By Jerromie S. Walters
On May 3, 2024, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), under the Liberia Digital Transformation Project, announced a call for Applications for the FREE National Digital Training Program.
As unveiled by the memo provided via the LTA official Facebook page, the registration deadline was June 1, 2024, and training will focus on General Digital Skills, Digital Marketing, E-commerce, and Digital Survey. The memo reads: “The Liberia Digital Transformation Project is now taking applications for the FREE National Digital Training Program. The trainings aim to provide free digital training to 10,000 young people and up to USD 250,000 for start-up tech businesses.”
This came after President Boakai early last month, launched Liberia’s Digital Transformation Project, targeting 10,000 youths nationwide at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. At said event, President Boakaiexpressed his excitement about leading Liberia’s digital transformation, stating that adapting to the digital age is crucial for the country’s progress. He highlighted ICT as a key player in Liberia’s development, supporting various sectors and driving the nation’s development agenda.
“Digital transformation is crucial in unlocking Nigeria’s full potential. In our department, ICT is the backbone that supports various sectors of development, making it a key player in our development agenda. It is evident in our pillars, highlighting its significance in our development initiatives,” he said.
Delivering his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 29, 2024, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai on Monday,disclosed his administration’s desire to expand the economy, and leverage Information Communication Technology (ICT) in creating jobs, especially for the youth. To achieve this, his administration would train 10,000 young people in various digital skills in the first half of 2024.
His words, “In our quest to expand the economy, we will leverage Information Communication Technology (ICT) in creating jobs, especially for our youth. To achieve this, my Administration will train up to 10,000 young people in various digital skills in the first half of 2024. The Liberian middle-class goal must be a reality in the next 6 years.”
However, 2024 has clocked six months (half of a year) and the government has gone mute on the process, especially since the deadline for applications expired on June 1, 2024. Interestingly, June is rapidly approaching its end as we have exhausted over 18 days.
Curious about the status of the training, WomenVoices contacted the Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Information Daniel Sando, but the Minister requested that he communicate with the LTA and revert to us. We didn’t hear from Minister Sando till press time.
Earlier, we placed a call to the Orange number provided on the advertisement memo but the responder (A male) said he had no connection with the team so he couldn’t speak to the matter. The LoneStar number on the memo was also unreachable after several calls.
The digital training program is a government initiative. The organizers said the process endeavors to Design and implement digital awareness, skills training, and empowerment programs for Liberians to contribute to Liberia’s economic growth.
Specifically, it is also intended to promote the use of technology Promote e-business Solutions and smart technologies by setting the appropriate technology and media frameworks. Another key aim of the training that looks like a failed process is to facilitate Tech Education and conduct Tech Education in specific technology areas such as e-commerce, software utilization, etc. The government also planned to empower Tech Entrepreneurs to become Tech Entrepreneurs through seed funding for sustainable tech solutions addressing local challenges.
It was made known that the Digital Training would benefit up to 10,000 Youths between 10 to 35 years. The government said over 250,000 people will be targeted through various media platforms with virtual training materials. The project’s steering committee includes key stakeholders from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, and Ministry of Youth and Sports.
