The World Bank Country Manager to Liberia, Georgia Wallen, has reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s digital transformation, emphasizing that success depends on building strong foundations, institutional trust, and ensuring that technology works for people. Speaking at the opening of Digital Liberia Week 2025, organized by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in collaboration with the World Bank and UNICEF, Madam Wallen lauded Liberia’s growing determination to harness digital technology as a driver of inclusion, efficiency, and accountability. She described the event as a reflection of Liberia’s collective ambition to shape a digital future that connects technology with opportunity for every Liberian.
Madam Wallen told a gathering that included Senator Francis Dopoh, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, and officials of the Ministries of Finance, Youth and Sports, Agriculture, and Education, that Liberia is on a transformational journey to embrace digital innovation as a tool for governance, growth, and citizen empowerment. She noted that across government and communities, there is a renewed recognition that digital technologies are not mere tools but enablers of better governance, private investment, and job creation. “Liberia’s digital transformation can only succeed when the foundations are in place,” Wallen emphasized.
“It’s critical to get the basics right reliable networks, resilient systems, and effective institutions that foster competition and accountability. A solid digital foundation is what will keep Liberia connected to the region and to the world.” She also highlighted that digital progress must be underpinned by trust. The Country Manager applauded Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, improve data protection, and promote digital accountability, which she said are essential for building confidence in the emerging digital economy. “Building that trust is not only a technical goal it is about improving how institutions serve people,” she added. Wallen pointed out that the true measure of Liberia’s digitalization agenda lies in how it transforms lives.
She said digital transformation is not an end in itself but a means to improve livelihoods, create opportunities, and empower citizens particularly youth and women to participate in an increasingly digital economy. “Jobs are the pathway to prosperity. Using technology to create opportunities, generate income, and help people build better futures is central to Liberia’s success,” she remarked. Highlighting the World Bank’s ongoing partnership with Liberia, Madam Wallen noted that the Bank’s forthcoming Country Partnership Framework, to be launched next month, will align closely with national priorities.
She cited three flagship programs already advancing Liberia’s digital vision: the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, which supports modernization, cybersecurity, and service delivery; the Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade (LIFT) Project, designed to deepen financial inclusion and entrepreneurship; and the West Africa Regional Digital Integration (WARDIP) Program, which aims to strengthen the overall digital ecosystem and regional market integration. “Liberia is laying the groundwork for a generation of digitally skilled citizens,” Wallen emphasized. She commended the Ministry of Education for integrating digital literacy in schools, the Ministry of Youth and Sports for aligning TVET training with market needs, and the Ministry of Agriculture for promoting digital innovation in farming.
She further praised the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications for coordinating national policy and partnerships driving Liberia’s digital agenda. Digital Liberia Week 2025 is expected to convene around 100 stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and development partners. Throughout the week, participants will engage in presentations, panel discussions, and the launch of strategic initiatives shaping Liberia’s digital future.
The event aims to consolidate ongoing digital efforts, foster cross-sector collaboration, showcase milestones, and secure new commitments toward Liberia’s digital development. Closing her remarks, Madam Wallen urged participants to use the week as a platform for building networks and fueling innovation. “Let us carry forward one unifying message: Digital Liberia Empowering People, Powering Progress, Enabling Growth,” she declared.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
