The Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, has engaged South Africa’s Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli in the Presidency to Strengthen partnerships that will deliver tangible opportunities for young people in their respective countries.
The high-level meeting was held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa and it is part of Minister Bility’s ongoing study tour in South Africa, aimed at exploring innovative and impactful strategies for youth empowerment, national development, and intergovernmental collaboration.
The bilateral discussions were centered on deepening cooperation between Liberia and South Africa, particularly in areas of youth development, capacity building, and socio-economic advancement.
Making remarks, Bility underscored the importance of investing in youth as a cornerstone for national transformation, noting that skills development and targeted training programs can unlock economic potential and reduce poverty.
She emphasized Liberia’s readiness to implement joint initiatives with South African institutions and promised to continue working closely with Deputy Minister Mhlauli to translate the outcomes of this engagement into actionable programs.
Bility acknowledged the impact of such initiatives and stressed the importance of adapting successful models to fit Liberia’s unique socio-economic context.
The future of Liberia lies in the hands of its young people, this engagement will open a new chapter in our cooperation with South Africa, one that centers on empowering youth, building capacity, and sharing knowledge across sectors. Adding, we are committed to building bridges that will allow sustainable development, innovation, and collaborative governance.
She however expressed strong interest in modeling Liberia’s youth development programs after South Africa’s successful Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). The PYEI, widely acclaimed for its innovative approach to tackling youth unemployment, provides a strategic framework that integrates public and private sector efforts to create employment and training opportunities for young people.
Discussions also delved into collaboration on skills development, particularly in critical areas such as mining, engineering, and science, and technology sectors identified as pivotal for both countries’ sustainable economic growth.
Bility’s ongoing study tour in South Africa reflects the government of Liberia’s proactive approach to tapping into global best practices, fostering strategic partnerships, and building a solid foundation for development driven by youth-centered policies and innovations.
One of the key highlights of the ongoing tour was the exploration of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Liberia’s Presidential Delivery Unit and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The MoU will facilitate knowledge-sharing and joint programs, focusing on data-driven policy-making, public sector delivery efficiency, and the use of statistical tools for national planning and development outcomes.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding that youth empowerment is a shared priority and a gateway to inclusive national progress. Both ministers agreed to maintain regular engagement and ensure that future collaborations are structured, impactful, and geared toward addressing the real needs of young people in both countries
Min. Bility Revives Presidential Delivery Unit -Forges Partnership With South African Counterpart
