UNDP pleaded support for Liberia
By: Naneka Hoffman
MONROVIA, UNDP has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s digital transformation during the Liberia Tech Summit 2026, held under the theme “Government Digital Transformation: Building a Smarter Liberia.”
The summit brought together government officials, development partners, innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and young technology leaders to discuss ways of advancing Liberia’s digital future.
Delivering the keynote address, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. described digital transformation as a key driver of good governance, economic growth, transparency, job creation, and national development. He also declared July 21 as Technology Day in Liberia and stressed the importance of partnerships in promoting innovation and improving public services.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia said Liberia’s greatest strength lies in its young people. He emphasized the need to invest in skills such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, coding, data science, and entrepreneurship to prepare the next generation for the global digital economy.
UNDP also showcased several initiatives supporting Liberia’s innovation ecosystem, including the UNIPOD Innovation and Digital Hub, partnerships with the University of Liberia on AI and cybersecurity programs, collaboration with Orange Liberia, and support for youth entrepreneurship and digital skills development.
The summit also recognized the achievements of Helen Momo, a young professional at the Central Bank of Liberia, whose educational journey to Harvard University was supported by President Boakai before he became President. She later developed an AI-powered banking system now being used by the Central Bank.
UNDP praised President Boakai’s leadership in advancing the country’s digital agenda through Executive Order No. 163, which established the Office of Technology, Digitalization and Innovation (OTDI). The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Liberia and partners to strengthen digital governance, improve public services, and create more opportunities for Liberians.
The Liberia Tech Summit 2026 ended with renewed commitments to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, promote innovation, and build a more inclusive digital economy that creates jobs and supports sustainable national development.