Government Launches Largest Post-War Youth Internship Initiative as 1,100 Cadets Join National Youth Pathway
Government Launches Largest Post-War Youth Internship Initiative as 1,100 Cadets Join National Youth Pathway
The Ministry of Youth and Sports officially launched the second cohort of its National Youth Pathway Program, recruiting a record 1,100 cadets across Liberia’s 15 counties in what government officials describe as the country’s largest decentralized youth internship initiative since the end of the civil war on May 15, 2026 in Gbarnga, Bong County
Serving as Chief Launcher, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth development, employment, and empowerment, emphasizing that the initiative is fully funded by the Government of Liberia and aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision for intergenerational equity and inclusive national development.
“This is one of several initiatives being undertaken to actualize President Boakai’s illustrious vision for youth empowerment,” Ngafuan stated. “We are ensuring that today’s generation of leaders take the proper actions and make the proper investments for the benefit of the generation of tomorrow.”
Reflecting on his own experience as a former cadet, Minister Ngafuan highlighted the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme Investment Bank (YEIB) in July 2025 — an $18 million initiative under the Ministry of Commerce developed in collaboration with the former President of the African Development Bank.
The program seeks to transform Liberian youth from job seekers into job creators by providing access to capital, entrepreneurial skills, and business support services. Government projects indicate that the initiative could benefit more than 30,000 youth-led businesses and create over 100,000 jobs nationwide.
Ngafuan also pointed to additional government-led empowerment programs, including the Ministry of Finance’s internship initiative launched in December 2025, which recruited nearly 300 interns, several of whom have already transitioned into permanent employment within government institutions. He specifically acknowledged the support of Mohammed Ali for helping absorb interns into the workforce.
“We are practicing what we preach,” Ngafuan declared. “These are entry points for young professionals to gain practical experience, demonstrate competence, and transition into meaningful employment. I made a commitment during the closing ceremony of the first cohort that we pose absolutely no objection to employing exceptional young people who complete these programs. Our greater intention is to leave no one behind.”
The Finance Minister further encouraged ministries, agencies, and private sector institutions hosting cadets to retain high-performing participants after the six-month placement period.
“Through this program, government is giving hope to more than 1,000 Liberians. Yet some will say we are moving backwards,” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports, Cornelia Kruah defended the selection process, describing it as transparent, merit-based, and inclusive.
“We do not look at your current situation, your social status, your physical appearance, your political affiliation, or your economic condition,” Minister Kruah emphasized. “This is an opportunity. If you make the best of it, this pathway we are creating can lead to retention by the institutions hosting you.”
The National Youth Pathway Program has now been expanded from a three-month to a six-month professional development program, allowing cadets more time to acquire practical experience and demonstrate their capabilities.
The participants will also undergo regular training sessions focused on workplace ethics, professional conduct, communication, dress code, and job performance to improve their chances of securing long-term employment.
The program recruits recent college graduates, senior university students, and certified vocational school graduates from all 15 counties of Liberia. Cadets are assigned to both public and private sector institutions where they receive professional, vocational, and technical training through hands-on workplace experience.
With the launch of this second cohort, the Boakai administration continues to place youth empowerment, job creation, and human capacity development at the center of its national agenda, reinforcing the government’s broader vision of sustainable economic growth and inclusive development for Liberia’s next generation.
