Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has partnered with Cybastion to establish technology and business innovation hubs for women, alongside childcare centres across the country.
The agreement was signed by Cybastion CEO Dr. Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo and Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace Kollie, during the Corporate Council on Africa’s Trade and Investment Roundtable held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The initiative, known as the Liberia Women’s Digital and Economic Empowerment Program, will focus on improving women’s access to digital skills, entrepreneurship training and business development opportunities.
Through Cybastion’s philanthropic organisation, Theya Foundation, the programme will collaborate with Cisco to provide digital skills and entrepreneurship training to women and young people through the Cisco Networking Academy.
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“Liberian women are a vital force in the country’s economic and social development. By bringing digital skills, entrepreneurship support and modern child care together in one place, this technology innovation hubs will create pathways for women to build stronger businesses and participate more fully in Liberia’s digital economy.”
— Dr. Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo, CEO, Cybastion
A flagship campus will be established in Monrovia, with four additional regional hubs planned for Voinjama, Gbarnga, Kakata and Buchanan. The facilities will provide participating women with business development support, mentorship and opportunities to strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities.
The hubs are also expected to help women improve their business management skills, access new markets, connect with financial services and participate in broader supply chains. Cisco Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer Francine Katsoudas also highlighted the partnership’s potential to expand digital skills and entrepreneurship opportunities for Liberian women.
Each campus will include a modern childcare centre, allowing mothers of young children to participate in training, mentorship and business development programmes. The childcare facilities are intended to address childcare responsibilities as a barrier to women’s participation in education, skills development and entrepreneurship.
