Monrovia-The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has launched its Small-Scale Grants for ‘Market Vendors’ initiative in Montserrado County, as part of the Government of Liberia’s National Youth Pathway Program (NYPP) for the 2026 fiscal year.
Under the initiative, 200 young entrepreneurs are set to receive LRD 30,000 each to strengthen and expand their small businesses, providing much-needed financial support to young people engaged in market-based economic activities.
Speaking at the launch, Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia W. Kruah said the strong participation demonstrates growing public confidence in government youth empowerment programs.
She referenced the Ministry’s previous Cadet and Vacation Jobs Programs, noting that their implementation helped reinforce the perception that government opportunities are accessible and transparent.
Minister Kruah also praised applicants living with disabilities for participating in the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that young people with disabilities are included in national development programs.
She urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and invest in activities capable of generating sustainable income, stressing that the success of the initiative could help justify an expansion of the program in the future.
Representing the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA), Deputy Chief of Finance Desire Sattia said the broader NYPP has an ambitious national target of reaching more than 60,000 young Liberians across all 15 counties by 2029.
According to Sattia, the program is designed to promote economic empowerment while improving access to education, employment opportunities and social inclusion for young people.
Meanwhile, MYS Director of Youth Development Samuel James Kpator clarified that the financial support being provided is a grant, not a loan, emphasizing that the initiative targets young entrepreneurs who are often unable to access traditional financing from formal financial institutions.
Kpator further disclosed that the Ministry intends to maintain contact with beneficiaries through follow-up assistance, rather than simply disbursing the funds and leaving recipients on their own.
His position was supported by Liberia Business Association representative Abbas Lakis, who stressed that mentorship and continued guidance following financial support are essential to ensuring that beneficiaries build sustainable businesses.
The initiative is expected to provide young market vendors with greater opportunities to strengthen their businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute to Liberia’s broader youth economic empowerment agenda.
