Liberia Joins Global Celebration of Girls in ICT Day under the Theme “Leadership”, and Amidst the vibrant tapestry of nations celebrating the pivotal role of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Liberia stands proud, joining the global chorus in honoring Girls in ICT Day.
This auspicious occasion, marked annually, serves as both a celebration and a call to action, underscoring the imperative of empowering young women in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
History of Girls in ICTThe narrative of girls in ICT is one of resilience, innovation, and progress. Over the years, girls and women have steadily carved out their place in the realm of technology, challenging stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings. From Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, to contemporary trailblazers leading tech giants, the journey of girls in ICT is a testament to their indomitable spirit and unwavering determination.
The official program commemorating the annual celebration of Girls in ICT Day in Liberia was a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the tech sector. Under the auspices of Hon. Nicholas Johnson, Assistant Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, inspiring words of encouragement resonated through the gathering, urging girls and women to seize the boundless opportunities offered by ICT.Speaking on behalf of Hon. Sekou M Kromah, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. S. MOHAMMED MASSALEY Deputy Minister for Technical Services, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to creating a conducive environment and platform for young girls passionate about ICT.
Emphasizing the transformative power of technology, Hon. Massaly underscored Liberia’s aspiration to harness the potential of its youth, ensuring that the nation emerges as a beacon of innovation and progress in the ICT landscape. As Liberia joins hands with nations around the world in celebrating Girls in ICT Day, it embarks on a journey of empowerment, equality, and excellence, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Together, let us champion the cause of girls in ICT, igniting the flames of innovation and driving societal change through the transformative power of technology.
Chinese Government Donates Solar Panels to the Ministry of Post & Telecommunication
The Ministry of Post & Telecommunication in Liberia recently marked a significant milestone with the handover ceremony of solar panels donated by the People’s Republic of China. The solar panels were installed at local post offices across the country and the central office, in a bid to improve efficiency and sustainability in the postal service.
The Chinese Ambassador to Liberia H.E Yin Chengwu reiterated his country’s commitment to working with Liberia to foster more development and cooperation. The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Hon. Sekou M. Kromah, expressed his gratitude to the people of China for their continued contribution to the government of Liberia and its people.
The installation of the solar panels is a testament to the strong partnership between Liberia and China, as both countries work towards enhancing the postal service and promoting sustainable practices. The Ministry of Post & Telecommunication is confident that the solar panels will not only improve the efficiency of the postal service but also contribute to the overall development of the country.
The handover ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, and other stakeholders in the postal service sector. The Ministry of Post & Telecommunication looks forward to further collaboration with China and other partners to continue improving the postal service in Liberia.
Nimba Kwado Youth Leadership Presents Appreciation Gift to Hon. Sekou M. Kromah In a gesture of gratitude and recognition,
the Nimba Kwado Youth Leadership recently bestowed a gift of appreciation upon Honorable Sekou M. Kromah, the esteemed Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of the Republic of Liberia.
This momentous occasion marked a heartfelt expression of thanks for his dedicated service to both the Republic and the people of Nimba.Amidst a gathering filled with warmth and respect, members of the Nimba Kwado Youth Leadership conveyed their profound appreciation to Hon. Sekou M. Kromah for his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in advancing the telecommunications sector, a vital aspect of Liberia’s infrastructure and economic development.
The presentation of the appreciation gift symbolized more than mere acknowledgment; it represented a deep sense of solidarity and partnership between the youth leadership of Nimba Kwado and the esteemed Minister.
Through his exemplary leadership and visionary initiatives, Hon. Sekou M. Kromah has not only propelled progress within the telecommunications domain but has also contributed significantly to the socio-economic empowerment of the people of Nimba.In his response, Honorable Sekou M. Kromah expressed profound gratitude for the heartfelt gesture, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in driving positive change and fostering development. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to serving the Republic of Liberia with diligence and dedication, reaffirming his dedication to the betterment of the telecommunications sector and the empowerment of Liberian youth.
The exchange culminated in a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose, underscoring the importance of recognizing and honoring those individuals whose selfless service and leadership inspire positive transformation within communities. As the Nimba Kwado Youth Leadership continues to champion progress and advocate for the aspirations of the youth, this gesture serves as a testament to the power of appreciation and the enduring bonds of unity and cooperation.
Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project to Boost Connectivity and Digital Integration Across West Africa.
Monrovia, Liberia – April 18, 2024 – The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to discuss the deployment of the Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project. This initiative aims to bolster international connectivity and digital infrastructure in Liberia, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
Led by Commissioner Sediko Douka, the delegation outlined the mission’s objective: to ensure alignment with the deployment process of the Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project among the participating countries. Key discussions centered on establishing a Special Project Vehicle (SPV) to manage the cable and securing financing, with the World Bank and other partners expressing interest.
Commissioner Douka highlighted progress made by Guinea and The Gambia, which have secured funding allocations through the World Bank’s West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program. Discussions are ongoing with other development partners to support remaining countries, contingent upon official financing requests from respective governments.
Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Sekou M. Kromah underscored the project’s importance, particularly in light of recent internet disruptions in the region. Acting Minister of Finance and Development Planning Anthony Myers affirmed the ministry’s support, indicating their intent to join the WARDIP project.
The meeting concluded with the delegation meeting H.E. President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., who emphasized the significance of expanding internet connectivity. President Boakai urged accountability in project execution and expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS delegation for their foresight.
The Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project spans 3,130 km, from Praia, Cabo Verde to Monrovia, Liberia, with four branching units to the remaining countries. The full system cost 91.3 Million with Liberia’s portion estimated at $14.29 million. However, through collaboration with ECOWAS’ Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU) and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Liberia aims to achieve several key objectives which include, Increase Broadband Capacity, Ensure Redundancy in Connectivity, and Strengthen Regional Integration.
Project milestones include the validation of a Detailed Feasibility Study, the signing of the project Memoranda of Understanding and the adoption of the final communique. Liberia commits to collaborating with the private sector in expediting the establishment of the Nation Special Project Vehicle (SPV) and facilitating the necessary permits for the project implementation.
Furthermore, Liberia intends to endorse a $4.5 million project preparation seed fund to accelerate project readiness and maintain regional cooperation. The Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project signifies a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and digital integration across West Africa, fostering sustainable development in the region.
We are thrilled to announce that the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the Republic of Liberia has successfully facilitated the healing of a matting through the “Liberia: Strengthening Cybersecurity and Online Resilience Preparedness Project” in collaboration with the World Bank and SecDev.
This project aims to bolster Liberia’s cybersecurity infrastructure and resilience in the digital age, paving the way for enhanced digitalization, protection against cyber threats, and increased participation in the global digital economy.
As part of this initiative, the SecDev team, led by Rafal Rohozinski, will be visiting Monrovia from April 15th to 19th, 2024, to engage with key stakeholders from government, industry, civil society, and academia. Their goal is to gather valuable insights, assess current cybersecurity risks, and develop a draft National Cybersecurity Strategy for Liberia.
We are calling on all stakeholders to lend their expertise and insights to support the SecDev team during their mission. Your contributions will be instrumental in shaping the future of cybersecurity in Liberia and ensuring the success of this vital project.
Thank you in advance for your support and collaboration. Let’s work together to build a safer and more resilient digital future for Liberia!
The new team of leaders at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the Republic of Liberia is poised to bring about a new era of robust and innovative leadership in the telecommunications sector. With a fresh perspective and a commitment to driving positive change, the team is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of postal and telecommunications services for the people of Liberia.
Led by a dynamic and experienced group of individuals, the new team is focused on implementing policies and initiatives that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry. They are committed to fostering a conducive environment for investment and growth in the telecommunications industry, ultimately leading to improved connectivity and communication for all citizens.
With a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and collaboration, the new leadership team is determined to work closely with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners to achieve their goals. They are committed to ensuring that the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications plays a key role in the development of Liberia’s digital economy and the overall socio-economic development of the country.
As they embark on this new journey, the team is excited to bring their passion, expertise, and dedication to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. They are confident that with their leadership, the Ministry will be able to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately deliver on its mandate to provide reliable and affordable postal and telecommunications services to the people of Liberia.
Minister Worlea-Saywah Dunah and team of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications have concluded a week-long engagement on improving ICT connectivity, digitization and discussion on the provision of a second submarine fiber cable known as the Amilcar Cabral Project which is supported by the World Bank with the World Bank Mission team of experts from Washington DC led by Country Manager Georgia Wallen on Friday, September 15, 2023, in Monrovia, Liberia.
