Central Bank of Liberia Executive Governor, Henry F. Saamoi has underscored as “a national necessity,” the role of young people in shaping Liberia’s economic future.
Governor Saamoi spoke at the launch of the Liberia National Student Economic Hub (LNESH) at the University of Liberia, praising the initiative as a timely and strategic platform that places young Liberians at the center of national economic discussions and solution-building.
He told students, government officials, development partners, and stakeholders, Liberia’s youthful population represented one of the country’s greatest economic advantages rather than a challenge.
“More than 60 percent of Liberia’s population is under the age of 35, making our youth not only a demographic reality but a decisive economic force,” the Governor stated. “Young people must not only be viewed as future leaders, but as present contributors to economic policy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development,” he added.
The Liberia National Student Economic Hub was launched under the theme, “Collaborating for Solutions: Youth Perspectives on Liberia’s Economic Future.” It aims to promote youth engagement in economic discussions, policy awareness, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving as Liberia works toward inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
The Governor commended the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and praised the presence and support of the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, European Union, and the African Development Bank.
Governor Saamoi said LNESH reflected the urgent need for inclusive dialogue and innovative thinking amid growing global economic uncertainty, including inflationary pressures, climate vulnerabilities, technological changes, and evolving financial systems.
The Governor Saamoi spoke of ongoing reforms being implemented by the Central Bank of Liberia to strengthen payment systems, expand digital financial services, deepen financial literacy and inclusion, and improve access to finance for young entrepreneurs and innovators to build a modern, inclusive, and technology-driven financial system capable of supporting long-term economic resilience and opportunity creation across Liberia.