MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai, in a compelling address at the second cabinet meeting of 2025 on Thursday, March 13, underscored the urgent need for the government to tackle Liberia’s rising youth unemployment crisis. He warned that without addressing the issue head-on, the country faces significant social and economic repercussions that could undermine its long-term stability and development.
President Boakai expressed concern over the frustration of young people, many of whom have completed formal education but struggle to find meaningful employment. “We cannot ignore the unemployment situation among our youth,” Boakai stated. “If we fail to act now, our youths will remain idle, and that could lead to trouble for everyone.” His comments come amid growing discontent and unrest among the younger population, which feels that their educational achievements are not translating into job opportunities.
One of the key points raised by the President was the growing disconnect between Liberia’s education system and the demands of the labor market. Despite many young people obtaining degrees, they are unable to secure positions that match their qualifications. “Many young people are still in search of jobs despite their educational achievements,” Boakai explained, emphasizing the need to bridge the widening gap between education and employment.
While acknowledging the importance of formal education, President Boakai highlighted the untapped potential of young people with practical skills. He stressed that these abilities should be harnessed to create employment opportunities. “We have youth with skills, but no jobs. It’s time we create the jobs they need,” he remarked, signaling his administration’s commitment to fostering an environment where the skills of young people can lead to tangible job creation.
To address this critical issue, Boakai announced that his government is intensifying efforts to generate jobs for young Liberians. He called on cabinet members to prioritize this goal and collaborate on practical solutions to provide sustainable employment opportunities for the youth. His administration is determined to make youth unemployment a central focus of its economic agenda in the coming years.