The series of engagements kicked off on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications with an assessment meeting on the needs of the telecommunications, ICT and digital services in Liberia and preliminary technical meetings with the Ministry technical team followed by a technical workshop and wrap up technical session at the Ministry.
In welcoming the team to Liberia, Minister Dunah highlighted several key areas of urgent assistance which includes the urgent need for a second submarine fiber cable, the construction of fiber ring to cover the country, the need for a backbone connectivity and digital transformation of the Liberian economy as well as digital migration of services in the country.
He further pledged his leadership firm and strong support in working with the World Bank and partners in ensuring that Liberia is integrated fully into the technological advancement.
For her part, the Country Manager, Madam Wallen stated that the purpose of the mission is to assess and explore the areas of cooperation and support to strengthen and accelerate Liberia’s digitalization program beginning with the support to the Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project which is designed for five countries within the ECOWAS subregion. According to Madam Wallen the project is supported by the World Bank for the countries of Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia; all of these countries have a single access submarine cable which makes it risky for dependable internet connectivity.
In continuation of the engagement with the mission, on Tuesday, September 12, a technical workshop was held at the Mamba Point Hotel with participants from Liberia Telecommunications Authority, the Central Bank and all commercial banks in Liberia, the mobile network operators, the Liberia Telecommunication Corporation (LIBTELCO) and other internet service providers.
At the opening session of the high-level technical workshop, the World Bank both Minister Dunah and Country Manager, Wallen, expressed the urgent need for support to Liberia for the building of its ICT infrastructures and connectivity respectively, including the building of human and technical capacity aimed at putting Liberia on par with global ICT advancement reality in which Liberia is set to benefit from the World Bank. Some of the requests made by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications for intervention include:
1. Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project: The World Bank’s support will facilitate the implementation of this critical project, enhancing Liberia’s connectivity to the global internet network. This submarine cable project will significantly improve internet access, speed, and reliability across the country.
2. Fiber Optic Backbone: The establishment of a fiber optic backbone infrastructure will lay the foundation for a robust and high-speed digital network throughout Liberia. This infrastructure will enable seamless communication and data transfer, empowering individuals, businesses, and institutions across the country.
3. Formulation of a New National ICT Policy: With the World Bank’s assistance, the Ministry will develop a comprehensive National ICT Policy that aligns with global best practices. This policy will guide the strategic development and implementation of digital technologies in Liberia, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and economic growth.
4. Passage of the Cybercrime Law: The Ministry, in collaboration with the World Bank, will work towards the passage of a robust Cybercrime Law. This legislation will safeguard the digital ecosystem, protect individuals and businesses from cyber threats, and promote a secure digital environment for all Liberians.
5. Validation of the Patent Protection Framework: The Ministry, with the World Bank’s support, will validate a patent protection framework to encourage innovation and protect intellectual property rights within Liberia. This framework will foster an environment conducive to technological advancements and attract investment in the digital sector.
6. Revision of e-Government Strategy: The collaboration with the World Bank will enable the Ministry to revise and enhance the existing e-Government Strategy. This revised strategy will streamline government services, improve efficiency, and promote transparency through the utilization of digital technologies.
7. Capacity Building: The World Bank will provide support for capacity building initiatives, equipping individuals and institutions with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage digital technologies effectively. This investment in human capital will empower Liberians to participate fully in the digital economy.
8. Logistical Support: The Ministry will receive logistical support from the World Bank to facilitate the implementation of various digital initiatives. This support will ensure smooth operations and efficient utilization of resources, maximizing the impact of the collaboration.
