Locations
Livelihood and Employment Creation Project
Project Summary
Liberia ranks low at position 176 on the 2019 Human Development Index making it one of the poorest countries in the world. Poverty afflicts 50.9% of the population, more so women whose work is unpaid and unrecognized. Poverty is higher (71.8%) in rural areas compared to urban settings (31.5%). Young people under 25, constitute 64% of the population, most (60%) having not completed primary schooling. Between 16% and 20% of the population have disabilities, face discrimination, and are therefore severely marginalized. Only 18.1% of the country’s workforce is in formal paid employment, the rest (85%) being in the informal sector. Most jobs are concentrated in only two sectors of the economy - agriculture and informal Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), both of which face several challenges. The agriculture sector is constrained by low human capital, poor infrastructure (roads, access to energy, machinery, and technology), poor access to farm inputs, credit and extension services, weak policies deterring private investments, and a lack of trust among market actors preventing bulk purchasing, storage, and marketing. MSMEs are constrained by weak management practices, fragmented markets, limited diversification, high operating costs, limited access to capital and credit, and limited skilled workforce, among others.
Rural Agriculture Promoters Cooperative Society in Salayea, Lofa County is using the Growth Accelerator grant to drive innovation in the agricultural value chain sector using solar-based vegetable cold storage to improve preservation.
The project will support three strands of work.
Creation of sustainable, viable, and diversified livelihood opportunities for youth, women, and PWDs through investment in vocational and life skills training, development of agro-inputs supply chain, and provision of technical advice to increase local food production.
Strengthen enterprise development services through capacity building, access to credit, and promoting innovations that foster the rights and address the economic advancement of women, youth, and PWDs.
Support national policies and strategies that facilitate a conducive environment for a thriving local private sector, and foreign investment.
Objective
The programme is contributing to the reduction of poverty and inequality in seven counties by supporting the creation of resilient livelihood and income-generating opportunities, especially for the poor and vulnerable, namely the youth, women, people with disabilities (PWDs), refugees, and their host communities.
The programme is contributing to the reduction of poverty and inequality in seven counties by supporting the creation of resilient livelihood and income-generating opportunities, especially for the poor and vulnerable, namely the youth, women, people with disabilities (PWDs), refugees, and their host communities.
Expected Results
The programme has adopted UNDP’s track approach to livelihood recovery, and will systematically transform short-term, medium-term, to long-term employment, and inclusive growth by supporting:
i. Stabilization of livelihood systems in the short term.
ii. Revitalization and development of local economies using a combination of indigenous and new knowledge and innovation drivers.
iii. Supporting long-term policies and strategies for decent work and employment, including economic empowerment and participation of women.
It is expected that.
Poor, vulnerable women, youth, and PWDs will be actively engaged in diverse, sustainable income-generating activities by 2024.
MSMEs in the targeted seven counties will be skilled in business establishment and expansion, with greater, better access to finance.
Other wide-reaching impacts beyond creating incomes such as improvements in health, education, infrastructure, and other social services that enhance sustainable, resilient livelihoods and jobs.
Key Achievements: Empowering Livelihoods, Innovation, and Inclusive Growth in Liberia
UNDP, through its Livelihood and Employment Creation Project, has mobilized funding, technical partnerships, and community engagement to support inclusive economic development, climate resilience, and entrepreneurship across Liberia. These initiatives target vulnerable populations—especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities—to create sustainable livelihoods, promote innovation, and strengthen local economies.
🚀 Growth Accelerator Liberia (GALP)
In partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GALP supports MSMEs and agricultural cooperatives to scale operations and drive national economic development.
- Over 38 businesses supported with more than US$204 million in co-financing grants (2021–2024).
- 80% of MSMEs reported a 15% revenue increase within three months.
- Average annual revenue rose from US$5,796 to US$17,456—a 201.2% increase.
- Over 158 new jobs created, with 59% youth under 35 and 35% women over 35.
- Over 7,600 indirect beneficiaries reached, improving household access to education, healthcare, and food security.
