Africa’s future will not be defined by its mineral wealth or global alliances but by how boldly and urgently it invests in its greatest asset: its youth. With over 60 percent of the population under 25, the continent holds a vast reservoir of untapped potential. But without meaningful access to employment pathways, this demographic dividend risks becoming a social and economic liability.
As international development funding tightens and global priorities shift, Africa’s ambitious young professionals are too often left navigating an uncertain job market alone. This is where HOIMA (How I Make A Difference) steps in, a purpose-driven initiative I founded to bridge the gap between education and employment. Through career readiness, workforce development, and skills alignment, HOIMA builds an ecosystem where youth can thrive.
Caption Esther G.I. Javillie, 2024 Alumna of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. (Photo Credit: Infinite Image / Kofi Daniels.)
In partnership with the U.S. State Department’s Reciprocal Exchanges program under the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) and implemented by IREX, HOIMA launched a Career Readiness in the Global Marketplace workshop at the Orange Digital Center in Monrovia. Thirty young leaders were competitively selected to participate in a transformative three-day program, also supported by Project Ascend, Orange Liberia, and Elite Bar & Restaurant in Monrovia.
The vision to bring HOIMA to Liberia was sparked by Esther G. I. Javillie, a civil engineer, STEM advocate, and 2024 MWF alumna, who described her previous HOIMA experience abroad as a life-changing opportunity. Determined to replicate that impact for her peers, she made it happen.
From the moment Zaza Mulbah of Orange Digital Center welcomed participants to HOIMA facilitator Sedem Adiabu’s energetic “Akwaaba,” the room was alive with purpose. We covered everything from crafting standout résumés and mastering mock interviews to building online professional brands using AI. But beyond technical training, it was the energy, peer support, raw ambition, and honest dialogue that revealed the true value of investing in human capital.
One participant, Aoleo A. McKeever, a gender justice advocate, stood out. Her story of transforming personal pain into professional purpose moved many. “If no one told you this yet, Mariama thank you for doing this,” said Mawine Diggs, Liberia’s former Minister of Commerce and Jackie Khoury who rallied support around us.
Caption: Guest speaker O. Natty Davis, President of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce, joined the closing reception of the HOIMA Career Readiness and Workforce Development Workshop. (Photo Credit: Infinite Image / Kofi Daniels.)
HOIMA is more than a workshop. It is a movement to cultivate confidence, purpose, and networks. Our closing reception brought together the U.S. Embassy of Liberia’s Public Diplomacy team, along with influential leaders and change makers, including O. Natty Davis, President of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce, and Beyan Flomo Pewee, a serial social entrepreneur. Natty left the cohort with a powerful message: “Go where the opportunities are. Surround yourself with people who know what you don’t—that’s how you grow, learn, and shine.”
The message was clear and Beyan captured the spirit of HOIMA simply: “For me, it’s all about creating jobs and helping young people grow out of a desire to see a better Liberia.” Africa’s youth are ready. Now is the time to invest in them boldly and collectively. Caption: Guest speaker Beyan Flomo Pewee, serial social entrepreneur, participated in the closing reception of the HOIMA Career Readiness and Workforce Development Workshop (Photo Credit: Infinite Image / Kofi Daniels)
