*Youths Don’t Need Handouts, But Opportunities
Abubakar Hashim/ Monrovia
Outgoing Africa Development Bank AfDB President, Akinwunmi Adesina, launched a $17.8 million Africa Youth Empowerment Investment Bank (AYEIB) yesterday, July 22, 2025.
AYEIB will directly support more than 150 youth-led businesses, generate thousands of jobs and unlock youth potential in the country.
AEIB will close critical gaps in the Liberian economy, like limited access to finance, inadequate technical support and institutional deficiencies that are crucial for youth empowerment
The youth bank will operate through a collaborative framework, involving both public and private sector operators, like local financial institutions, development and business corporations, anchored on youth-led initiatives.
After officially launching the youth bank yesterday, Adesina held bilateral meetings with President Boakai and senior members of his cabinet.
Adesina was awarded a national honour by President Boakai. Former President Madam Sirleaf also awarded Adesina with national honours in 2016, for his unwavering support to Liberia’s development, particularly in agriculture, roads, energy, water and sanitation, and now, youth entrepreneurship.
Adesina departs today to Abidjan, headquarters of AfDB. He will hand over in September 2025 to the newly elected AfDB President, Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tar
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