🌱 Youth Startup Business Plan Competition
Launched across seven counties, this initiative empowers young entrepreneurs with funding, training, and mentorship.
- Over the period 2021-2024, more than 1,782 applications received; more than 300 youth-led startups awarded grants ranging from US$500 to US$3,000.
- Over 50% of applicants were women.
- Training facilitated by Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia using Ready4Finance Modules from the BiD Network.
- Participants gained skills in entrepreneurship, market research, financial management, and business pitching.
🎓 National Youth Cadet Programme
Revitalized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, this internship program prepares recent graduates for the workforce.
- More than 820 applicants, 315 shortlisted, and over 75 placed in public, private, and civil society institutions.
- 73 cadets completed placements; 49 (65.3%) retained by host organizations.
- 140 cadets recruited across 50 host institutions, receiving US$200 monthly stipends for skill-building and career development.
💼 MSME Conference
A national platform to connect entrepreneurs with markets and funding.
- Hosted 800 participants, with 62.5% women.
- Connected 125 women-owned enterprises to new business opportunities and financial support.
🌍 Eco-Brigade Program
UNDP established Eco-Brigades in thirteen counties, engaging youth in environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship.
- Over 900 youth trained across 13 counties.
- Each participant received a US$400 start-up grant to launch small businesses.
- Activities include clean-up campaigns, tree planting, and community outreach.
- Village Savings and Loan Schemes established to support financial sustainability.
♿ Entrepreneurial Support for PWDs and People Living with HIV/AIDS
Empowering marginalized groups through tailored support and inclusive business development.
- 90 beneficiaries supported across Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Nimba counties.
- US$500 grants disbursed per participant, totaling US$45,000.
- Achieved 50–60% income increase among beneficiaries.
- 22 new jobs created.
- Customized support provided across sectors including agriculture, petty trading, textiles, and detergent production.
🛠️ Cash-for-Work (CFW) Programme
Mobilized 400+ youth, women, and PWDs across 12 communities in Nimba County.
- Participants earned income while improving local infrastructure (e.g., repairing bridges, patching roads, roadside brushing).
- Promoted community ownership and laid the foundation for long-term self-employment.
👗 Support for Women in the Textile Industry
Empowering women entrepreneurs in fashion and textile innovation.
- 45 women received US$1,000 grants to grow their textile businesses.
- Implemented by YOCEL in collaboration with the National Tailor Union of Liberia.
- 91% of beneficiaries reported business improvement; 9% used the grant to start new ventures.
- Training focused on product development, financial literacy, and market linkages.
💡 University Innovation Pods (UniPod)
Part of UNDP Africa’s Timbuktoo Initiative, the Liberian UniPod fosters youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Hosted at the University of Liberia, Fendell Campus.
- Engaged 400+ TVET students and 10,000+ university youth.
- Developed 6 prototypes addressing local development challenges.
- Conducted audiovisual and digital marketing training for 40 innovators, DJs, music producers, and content creators.
- Established a fully equipped audiovisual studio for student use.
- Participated in the CNC Machine Learning Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda.
- Initiated partnerships with the Amos Claudius Sawyer Foundation and Center for Teaching, Learning and Innovation (CTLI).
These achievements reflect UNDP’s commitment to inclusive growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and climate resilience in Liberia. By unlocking the potential of youth, women, and marginalized groups, these initiatives are building a more equitable and sustainable future.
QUICK FACTS
| Duration | February 2021 to December 2030 |
| Investment | US$ 7.82m (Secured $1.64m) |
| Funding Partners | UNDP, UNHCR, Denmark, Luxemburg, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland |
| Implementing Partners | Ministries of Commerce and Industries; Agriculture; Youth and Sports; Gender, Children and Social Protection; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the private sector, and CSOs. |
| Implementation Locations | 7 counties - Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Montserrado, Nimba and Sinoe. |
| Beneficiaries | The poorest and most vulnerable, especially women, youth, persons with disability |