By Precious D. Freeman
Liberian youths are being widely appreciated for their growing involvement in business, a move that many say reflects resilience, self-determination, and a shift in mindset among the country’s young population.
During an interview in Monrovia, a Liberian woman identified as Ruth Quaqua expressed deep admiration for young people who have decided to take control of their own economic futures through entrepreneurship.
She said the trend shows that youth are no longer just waiting for government jobs or white-collar opportunities but are making bold moves to survive and thrive.
“Nowadays, most of the people you see doing businesses in the streets are the youths,” Ruth shared. “They no longer wait on the government to succeed. They are creating their own paths.”
She explained that many of these youths are graduates who, after completing their education, found themselves without employment. Instead of sitting idle, they turned to the streets and markets to sell whatever they could find from food to fashion.
“When you go in the streets, you see graduates hawking clothes, selling roasted corn, selling provisions, among others,” she noted. “It’s not about what degree they have. It’s about survival and courage.”
Ruth emphasized that such actions reflect the determination of Liberian youth to overcome the challenges of unemployment and limited job opportunities.
“They are not ashamed,” she added. “They are proud to work for themselves, and that’s something we should celebrate.”
Youth entrepreneurship, she noted, is also helping to shift the culture of dependency. “These young people are no longer waiting for someone to feed them or hand them a job,” Ruth said. “They are making their own money, and that’s powerful.”
The importance of youth engaging in business cannot be overstated. Starting a business not only brings financial independence but also reduces the burden on families and government institutions.
Moreover, youth-led businesses contribute directly to economic growth. They create jobs for others and help build a more diverse and resilient economy.
These efforts are gradually shaping Liberia’s private sector into one that is more inclusive and dynamic.
Many of these small businesses are also serving community needs—providing access to goods and services in areas where formal businesses may not operate.
From selling phone credit to providing food at affordable prices, youth entrepreneurs are becoming central to everyday’s life in Liberia.
Their involvement in business also promotes innovation. Young people tend to think creatively, embrace technology, and try new ideas, which often leads to more efficient services or better products.
Leadership development is another benefit. As these youths manage money, deal with customers, and face competition, they are gaining real-world skills in responsibility, planning, and communication.
The rise of youth business in Liberia also sends a strong message of hope. It shows that despite a struggling job market, young people are willing to take control of their future instead of waiting passively for opportunities.
Ruth Quaqua believes that with the right support like access to small loans, mentorship, and training youth businesses in Liberia could grow even stronger. “They just need a little push. They already have the mindset,” she said.
Encouraging and supporting youth entrepreneurship, she added, is essential for national development. It’s not only about survival; it’s about building a sustainable and prosperous Liberia for the next generation.
As Liberia looks to strengthen its economy and uplift its people, the youth taking charge in the business world offers a compelling reason to be optimistic about the country’s future.
Liberian Youths Applauded
