The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with iCampus Liberia, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and UniPod Liberia, has launched the Livelihood, Youth Employment and Placement Accelerator (LiYEPA), a six-month pilot initiative designed to strengthen youth entrepreneurship, support small businesses and expand employment opportunities in Liberia.
Launched Tuesday in Monrovia, the initiative combines business development services, technical mentorship, prototype development, incubation and results-based grant financing to support emerging entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Implemented by iCampus Liberia with support from UNDP and in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and UniPod Liberia, LiYEPA comprises two flagship interventions: the UniPod Prototype and Product Development Programme (P&PDP) and the Results-Based Grants Facility for SMEs.
Speaking at the launch, iCampus Liberia Chief Executive Officer Luther Jeke said the initiative seeks to help entrepreneurs develop viable businesses while promoting broader participation in Liberia’s innovation ecosystem.
“We focused on three core thematic areas: technology, entrepreneurship and inclusion,” Jeke said. “The objective is to encourage locally relevant innovation, strengthen businesses and ensure that women, young people and persons with disabilities have access to opportunities within the country’s innovation ecosystem.”
Jeke said the program was developed in recognition of the barriers many Liberians face in accessing economic opportunities and entrepreneurship support.
Applications are now open for the Results-Based Grants Facility, through which five Liberian SMEs will each be eligible to receive grants of up to $8,000. The grants will be disbursed in two installments after participating businesses achieve agreed performance milestones.
According to Jeke, the facility is intended to support businesses with demonstrated potential for growth, job creation and long-term sustainability through a performance-based financing model.
Beyond grant funding, selected businesses will receive entrepreneurship training, business advisory services, prototype and product development support, access to fabrication facilities at iCampus and UniPod Liberia, investor engagement opportunities and ongoing mentorship throughout the implementation period.
Eligible applicants must be registered Liberian SMEs that have operated for at least six months, generated a minimum of $1,000 in revenue during the previous six months and demonstrate potential for business expansion and employment creation.
The program targets businesses operating in agriculture and agribusiness, renewable energy, the circular economy and digital services. Priority consideration will be given to women-led enterprises, youth-led businesses, environmentally sustainable companies and businesses with strong job creation potential.
Jeke said applicants will undergo a multi-stage selection process that includes eligibility screening, technical evaluation, field verification and a public pitch competition before an independent evaluation panel.
Under the pilot phase, 15 businesses will be shortlisted, 10 finalists will participate in the pitch competition and five enterprises will ultimately receive grant funding.
Jeke noted that the pilot builds on UNDP-supported entrepreneurship initiatives that have provided more than $2.3 million in grant financing to approximately 132 Liberian businesses across the country’s 15 counties since 2021.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Minister of Commerce and Industry Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, Kelvin DJ Matadi said LiYEPA supports the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development by promoting private sector growth, innovation and youth employment.
“The launch reflects a collaborative effort to strengthen entrepreneurship, support innovation and expand opportunities for young Liberians,” Matadi said.
He described micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as central to Liberia’s economic development and said supporting their growth contributes to increased productivity, investment and employment.
Representing UNDP Resident Representative Aliou M. Dia, Inclusive Governance Pillar Head Stanley Kamara said LiYEPA is intended to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs by improving access to skills development, mentorship, technology, finance and business networks.
Kamara said the initiative aims to support between 100 and 120 young innovators and entrepreneurs, develop 10 market-ready prototypes, provide results-based grants to five enterprises, facilitate 20 market off-take agreements, connect 15 businesses to incubation and investment opportunities and contribute to the creation or sustenance of between 100 and 200 jobs. He added that at least 40% of participating enterprises are expected to be women-led.
Kamara said the initiative aligns with the Government of Liberia’s development priorities while promoting inclusive participation in the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
He also announced that UNDP, in partnership with the University of Liberia, is preparing to launch a master’s program in artificial intelligence to help equip Liberian youth with advanced digital skills.
Applications for the Results-Based Grants Facility are now open. Interested businesses can obtain application information through iCampus Liberia – www.icampus.io
