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Youth

Africa's First Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank Launched in Liberia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Government of Liberia and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have launched Africa's first-ever Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), a $17.8 million initiative aimed at transforming youth-led innovation into a driver of national development and job creation in Liberia. The YEIB will directly support over 150 youth-led businesses, generate thousands of jobs, and unlock over $500 million in lending over time, according to the AfDB. The bank will operate through a collaborative framework involving public and private sector actors, including local financial institutions, development agencies, business incubators, and youth-led networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The YEIB is a $17.8 million initiative aimed at empowering youth-led innovation in Liberia.
  • The bank will directly support over 150 youth-led businesses, generating thousands of jobs.
  • The YEIB is expected to unlock over $500 million in lending over time, according to the AfDB.
  • The bank will operate through a collaborative framework involving public and private sector actors.
  • The Government of Liberia will confer national honors on Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his outstanding service to Africa and Liberia.
  • The visit underscores the deepening partnership between Liberia and the AfDB, with both sides reaffirming a shared commitment to sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and the empowerment of future generations.
  • The AfDB's outgoing President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, will launch the YEIB during a grand ceremony at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
  • Dr. Adesina's leadership at the AfDB has been marked by ambitious and results-driven initiatives such as the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy, the High 5 Development Priorities, and significant responses to global shocks.
  • The AfDB's project portfolio in Liberia includes support to roads and infrastructure development, agriculture value chains, water and sanitation projects, and now, digital transformation -- including the recently launched $30 million governance digitization project.

Statistics:

  • $17.8 million: The amount of the AfDB's investment in the YEIB.
  • 150: The number of youth-led businesses directly supported by the YEIB.
  • Thousands: The expected number of jobs generated by the YEIB.
  • $500 million: The expected amount of lending unlocked by the YEIB over time.
  • 2025: The year in which Dr. Adesina's second term as AfDB President nears completion.
  • 23: The date on which Dr. Adesina is expected to depart Liberia following his visit.
  • $30 million: The amount of the AfDB's support to the recently launched governance digitization project in Liberia.

Sources:

  • "Liberian Observer. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)."
  • "African Development Bank Group (AfDB)"

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