Liberia has launched a national initiative to equip 1,000 girls and young women with coding, artificial intelligence and digital skills, as the country seeks to expand women’s participation in the technology sector.
The Liberia Girls Can Code and Artificial Intelligence Initiative 2026 was launched by Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah in partnership with UN Women and other stakeholders. The programme aims to help participants build practical skills that can open pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and further education.
The first phase will begin with 250 participants from Bong, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Lofa and Maryland counties. Organisers say previous coding experience is not required, creating an opportunity for girls who are new to technology to take part.
Training will cover computer coding, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants will also have access to mentorship, team projects and opportunities to develop solutions to real-life challenges in their communities.
The initiative is designed to address barriers that prevent many girls from accessing digital education, including limited access to computers and internet connectivity, financial constraints, geographical isolation and concerns about online safety.
Speaking at the launch, Jallah stressed that digital skills are becoming increasingly relevant across different professions, not just jobs within the technology industry. She encouraged participants to consider how they could apply technology to fields such as education, agriculture and business.
The programme also aims to connect training with practical career opportunities. The Liberia Bank for Development and Investment has committed to providing internship opportunities for graduates, while organisers are encouraging other partners to offer similar support.
Jallah said the programme’s success should be measured by what participants are able to do with their skills after completing the training, rather than simply the number of girls who attend.
Through the initiative, Liberia hopes to prepare more young women to participate in the country’s digital economy, develop innovative ideas and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Source: FrontPageAfrica
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