support for agriculture, and greater investment in youth peace and security initiatives.
The discussions reflected not only frustration but also optimism, with many participants offering practical solutions rather than simply criticizing government.
Responding to the concerns, President Boakai reminded participants that every generation has experienced the ambitions and challenges of youth.
“I wonder if there is anybody here who hasn’t been a youth before,” he said with a smile.
The President said his administration established the Youth Advisory Council because one youth representative at Cabinet level was insufficient to represent the diverse interests of Liberia’s young population.
He praised the Council for creating a platform through which youth from different organizations and backgrounds can collectively shape government decisions.
“We want to make sure our youth, no matter what part of the country they come from, are given a chance,” President Boakai said.
While acknowledging that government cannot immediately provide jobs for every young Liberian, the President stressed that his administration is investing in education, technical skills, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, road infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment to create long-term employment opportunities.
He also welcomed the Youth Manifesto, promising that it would be carefully reviewed and discussed by his administration. “There are a lot of things that you are planning that you may not even know we are already planning,” the President told the gathering.
Finance and Development Planning officials and representatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sports assured participants that many of the recommendations are already being considered.
They disclosed that preparations for the 2027 National Budget have begun, creating an opportunity for some of the youth proposals to be incorporated.
Officials also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank, which aims to support approximately 30,000 youth-led businesses and create an estimated 100,000 jobs.
Plans were also announced for Youth Pathway Centers across Liberia’s 15 counties, expanded vocational education, improved rehabilitation programs for substance abuse, sports infrastructure development and increased support for Liberia’s creative economy.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti further announced that Liberia is working with international partners to increase youth participation in global peace and security initiatives, including representation at a United Nations event later this year.
Although no policy was adopted on the spot, the town hall represented something many participants said has long been missing a direct conversation between young people and those making national decisions.
