Monrovia, Liberia – Hundreds of job seekers, employers, and budding entrepreneurs gathered at Invincible Park on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, for a day-long job fair aimed at tackling Liberia’s persistent unemployment crisis.
Organized by the government’s Youth Rising Project, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and funded by the European Union (EU), the event highlighted the growing need for sustainable employment and skills development in the country.
Key stakeholders, including EU Ambassador Nona Deprez, Swedish Ambassador Karl Backeus, and the Assistant Minister for Technical and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Collins Tamba, addressed the crowd. They underscored the importance of initiatives like the job fair in addressing the challenges posed by Liberia’s high unemployment rate, which disproportionately affects young people.
Ambassador Deprez emphasized the EU’s commitment to empowering Liberian youth through education and skills training. “This job fair is more than a one-day event. It is a steppingstone toward long-term solutions for unemployment, fostering connections between skilled youth and businesses eager to grow,” she said.
The Swedish Ambassador echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the broader impact of reducing unemployment on Liberia’s economic stability. “By investing in youth and entrepreneurship, we are building a foundation for Liberia’s future—one that is resilient and inclusive,” said Ambassador Backeus.
Assistant Minister for Technical and Vocational Education, Tamba stressed the government’s dedication to creating a skilled workforce. He outlined ongoing efforts under the Youth Rising Project to equip young people with the practical skills needed to thrive in Liberia’s job market. “This initiative ensures that our youth have the tools to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he remarked.
The event featured booths from employers and organizations, including manufacturing companies, financial institutions, NGOs, and small businesses. Job seekers had the opportunity to submit resumes.
Entrepreneurs also showcased innovative products and services, drawing attention to the potential of small businesses in creating jobs and driving economic growth. For many, the event provided a platform to pitch ideas and seek investment opportunities.
Employers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with prospective employees.
UNIDO representative emphasized the need for more public-private partnerships to sustain the momentum created by the job fair. He pointed out that collaboration between government, international organizations, and the private sector is crucial for addressing structural barriers to employment.
As Liberia continues its recovery and development journey, initiatives like the Invincible Park job fair demonstrate the power of collective action in addressing unemployment. Organizers, participants, and partners agreed that empowering youth is essential to unlocking the nation’s potential.
The Youth Rising Project, implemented by UNIDO, remains committed to supporting Liberia’s youth through targeted training, mentorship, and job creation programs. Wednesday’s event was a testament to the impact of these efforts and a beacon of hope for many.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
