Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia is at a critical juncture following civil strife and social upheaval. The peace brokered in 2003 must be a fragile façade and a foundation for sustainable growth and development.
The international sympathy buoying Liberia’s recovery in the late 20th and early 21st centuries is dwindling, as the global discourse increasingly shifts towards development agendas rather than direct interventions in nations grappling with self-inflicted crises, like the so-called continue calling for demonstrations with no object in mind but to gain so-called sympathy as the savior of the masses/downtrodden, the disguise of freedom of assembly as guaranteed under the Liberian Constitution.
The current situation calls for swift and informed action on the part of the Liberian government and its young populace, who possess the potential to be the architects of their prosperity.
If harnessed correctly, Liberia’s young people’s talents and skills can pave the way for economic rejuvenation; however, this requires a concerted effort to provide adequate resources and opportunities.
Often seen as a demographic burden, young Liberian people hold the keys to the nation’s resurgence.
They are equipped with technological knowledge, entrepreneurial aspirations, and innovative ideas that, if left unutilized, could lead to stagnation or regression.
With international examples of nations that once faced significant adversity but have since thrived through the empowerment of their young people, Liberia is uniquely positioned to emulate such success stories.
Countries like South Korea and Singapore transformed their economic landscapes by investing in education, technology, and entrepreneurship during and after turmoil.
In contrast, Liberia must avoid the pitfalls of complacency and empty good-for-nothing plenty talking rhetoric, which have often derailed progress in the past.
To begin with, the Liberian government must recognize that spending its revenues solely on salaries without a clear investment strategy for youth development is futile.
While paying public sector workers is essential for maintaining stability and motivating the workforce, it can not overshadow the imperative of fostering a vibrant economy.
Young people will not simply emerge as high-earning citizens through wishful thinking; they require capital investment and a robust educational infrastructure.
This investment should be geared towards promoting sectors such as technology, real estate, and medicine, where the younger citizens/people can thrive and compete on a global scale.
One critical leverage point for Liberia is providing start-up capital for young citizen-entrepreneurs.
While many young Liberians strongly desire to create businesses, a lack of initial funding often stifles these ambitions.
The government can stimulate economic growth by instituting microfinance initiatives, grants, and low-interest loans for young business owners or aspiring professionals.
This should be done under the complete supervision of trustworthy individuals with a track record of managing millions of dollars without mismanagement through their employers or personally.
No individual will give such funds to their relatives, families, girlfriends, or boyfriends. I must get a kickback before you can receive this money, which belongs to every Liberian. I must sleep with you before you can receive any of this money.
For instance, establishing business incubators that provide mentoring, resources, and financial backing could be essential platforms for young people-led enterprises.
By facilitating access to capital, the government would uplift individual young entrepreneurs and contribute to the broader economic landscape, cultivating a spirit of innovation and competition crucial for growth.
Moreover, educational institutions in Liberia must pivot towards offering more skills-based training programs that align with the needs of the evolving job market.
Partnerships between the government, educational institutions, and the private sector could yield programs focused on technology, entrepreneurship, and vocational training.
Implementing practical skills into the educational curriculum will equip young people with the competencies needed to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.
Moreover, these programs can foster greater collaboration between students and industries, creating pathways for internships, job placements, and hands-on experience, which are invaluable for enhancing employability.
The imperative to uplift the young people reflects a broader economic reality.
If Liberia is to foster a generation of millionaires, it must create an ecosystem conducive to wealth creation.
This requires strategic investments in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and infrastructure, which have the potential to generate substantial returns on investment.
Countries like Nigeria and Kenya have effectively leveraged technology to bolster their economies through initiatives supporting startups and technological innovation.
Similar initiatives in Liberia could result in groundbreaking developments in mobile banking, e-commerce, and agritech, ultimately leading to higher income levels and improved living standards for the young people.
It is also essential to recognize the interconnectedness of empowerment and national stability.
The potential for unrest and disillusionment increases in a society where young people feel disengaged or neglected.
Conversely, when young people actively participate in constructive economic activities and decision-making processes, they become stakeholders in their nation’s future, reducing the likelihood of discord.
Empowered young people can serve as a stabilizing force.
Therefore, the government should prioritize inclusivity by incorporating young people into policy discussions and development projects and acknowledging their ideas and input as critical to the nation’s progress.
Furthermore, young Liberians must embrace a mindset change, transforming from passive observers to active participants in their fate.
The abundance of empty and unyielding results of rhetorical discussions that have characterized civil society engagement in Liberia must give way to positive action.
Words must translate into results, and the youth must advocate for their needs while assuming responsibility for their development.
Participation in governance, community service, and entrepreneurial ventures can reinforce a sense of ownership and agency among young Liberians, consequently fostering a more active and engaged citizenry.
Let me conclude by suggesting that the pathway to a prosperous Liberia lies in the empowerment of its young people, who have the potential to drive economic and social transformation.
The government must adopt a strategic approach to investment in young people through capital provision, educational reform, and a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
By mobilizing the talents of young Liberians and confronting the barriers that restrict their growth, Liberia can cultivate a new generation of innovators and leaders who will contribute to national stability and prosperity.
As the world evolves and the international focus drifts, the Liberian government and its young people must seize this moment and build a future characterized by opportunity, equality, and sustainable growth.
Through collective action and vision, Liberia can foster a thriving landscape where the younger generation is saved from the shadows of adversity and empowered to illuminate the path forward for the nation.
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