9. National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory: The establishment of a National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory, with the assistance of the World Bank, will strengthen Liberia’s ability to investigate and prosecute cyber-crimes. This facility
Will serve as a vital resource in combating cyber threats and ensuring a safe digital environment for all.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the Republic of Liberia and the World Bank are excited about the potential of this partnership to transform Liberia into a digital powerhouse. By leveraging digital technologies, Liberia will unlock new opportunities for economic growth, social development, and improved governance.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Clarifies Employee’s involved in Drug Trafficking Arrest.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications would like to inform the general public that one of our employees, Mr. Stephen S. Daniels, has been arrested by the Liberia National Police. We would like to clarify that Mr. Daniels is assigned as support staff in the office of the Human Resources Department of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and has no connection whatsoever to any Postal operation activities within the Ministry.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications would like to assure the public that the smooth functioning of mail and postal services remain a top priority. We want to emphasize that the Inspectorate Department of the Ministry is fully in charge of overseeing the operations and ensuring the continued efficiency and reliability of our postal services.
Furthermore, The Ministry is committed to cooperating fully with the Ministry of Justice, The Liberian Drugs Enforcement Agency, and other relevant security agencies in their investigations. We believe in upholding the law and maintaining the highest standards of integrity within our organization.
We urge the public to remain calm and trust that the appropriate authorities are handling the situation. Towards this end, we would like to ensure the general public that our Ministry will continue to provide uninterrupted postal services to the citizens of Liberia, ensuring that their communication needs are met efficiently and effectively.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications says, it is collaborating with the World Bank on a transformative project aimed at building a digital Liberia. This partnership seeks to unleash future development by harnessing the potential of digital technologies and connectivity to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the overall well-being of the Liberian people.
The project, titled “Building a Digital Liberia: Bringing Vision and Transformation for Unleashing Future Development,” will focus on expanding access to affordable and reliable digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and skills development, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital sector.
The collaboration is expected to bring the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and the World Bank together to develop a comprehensive roadmap for Liberia’s digital transformation. This roadmap will outline strategic initiatives and policy frameworks to ensure the effective implementation of digital technologies across various sectors, including Digital education, Infrastructure Development, E-Government, and Cyber Security.
As part of this partnership, a workshop will be held on September 12, 2023, serving as a platform for strategic discussions and planning. The workshop will bring together key stakeholders from government agencies, private sector entities, civil
Society organizations, and development partners to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collectively shape the future of Liberia’s digital landscape.
The workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to explore innovative approaches, identify potential challenges, and devise solutions to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies in Liberia. It will also serve as a forum for fostering collaboration, building partnerships, and mobilizing resources to support the implementation of the digital transformation agenda by 2030. The workshop section is also intended to explore new innovation and ideas relating to institutional governance and investment option to make the digital economy a driving force in Liberia.
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications lauded the World Bank for its commitment to supporting Liberia’s digital journey. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to leverage technology for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
During a buildup meeting at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the Minister/Post Master General, Worlea- Saywah Dunah, expressed dedication and commitment to ensuring that every Liberian benefits from the digital age.
By building a digital Liberia, our aim is to empower individuals, businesses, and communities, enabling them to thrive in the global digital economy, Hon. Dunah concluded.
The World Bank Country Manager, Madam Georgia Wallen, pledged the World Bank’s commitment to global development in the digital and digital transformation. Madam Wallen said, World Bank stands ready to support Liberia reach the peak of its digital transformation.
The project aligns with the World Bank’s mission to end poverty and boost shared prosperity by harnessing the power of technology and innovation.
Today, an important meeting took place at the office of the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Hon Worlea Saywah Dunah. The meeting was attended by a high-level team of delegates from the World Bank, with the country manager, Madame Georgia Wallen, leading the delegation. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and collaborate on digitally transforming Liberia, with a focus on bringing vision and transportation to unleash future development.
During the meeting, both parties recognized the critical role that digital transformation plays in driving economic growth and development. They discussed various strategies to improve the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, expand internet access, and enhance the efficiency of postal services. The World Bank team shared valuable insights and expertise, offering technical assistance and financial support to help Liberia achieve its digital transformation goals.
The Minister and his team expressed their gratitude for the partnership with the World Bank, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in leveraging technology to unlock Liberia’s potential. They discussed the need for comprehensive planning, policy reforms, and investment in digital infrastructure to ensure the successful implementation of the digital transformation agenda.
Overall, the meeting was productive and laid the foundation for a fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and the World Bank. The shared vision of digitally transforming Liberia to unleash future development was reaffirmed, and concrete steps were identified to move forward. With the support of the World Bank, Liberia is poised to embark on a transformative journey that will bring about positive change, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its citizens.
