Liberia is poised to take a major step forward in youth empowerment and economic transformation with the official launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) during a high-profile visit by the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina.
Dr. Adesina is expected to arrive in Liberia on Monday, July 21, for a three-day official visit, his final as head of the continental bank before his tenure concludes in September.
The visit underscores the deepening partnership between the Liberian government and the AfDB, a relationship that has been instrumental in driving development and innovation across key sectors.
Widely respected for his leadership in agricultural and economic development, Dr. Adesina has served as President of the AfDB since his election on May 28, 2015.
His visit to Liberia will be marked by a blend of policy dialogue, national recognition, and the launching of transformative youth-focused programs.
The highlight of the trip will take place on Tuesday, July 22, when Dr. Adesina meets President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., over a special breakfast session to discuss Liberia’s ongoing economic reform efforts and collaborative development initiatives with the AfDB.
Later that morning, Dr. Adesina will address an Expanded High-Level Cabinet Meeting at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex.
The meeting will bring together key government officials, including cabinet ministers, deputies, presidential advisors, managing directors of state-owned enterprises, and heads of commissions and public agencies.
The government of Liberia is expected to bestow national honors upon Dr. Adesina in recognition of his decade-long service at the helm of the AfDB and his substantial contributions to Liberia’s development agenda.
A major highlight of the day will be the official launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) and the Innovation Bureau.
These initiatives, with strong backing from the AfDB, aim to provide young Liberians with greater access to capital, entrepreneurial training, and business incubation support.
Dr. Adesina will serve as the official launcher of these programs, signaling a strategic commitment to youth-driven economic growth.
To crown the day’s events, President Boakai will host a presidential dinner in honor of Dr.
Adesina. The occasion will not only celebrate his legacy but also reaffirm Liberia’s dedication to strengthening its ties with regional development institutions.
Dr. Adesina’s visit will conclude on Wednesday, July 23, marking a symbolic and historic moment in the ongoing collaboration between Liberia and the African Development Bank.
The launch of the YEIB is anticipated to become a milestone in Liberia’s journey toward inclusive growth and youth empowerment.
