World Bank Pledges Support for Liberia’s Digital Transformation -Warren Highlights Importance of Effective Institutions

MONROVIA – World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen emphasized the transformative power of digital technologies in unlocking faster, more inclusive development and growth in Liberia during her remarks at the Digital Liberia Week 2025. She highlighted the importance of reliable networks, resilient systems, and effective institutions in driving the country’s digital agenda forward, particularly in harnessing the potential of Liberia’s burgeoning youth population, who have been left idled due to years of political failure and societal neglect. The Analyst reports.

The World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, Georgia Wallen, delivered a keynote address at the Digital Liberia Week 2025, highlighting the country’s progress in digital transformation and the importance of reliable networks, resilient systems, and effective institutions.

Wallen emphasized that Liberia is on a journey of transformation, recognizing the power of digital technologies to unlock faster, more inclusive development and growth.

“Digital technologies are not just tools – they are enablers of better governance, private investment, and job creation,” she said.

The event aims to bring this idea to life, creating space for collaboration and dialogue to ensure that digital transformation serves Liberia’s national development goals and reaches every corner of the country.

The World Bank Country Manager stressed the importance of getting the basics right, including reliable networks, resilient systems, and effective institutions that foster competition and accountability.

“A solid digital foundation is what will keep Liberia connected to the region and to the world,” Wallen noted.

She also highlighted the need to strengthen cybersecurity, improve data protection, and promote digital accountability to build confidence in the digital economy.

Wallen emphasized the need for a people-centered approach to digital transformation, highlighting that digital technologies should be used to improve lives and livelihoods.

“Jobs are the pathway to prosperity – using technology to create opportunities, generate income, and help people build better futures,” she said, adding that digital technologies are beginning to show how they can open new pathways for farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses – especially to expand opportunities for youth and women.

The World Bank Country Manager highlighted Liberia’s efforts to build a generation of digitally skilled citizens.

She said the partnerships with the Ministry of Education to build digital literacy in schools, the Ministry of Youth and Sports to align TVET and training programs with market demands, and the Ministry of Agriculture to enable digital innovation.

These efforts are critical to empowering Liberians with the skills they need to thrive in a digital economy.

Supporting Liberia’s Digital Vision

She made it known the World Bank is committed to supporting Liberia’s digital transformation agenda through its new Country Partnership Framework and complementary programs. These include the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, which is already helping to modernize governance, strengthen cybersecurity, and expand digital service delivery.

According to her, the Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade (LIFT) Project is deepening financial inclusion, supporting entrepreneurship, and enabling small businesses to access finance.

The forthcoming West Africa Regional Digital Integration (WARDIP) Program will strengthen the overall digital ecosystem – integrating markets, improving resilience, and expanding opportunities across sectors.

She finally emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving Liberia’s digital transformation.

“Let us carry forward one unifying message: Digital Liberia — Empowering People, Powering Progress, Enabling Growth,” she said and indicated that the World Bank was looking forward to continuing its support for Liberia’s digital transformation journey.