Youth at the Center: How Liberia Youth IGF 2026 Shaped the National Digital Policy Agenda
PAYNESVILLE, LIBERIA – April 28th 2026 – The Liberia Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF 2026) concluded with a strong call for greater youth participation in shaping the country’s digital future, reinforcing the growing role of young people as key stakeholders in Liberia’s digital transformation journey. Held as part of the broader Liberia Internet Governance Forum (Liberia IGF 2026), the Youth Track was organized under the theme: “Empowering Youth for a Safe, Inclusive and Affordable Digital Future in Liberia”. The event brought together students, young professionals, youth organizations, policymakers, technology leaders, and digital rights advocates to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing young people in Liberia’s digital ecosystem.
Led by Seth Augustine Jnr., Youth Track Team Lead for Liberia Youth IGF 2026, the forum created a unique platform where young people could move beyond being Internet users and become active contributors to national digital policy discussions. According to Seth Augustine Jnr., the Youth IGF represents an important step toward ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in decisions that will shape Liberia’s digital future. “Young people are the largest users of digital technologies in Liberia, yet they are often underrepresented in policy discussions. The Youth IGF provides a platform for youth to contribute solutions, influence policy conversations, and help shape an inclusive digital future for all Liberians.”
Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted challenges that continue to limit meaningful digital participation, particularly among students and young people. A major concern raised by participants was the high cost of Internet access, which remains one of the biggest barriers to digital inclusion in Liberia. Many youth noted that expensive data packages limit their ability to access online educational resources, participate in digital learning, and explore economic opportunities online. Participants also pointed to unreliable electricity supply as a significant challenge, emphasizing that connectivity alone is not enough if communities lack access to stable power. Another recurring issue was the limited availability of Internet access in schools, particularly outside Monrovia. Students called for increased investment in school connectivity, digital learning infrastructure, and community technology centers. Discussions further highlighted the need for stronger digital skills development programs, innovation hubs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and online safety awareness initiatives.
A highlight of the Youth Forum was the participation of Mandela S. Gbollee, Head of the President’s Youth Advisory Council, who challenged young people to take greater ownership of Liberia’s digital future.Speaking during the High-Level Discussion Panel, Gbollee emphasized that digital transformation cannot succeed without meaningful youth engagement. “Young people must not only be beneficiaries of digital transformation but active contributors to the policies, innovations, and solutions that will define Liberia’s future. Youth voices matter, and they must continue to be heard at every level of decision-making.”He further encouraged stakeholders to create more opportunities for youth participation in governance, technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
One of the most significant achievements of Youth IGF 2026 was the development of a Youth Digital Policy Statement, which captured recommendations from participants and was formally integrated into the broader Liberia IGF 2026 discussions.
Key recommendations included:
- Reducing the cost of Internet access for students and young people.
- Expanding connectivity to schools and underserved communities.
- Investing in sustainable electricity solutions to support digital access.
- Increasing digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness.
- Creating more opportunities for youth entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Strengthening youth representation in ICT policy and governance processes.
Many of these recommendations were subsequently reflected in the Liberia IGF 2026 National Communiqué, demonstrating the direct influence of youth voices on national digital policy discussions. The Youth Track also benefited from contributions by youth organizations and community representatives, including the Liberia IT Student Union (LITSU), township youth leaders, youth advisory groups, and young professionals from across Liberia. Participants repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that digital transformation efforts are inclusive and responsive to the needs of young people. One participant noted: “The Youth IGF allowed us to discuss real challenges affecting students and young people. It was encouraging to see our recommendations taken seriously and included in the national discussions.” As Liberia continues its digital transformation journey, the Liberia Youth IGF is emerging as a critical platform for preparing the next generation of digital leaders, innovators, and policymakers.
By providing structured opportunities for dialogue, capacity building, and policy engagement, the Youth IGF is helping ensure that Liberia’s digital future is shaped by the voices of those who will inherit and drive it. The success of the 2026 edition reinforces Liberia’s growing leadership in youth Internet governance engagement within the Mano River Union region and across West Africa. Building on the momentum of Youth IGF 2026, the Liberia IGF Secretariat plans to strengthen youth engagement through year-round activities, digital skills initiatives, policy dialogues, and participation in regional and global Internet governance processes.
As Liberia prepares for upcoming engagements at the Africa IGF, the UN Internet Governance Forum, and the MRU IGF, the message from Youth IGF 2026 remains clear: Young people must be at the center of building a safe, inclusive, affordable, and innovative digital future for Liberia.
