Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection signed an agreement with Cybastion to establish women’s technology and business innovation hubs. The agreement was signed by Cybastion CEO Dr. Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo and Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie during the Corporate Council on Africa’s Trade and Investment Roundtable on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The initiative, named the Liberia Women’s Digital and Economic Empowerment Program, will expand access to digital skills, entrepreneurship training, and business opportunities.
A Comprehensive Approach to Economic Empowerment
The program is designed to address barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in Liberia’s digital economy. It combines technology training with practical business development support to help women build stronger and more resilient enterprises. The overall goal is to create a clear pathway from skills acquisition to long-term business growth and economic independence.
Training Through Theya Foundation and Cisco
Cybastion’s philanthropic organization, Theya Foundation, will work with Cisco to provide digital skills and entrepreneurship training for women and young people. The training will be delivered through the Cisco Networking Academy, a recognized platform for technical education. This component is intended to ensure that participants gain relevant and industry-aligned digital knowledge.
A Focus on Women and Young People
The program also includes training opportunities for young people, reflecting a broader commitment to digital literacy. This focus is intended to build skills at different stages of life and strengthen Liberia’s future workforce. By supporting both women and youth, the initiative aims to create lasting benefits for households and communities.
A Multi-Campus Network Across Liberia
A flagship campus will be established in Monrovia, with four additional regional sites planned for Voinjama, Gbarnga, Kakata and Buchanan. Each campus will provide business development support and mentorship to participating women. The regional network is intended to extend the initiative’s reach beyond the capital city and into other parts of the country.
Strengthening Business Growth and Market Access
The technology innovation hubs are designed to help women strengthen business management skills and access new markets. They will also connect participants with financial services and wider supply chains. This focus on market access is intended to help women move from skills development to tangible business expansion over time.
Childcare Centres to Support Participation
Each campus will include a modern childcare centre so that mothers of young children can participate in training and mentorship activities. The childcare centres are intended to address a common barrier that prevents many women from engaging in education and entrepreneurship programs. This integrated approach allows women to pursue economic opportunities while their children receive care in the same facility.
Leadership Perspectives
Cybastion CEO Dr. Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo described Liberian women as a vital force in the country’s economic and social development. He said the combination of digital skills, entrepreneurship support and modern child care would create pathways for women to build stronger businesses. He added that the hubs would enable women to participate more fully in Liberia’s digital economy.
Partner Support and Expected Impact
Cisco Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer Francine Katsoudas highlighted the partnership’s potential to expand digital skills and entrepreneurship among Liberian women entrepreneurs. Cisco’s involvement through the Cisco Networking Academy brings established training resources and industry expertise to the program. This support is expected to strengthen the wider impact of the new hubs on local communities.
The collaboration between Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and Cybastion marks a significant step toward inclusive digital and economic development. By integrating training, mentorship, business support and childcare services, the program addresses multiple obstacles that women face at the same time. Its planned presence in Monrovia and four regional cities is intended to ensure that more women across Liberia can benefit from these new opportunities.